Oualidia Lagoon (Morocco)

This book summarizes the results of a landmark multidisciplinary study (2003-2005) of the coastal hydrogeological system of the Oualidia lagoon (Morocco), a Ramsar site of international importance. Combining hydrogeology, geophysics, hydrochemistry and socio-economics, it characterizes the architecture and functioning of a complex multilayer aquifer interacting with the lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean.It precisely documents the processes of saline intrusion, nappe-lagoon-ocean exchanges and the impact of human activities, thus providing a reference state at a pivotal moment. In addition to its fundamental contribution, the book offers operational recommendations for the sustainable management of these fragile environments."A benchmark snapshot for understanding Mediterranean coastal hydrosystems.Target audience: hydrogeologists, water and coastal zone managers, researchers and students in geosciences and environmental sciences, public decision-makers, and design offices.