δ34S, δ18O, and δ2H-δ18O as an Approach for Settling the Question of Groundwater Salinization in Neogene Basins: The North of Morocco in Focus

Abstract

Neogene plains around the Mediterranean basin are characterized by considerable groundwater salinization. Some studies have misidentified seawater intrusion as the main source of salinity. Across northern Morocco, we gathered δ18OSO4 and δ34SSO4 data from coastal and inland aquifers, Messinian marls, and volcanic products. Differences in the isotopic composition between Messinian marls and some groundwater in all aquifer samples indicate that salinization in groundwater is a consequence of dissolution of Messinian evaporite deposits; nevertheless, modern agriculture and wastewater strongly influence depletion in levels of δ34SSO4. Our novel approach enables effective investigation of processes governing salinity in Neogene basins to support more informed water resource management and governance.

Assessment and Prediction of the Water Quality Index for the Groundwater of the Ghiss-Nekkor (Al Hoceima, Northeastern Morocco)

“…It constitutes the transition zone between the central and eastern Rif, with main geological terrains that present distinct units often separated by thrust faults. The Ghiss-Nekkor plain is bound by the Trougout and Bousekkor-Aghbal onshore fault, covering the offshore of the Mediterranean Sea [29]). To the west of the coastal fringe of Al Hoceima, the internal zones are represented by the Bokkoya massif.…”