The Impact of Climate Change on Groundwater Resources in Northwestern Morocco

Climate change poses a global challenge, intricately linked to the intricate, long-term interplay among environmental factors and the dynamics of economics, society, technology, and politics. These interactions lead to notable repercussions at the regional level. This investigation utilizes data from nine campaigns conducted in 1990, 1995, 1997, 2009, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 to evaluate groundwater quality in the Essaouira region within the context of a changing climate. The hydrogeochemical analysis reveals that the Cenomanian–Turonian aquifer’s groundwater exhibits mix facies such as Cl–Ca–Mg, Cl–Ca, Cl–Na, and HCO3–Ca, with the Cl–Ca–Mg mix facies dominating along with Cl–Ca. Examination of correlations between major element concentrations indicates that groundwater mineralization is influenced by the dissolution of evaporitic minerals (halite, gypsum, and/or anhydrites) and carbonates (dolomite). Additionally, reverse ion exchange and marine intrusion, particularly in the Plio-Quaternary aquifer, contribute to the overall mineralization. The spatio-temporal analysis of groundwater quality in the study area demonstrates a gradual deterioration over time and space. Notably, the Essaouira basin emerges as particularly susceptible to climate change due to its reliance solely on meteoric waters for recharge.