234 Advance Ground Surface Modeling for Hydrological and Environmental Applications

This session will highlight advancements in ground surface modeling for hydrological and environmental applications, focusing on innovative techniques, integration with remote sensing, GIS, geophysics, and hydrological models. We invite submissions on new methodologies, case studies, challenges, and interdisciplinary approaches.

Wednesday, 22 October 2025
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
HBGCC, 209

Grace Satellite Data Analysis for Groundwater Monitoring and Sustainable Management in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of Morocco

Paper number: 234-8
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 9:03 AM – 9:18 AM

Authors

  • Mouad Abbad Presenting Author
    International Water Research Institute, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Benguerir
  • Abdessamad Hadri
    International Water Research Institute, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Benguerir
  • Kamal Yaalaoui
    Water Research and Planning Department, Ministry of Water and Equipment, Rabat
  • Abdelghani Chehbouni
    Center for Remote Sensing Applications (CRSA), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Benguerir
  • El Mahdi El Khalki
    International Water Research Institute, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Benguerir
  • Hamza Ouatiki
    Center for Remote Sensing Applications, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Benguerir
  • Ismaguil Hanadé Houmma
    International Water Research Institute, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Benguerir
  • Oumar Jaffar
    International Water Research Institute, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Benguerir
  • Taha El Ghazlani
    Water Research and Planning Department, Ministry of Water and Equipment, Rabat
  • Mohammed Qachar
    Tensift Hydraulic Basin Agency, Marrakech
  • Lhoussaine Bouchaou
    International Water Research Institute, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Benguerir
  • Ahmed El-Azhari
    International Water Research Institute, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, Benguerir

Abstract

Groundwater overexploitation in Morocco's arid and semi-arid regions, particularly in the Haouz-Mejjat, Bahira, and southeastern aquifers of Draa Tafilalet, poses significant sustainability challenges. This study compares the performance of various products derived from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and its Follow-On Mission for monitoring terrestrial water storage (TWS) and groundwater storage (GWS) anomalies, to encourage improved water resource management. Our methodology integrates GRACE-derived data with in situ groundwater level measurements, drought indices, and the assesses anthropogenic impacts on TWS and GWS. Results reveal that the downscaled GRACE-SeDA (Self Data Assimilation) product achieved the best accuracy (PCC=0.97, RMSE=0.21) for Haouz-Mejjat and for Bahira (PCC=0.93, RMSE=0.29). For the southeastern aquifers, the Goddard Space Flight Center product performed best for Jurassic (PCC=0.93, RMSE=0.28) and Errachidia-Boudnib Cretaceous Basin (PCC=0.39, RMSE=0.92) units. Additionally, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s (JPL) mascon solution performed best in the Fezna-Tafilalet region (PCC=0.83, RMSE=0.76). Further analysis highlighted the strengths of the combined datasets, particularly the mascon solutions’ mean and the COST-G (Combination Service for Time-variable Gravity Fields) product in replicating groundwater level trends.  Trend analysis revealed severe groundwater depletion in Haouz-Mejjate (−0.37 ±0.018 cm/month) and Bahira (−0.36 ±0.021 cm/month) aquifers, while in the southeastern aquifers, it shifted from stability to decline after 2018, a trend strongly associated with augmented water extraction for agricultural purposes. Furthermore, strong correlations between GRACE TWS and the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) demonstrated drought impacts on terrestrial water storage dynamics. This study emphasizes the use of GRACE data to improve groundwater monitoring and sustainable management in Morocco's water-stressed regions, enabling adaptive decision-making to meet growing agricultural and climatic pressures.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-411936

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