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.