Assessment of Shoreline Evolution in Arekmane Coast, Morocco using DSAS Technique

¹ Mohamed 1st University, Multidisciplinary Faculty of Nador, Laboratory of Biology, Geosciences, Physics and Environment (OLMAN-LBGPE), 62700 Nador, Morocco
² Mohammed V University, Scientific Institute, GEOPAC Research Center, Laboratory of Geophysics and Natural Hazards, B.P.703, 10106 Rabat, Morocco
³ Mohammed 1st University, Letters and Human Sciences Faculty, Dynamics of Arid Environments and Regional Development Laboratory, B.P.457, 60000 Oujda. Morocco.
⁴ National Institute of Fisheries Research (INRH), Fishing Laboratory, Nador Center, Morocco

^* Corresponding author: lamyae.laksiri.d23@ump.ac.ma

Abstract

Arekmane’s coastline, located on the Oriental Mediterranean coast of Morocco, is undergoing changes (Erosion/Accretion). This study aims to examine the shoreline of Arekmane’s villa zone to understand these changes by using remote sensing and DSAS technique. Two Landsat images from 2004 and 2014 were used to evaluate shoreline evolution by calculating End Point Rate (EPR). The obtained results revealed important alterations, ranging from erosion to accretion. On average, the EPR is -0.07 m/year while the maximum erosion rate is -0,71 m/year and the maximum value of accretion is 0.71 m/year. The erosion processes dominated the study area’s shoreline between 2004 and 2014 with 74,56% of erosional transects, and 25,44% of accretional transects. The dominance of erosion can be explained by the sea level rise related to climate change, in addition to human interventions. This present research contributes to the sustainable coastal development by identifying high-risk erosion transects in villa zone of Arekmane and recommends a long-term monitoring of the entire Arekmane’s coastline over different periods to check the evolution of the coastline in order to propose appropriate adaptation measures and strategies.