Remote sensing and geological mapping for a groundwater recharge model in the arid area of Sebt Rbrykine: Doukkala, western Morocco

Pressure has recently been put on the water resources of Doukkala region (western Morocco) due to the development of agricultural and industrial activities, associated with strong demographic expansion. Doukkala´s water resources must be better managed and remote sensing provides effective techniques for such an objective. This research illustrates the use of remote sensing for mapping the regional geology, surface hydrology and hydrogeology of the Sebt Brykine, regarded as a groundwater recharge zone for the populated plains of Doukkala. A moderate resolution DEM (30 m pixels) was needed for the hydrological and geomorphological characterization. Derivative products from DEM will also be useful for environmental studies and assessing possible impacts of climate change. Multi-sensor remotely sensed datasets were used to produce several thematic map layers at 1:100 000 scale (lithologies, geological structures, and drainage). These maps allowed the characterization of the regional aquifers and aquicludes for a better understanding of groundwater circulation.