The Role of Wind Dynamics in Sand Mobility in the Tafilalet Oasis (Southeast Morocco)

Laboratory of Dynamics of Arid Environments, Planning, and Regional Development, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Mohammed Premier University, Oujda, Morocco.

^* Corresponding author: eljabbouriabdelaadim@gmail.com

Abstract

Wind plays a crucial role in the movement and accumulation of sand in the Tafilalet Oasis. It is the primary driver of variations in the morphological forms of sand accumulation, as well as the direction of dune development and movement. This dynamic has significant socio-spatial consequences for the region. This study emphasizes the fundamental role of wind dynamics in shaping and moving sand formations. The methodology is based on an analytical approach, tracking the evolution of various sand accumulation dynamics over a 12-year period using remote sensing techniques, geographic information systems (GIS), and field data. The results reveal notable differences in the mobility of specific dune forms. For instance, the displacement reached 15 meters at sites 6 and 7, and 45 meters at site 8—values considered low compared to the mobility observed at sites 1 to 5, where displacement reached up to 130 meters at site 1 and 70 meters at site 5. The study also highlights variations in the mobility of dunes with similar characteristics, influenced by many factors such as the size of sand accumulations, wind speed, and other natural elements like topographical flatness.