A study published in EGUsphere on the modeling of water erosion and sediment transport in the Bouregreg basin was presented at the 2026 General Assembly of the European Geosciences Union (EGU) in Vienna. The research, conducted by scientists from Moroccan and international institutions, uses advanced modeling techniques to assess the worsening of water erosion in the basin over recent decades.
The Bouregreg basin, which supplies water to the Rabat-Salé region, has experienced increased erosion due to factors such as land use changes, deforestation, and more intense rainfall linked to climate change. The study quantifies soil loss and sediment yield, providing critical data for watershed management and dam siltation prevention.
According to the EGU program, the presentation took place during the session on 'Soil erosion, land degradation, and desertification' on April 28, 2026. The researchers used the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) integrated with GIS to map erosion risk across the basin.
Key findings indicate that erosion rates have accelerated by up to 30% in some sub-basins compared to previous decades, threatening agricultural productivity and water storage capacity in the region. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable land management practices to mitigate these impacts.
