In a significant advancement for water resource management, a recent study has shed light on the critical issue of dam siltation in Morocco, particularly focusing on the Ahmed El Hansali Dam. Conducted by Hassan Mosaid from the Geomatics, Georesources and Environment Laboratory at Sultan Moulay Slimane University, this research reveals the alarming rate of sediment accumulation that threatens the dam’s operational efficiency and longevity.
Dams are essential structures for irrigation, power generation, and domestic water supply, but their effectiveness is severely compromised by siltation. Mosaid’s study, published in the journal ‘Water’, highlights that the Ahmed El Hansali Dam has experienced a significant loss of storage capacity—approximately 76.08 million cubic meters—from 1998 to 2014 due to sediment buildup. This poses a direct challenge to water resource managers and construction professionals alike, as the lifespan of such critical infrastructure is at stake.
“The correlation between rainfall and siltation rates is striking,” Mosaid noted. “Our analysis revealed that precipitation levels are strongly linked to sediment accumulation, with an impressive R² value of 0.92. This underscores the urgency for effective land management strategies to combat soil erosion and enhance dam longevity.”
The study utilized bathymetric data and the Brown model to assess sediment trapping efficiency, estimating that 97.64% of incoming sediment is trapped in the reservoir. This high efficiency indicates that while the dam is effective in sediment management, the sheer volume of sediment generated by upstream erosion—exacerbated by climate change and land use changes—poses a looming threat. The estimated annual specific sediment yield is about 32,345.79 tons per square kilometer per year, which could drastically impact the dam’s operational capacity if not addressed.
For the construction sector, the implications of this research are profound. As demand for water resources intensifies due to climate change and population growth, the need for sustainable management of existing infrastructure becomes increasingly critical. Mosaid’s findings suggest that proactive measures, such as the implementation of smaller check dams and reforestation efforts, could mitigate sediment supply and enhance the dam’s useful life. Furthermore, the potential for dredging or flushing sediments presents additional commercial opportunities for construction firms specializing in water infrastructure maintenance.
The study also emphasizes the importance of integrating advanced modeling techniques and remote sensing data to inform future land management practices. Mosaid’s work illustrates how innovative approaches can lead to more sustainable water resource management, ultimately benefiting not only the construction industry but also the communities reliant on these vital resources.
As Morocco navigates its complex water challenges, this research serves as a crucial resource for policymakers and environmental organizations. By understanding the dynamics of siltation and its relationship with climate change, stakeholders can develop more informed strategies to protect and extend the lifespan of critical water infrastructure.
For those interested in exploring more about the implications of this research, further details can be found through the Geomatics, Georesources and Environment Laboratory at Sultan Moulay Slimane University: lead_author_affiliation.
