Ech-Chahdi et al. (2026) Long-term monitoring of surface water dynamics using remote sensing data: A case study of Al Wahda dam, Morocco

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Identification

• Journal: Springer Link (Chiba Institute of Technology)
• Year: 2026
• Authors: Khadija El Ouazani Ech-Chahdi, Abdelaziz El-Bouhali, Mhamed Amyay
• DOI: 10.1051/bioconf/202621101014/pdf

Research Groups

• Not specified in the provided text (typically associated with Moroccan hydrological or remote sensing research departments).

Short Summary

This study monitors the spatiotemporal dynamics of the Al Wahda Dam in Morocco using the NDWI index and evaluates the impact of rainfall variability through the SPI. The findings reveal a significant correlation between climatic drought and the contraction of the reservoir's water surface area.

Objective

• To monitor the spatiotemporal evolution of the Al Wahda dam's water surface area and quantify the impact of rainfall variability and climatic conditions on its storage dynamics.

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Al Wahda Dam and its reservoir area, Northern Morocco (Gharb plain region).
• Temporal Scale: From the dam's construction in 1997 to 2016.

Methodology and Data

• Models used: Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) for surface water extraction; Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI-12) for drought characterization.
• Data sources: Remote sensing satellite imagery and rainfall observation data.

Main Results

• Surface Area Fluctuations: The water surface area reached a maximum of 110 km² during the wet year of 1998 and contracted to a minimum of 72 km² during the dry year of 2016.
• Statistical Correlation: A statistically significant correlation (p-value < 0.05) was established between the reservoir's water surface area and the SPI-12.
• Climatic Drivers: Rising temperatures have increased evaporation losses, which, combined with rainfall deficits and high irrigation demand, significantly reduce effective storage capacity.

Contributions

• Provides a quantitative assessment of the relationship between meteorological drought indices and physical reservoir surface area for one of Morocco's most strategic hydraulic infrastructures.
• Demonstrates the utility of remote sensing (NDWI) as a reliable tool for monitoring water resources in regions facing high climatic variability and increasing water demand.

Funding

• Not specified in the provided text.

Citation

@article{EchChahdi2026Longterm,
  author = {Ech-Chahdi, Khadija El Ouazani and El-Bouhali, Abdelaziz and Amyay, Mhamed},
  title = {Long-term monitoring of surface water dynamics using remote sensing data: A case study of Al Wahda dam, Morocco},
  journal = {Springer Link (Chiba Institute of Technology)},
  year = {2026},
  doi = {10.1051/bioconf/202621101014/pdf},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1051/bioconf/202621101014/pdf}
}

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