• Energy Research

Abstract The Ferkla Oasis is situated in the Rheris watershed in the southeast of Morocco, between the eastern Anti-Atlas in the south (Ougnat inlier) and the Central High Atlas in the north. This oasis is characterized by a semi-desert climate with strong continental influence, marked by low and irregular rainfall as well as high temperatures. This oasis has experienced several agricultural extensions outside the traditional oasis, resulting in overpressure on the groundwater as evidenced by the dramatic decline of its piezometric level, which has engendered an ecological and socio-economic crisis. In these critical conditions, a groundwater flow model was developed to evaluate the impact of climate change and anthropogenic activities on the hydrodynamic behavior of the aquifer. The results obtained confirmed that the region is increasingly threatened by groundwater resource scarcity. Indeed, simulations of the watershed in both a permanent and transient state were generated for the years of 1993 through 2021. These simulations have shown a piezometric level decline, as well as a deficit in the water balance, as well as a deficit in the water balance. This situation is caused by climate effects, particularly frequent droughts, and the overexploitation of the groundwater resources, especially in the agricultural extension areas outside the traditional oasis. The study demonstrates that the oasis faces a serious crisis and may further deteriorate until it disappears within a few years. Therefore, integrated, collective and participatory measures are recommended. The model provides important results that will aid in groundwater resource management in this region.

In Morocco's oases, which rely heavily on surface water from mountain sources, the threat of decreasing rainfall presents a significant challenge, leading to a decline in surface water availability. This study focuses on the Rheris Watershed in Southeast Morocco, where brackish water desalination emerges as a viable alternative to ensure sustainable water supply for agriculture. Prior to the deployment of a pilot plant integrating a desalination unit, selecting an optimal site for PV-powered MCDI desalination plants was critical. This selection was based on a range of criteria, including Groundwater Quantity, Global Horizontal Irradiation, Temperature, Evaporation, Water Salinity, Water Quantity, Well Density and Slope. These criteria were evaluated using a combination of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), and geospatial data obtained from Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques.This case study in the Rheris watershed identified potential sites for future Membrane Capacitive Deionization (MCDI) desalination projects, High suitability areas encompass 280.45 km² (30.91 %), located west of Tinejdad, Khettarat Moulay Hachem, north of Goulmima, and south of Tinghir. Low suitability areas cover 63.75 km² (7.02 % of the study area), including regions south of Tadighoust and Tinejdad. Moderate suitability areas span 562.86 km² (62.05 %), involving central regions of Goulmima, Tadighoust, Tinejdad, and Tinghir. Based on the results of the study, the recommendations include focusing on areas identified as highly suitable for MCDI technology for sustainable agriculture, refining selection criteria based on local data, exploring brine management strategies, and adopting integrated water management approaches to ensure sustainable resource use.

Les actes de la 1re Rencontre scientifique internationale sur les oasis, ISMO 2023, se sont concentrés sur le thème ''Quel apport de la recherche scientifique pour la sauvegarde et le développement des oasis?'' et ont eu lieu à Errachidia du 20 au 22 novembre 2023. The proceedings of the 1st International Scientific Meeting on Oases, ISMO 2023, focused on the theme ''What contribution does scientific research make to the preservation and development of oases?'' and took place in Errachidia from November 20 to 22, 2023.