Modeling the effect of salt water intrusion in the Sebou River estuary (Morocco)

Abstract

A one-dimensional transport model HEC-RAS was used to investigate the spatiotemporal dynamics of salinity in the Sebou River estuary under different hydrodynamic conditions (tides, fresh water discharge). The results show that this model well describes salt water intrusion from the sea to the Sebou River estuary, with a good agreement between computed and measured salinity values. Statistical criteria of the model output quality are obtained. The model allows the rapid assessment of salinity distribution and can help to ensure the safety of water supply and to support decision making.