Elkbichi et al. (2026) QMNA extraction as a tool for watershed management in a semi-arid climate - the case of the Lakhdar river basin (Morocco)

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Identification

• Journal: Springer Link (Chiba Institute of Technology)
• Year: 2026
• Date: 2026-02-04
• Authors: Omaima Elkbichi, Layati Elhoucein, Zainab Youssoufi, Mohammed El Ghachi
• DOI: 10.1051/bioconf/202621502012/pdf

Research Groups

Not specified in the provided text.

Short Summary

This study aimed to determine the water scarcity threshold and define a reference low-flow level for the Lakhdar river basin in Morocco. Analyzing the annual minimum monthly discharge (QMNA) index from 1986 to 2022 revealed significant variability, with Admaghene station showing QMNA values from 0.72 m³/s to 23.08 m³/s, and Sgatt station experiencing periods of zero flow.

Objective

• To determine the water scarcity threshold for the Lakhdar river basin and define a reference low-flow level to extract regulatory thresholds for water resource management.

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Lakhdar river basin (a tributary of the Oum Er-Rabia basin, Morocco), specifically focusing on the Sgatt and Admaghene gauging stations.
• Temporal Scale: 37 years, from 1986 to 2022.

Methodology and Data

• Models used: Statistical analysis of the QMNA (annual minimum monthly discharge) index.
• Data sources: Monthly hydrological data collected from the Sgatt and Admaghene gauging stations.

Main Results

• The Admaghene station exhibited significant variability in QMNA values, ranging from a minimum of 0.72 m³/s to a maximum of 23.08 m³/s, with an average of 4.50 m³/s. This variability is attributed to climatic and anthropogenic factors.
• The Sgatt station recorded a maximum QMNA value of 0.24 m³/s in 1996, with several years (1988, 1990, 2017) experiencing zero flow (0 m³/s).

Contributions

• Provides a basis for defining regulatory thresholds for water scarcity in the Lakhdar basin, contributing to sound water resource management strategies.
• Offers valuable insights for preserving the river's biological diversity, which is currently threatened by water shortages.

Funding

Not specified in the provided text.

Citation

@article{Elkbichi2026QMNA,
  author = {Elkbichi, Omaima and Elhoucein, Layati and Youssoufi, Zainab and Ghachi, Mohammed El},
  title = {QMNA extraction as a tool for watershed management in a semi-arid climate - the case of the Lakhdar river basin (Morocco)},
  journal = {Springer Link (Chiba Institute of Technology)},
  year = {2026},
  doi = {10.1051/bioconf/202621502012/pdf},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1051/bioconf/202621502012/pdf}
}