Fluvial Dynamics of the Ouergha River between Al Wahda Dam and its confluence with the Sebou River

Abstract

Natural environments in general, and wadis in particular, are characterised by constant and regular dynamics, linked on the one hand to morphosedimentary processes (water erosion, morphological legacy and climatic factors) and on the other hand to human activities. Successive tectonic factors and regular fluvial dynamics in the areas surrounding Oued Ouergha, between the Al Wahda Dam and the junction with Oued Sebou, are responsible for the emergence of recent morphosedimentary formations comprising mountainous elevations and fluvial terraces. However, human intervention in this natural environment within the study area, through the construction of the Al Wahda Dam, has altered the character of the natural environment in general and disrupted the natural fluvial dynamics of the Oued Ouergha in particular; indeed, it has halted the development of certain morphosedimentary features and the formation of fluvial terraces. This change has led to the degradation of the natural environment.

In terms of morphological changes, the period following the dam’s commissioning has been characterised by an increase in human activities encroaching upon the Oued Ouergha alluvial plain: the expansion of agricultural land, the proliferation of quarries extracting alluvial material, and the excessive exploitation of water resources, etc. In addition to the impact of exceptional releases from the dam, these activities are further exacerbating the degradation and imbalance of the current riverine dynamics of the Ouergha.

Finally, taking into account all the findings of this work, this study puts forward practical proposals, based primarily on the concepts of mobility and freedom of watercourses. These proposals could serve as a basis for a more thorough study of this riverine environment.

Keywords: river dynamics, Morocco, Oued Ouergha, dam, human interventions.

Received Date: February 22, 2026

Accepted Date: March 14, 2026

Published Date: April 02, 2026

Available Online at: https://www.ijsrisjournal.com/index.php/ojsfiles/article/view/756