Coastal watershed and morphologic changes of their mouth along the Moroccan Mediterranean coastline

This paper identifies all the watersheds that cross the Rif hinterland to the Moroccan Mediterranean coastal margin, which are important sources of sediments of continental origin due to water erosion during flooding. Focusing on the river mouths leading to active coastal cells in terms of watersheds, the study analyzes the nature of their connection and their evolution over time. 13 Coastal watersheds draining the Moroccan Rif hinterland into the Alboran Sea have been identified. The land–sea interaction represented by the nature of the connection (permanent, temporary, or unconnected) between these coastal watersheds and the sea fluctuates over time depending on several factors, such as watershed characteristics, flooding, the impact of dam construction on some of them, as well as river flow, wind conditions, wave movement, and coastal currents. This study used digital elevation models to delineate coastal watersheds, and multi-temporal satellite imagery to study the morphodynamic evolution of river mouths, precipitation, wave, and wind data as factors influencing their evolution. Studying the morphodynamics of these river mouths is crucial to understanding how coastal zones react to these events. It also enables us to manage coastal watersheds better and protect coastal infrastructures surrounding river mouths.