Hydrogeodynamic effects of the El Haouz earthquake - Izaden basin - Atlas Marrakech

Abstract

Earthquakes are natural phenomena characterized by their sudden occurrence and the amount of energy they can release in a short period of time during and after their occurrence. This released energy affects the natural dynamics of the natural areas in which they occur, and these changes can take several forms, whether geological, geomorphological, or hydrological. This study aims to diagnose the hydrological effects of the Al-Haouz earthquake on the Izaden basin, one of the smaller basins of the N’Fis River basin, and to identify the controlling factors contributing to their occurrence. The preliminary results of this study, which covered 28 water sources in this basin, showed a decrease or drying up of 13 water sources, while 6 water sources experienced an increase in their flow rate, ranging from 25% to 100%. According to a set of explanatory models, a combination of geological and topographical factors contributed to these hydrological effects.