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Assessing the spatiotemporal transformation of a coastal lagoon inlet (1984–2019) using remote sensing and GIS: a study of Khenifiss Lagoon in Southern Morocco

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Abstract

Coastal lagoons are highly dynamic ecosystems that are continually changing in shape and size due to natural processes. This study used satellite imagery, remote sensing, and GIS mapping, along with historical wind and wave data, to comprehensively explore the long-term changes occurring at the Khenifiss Lagoon entrance and its downstream main channel, which is one of the most important wetlands protected by the Ramsar Convention in Morocco. By employing thorough image selection, rigorous corrections, and intricate processing and analysis techniques, this research shed light on the evolution of sediment deposition areas, eroded zones, vegetation coverage, and locations, where dune influence affected sedimentation in this dynamic coastal ecosystem. The investigation spanned from 1984 to 2019 and relied on the analysis of Landsat optical images gathered in 1984, 1990, 2000, 2009, and 2019. During the study period, the entrance to the Khenifiss Lagoon (Foum Agouitir) gradually enlarged, increasing from 1450 m in 1984 to 1650 m in 2019. Concurrently, vegetation coverage within the lagoon's entrance and main channel increased from 53.54 hectares in 2009 to 103.9 hectares in 2019, resulting in a significant decrease in total water body extent. Sediment deposition impacts 206 hectares, considerably surpassing the erosion-affected area of 99.14 hectares. This significant difference emphasizes the rising dominance of sedimentation over erosion at the Khenifiss Lagoon entrance zone. The processes of sedimentation within the lagoon are largely influenced by the dune's advance, which has resulted in silt deposition over an area of approximately 57.39 hectares. These findings highlight the lagoon's exposure to progressive closure and strongly support the need to start a monitoring program to evaluate the lagoon's changing condition, especially at the entrance and the main channel. This study puts forth several recommendations for implementing management strategies aimed at ensuring the sustainability of this coastal ecosystem.

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Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding authors, Hamza El Behja & Mohamed Abioui, upon reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank two anonymous reviewers and the Editor Prof. Yan Zheng for critically reading the manuscript and suggesting substantial improvements. We also would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF), the Director of the Khenifiss National Park, and the local authority of the Akhfennir (Tarfaya Province) for their invaluable assistance, and unwavering support in facilitating access to the Khenifiss Lagoon. Additionally, H. El Behja is honored to dedicates this work to the South Association for Guidance and Accompaniment (SAGYA), of which he takes great pride in being a member. Finally, the authors express their sincere gratitude to the Springer proofreading team for managing the work, providing reviews, and preparing the proof.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Laboratory in applied and marine Geosciences, Geotechnics and Geohazards (LR3G), Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan, Morocco

    Hamza El Behja, Abdelmounim El M’rini & Driss Nachite

  2. Geosciences, Environment and Geomatics Laboratory (GEG), Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Ibnou Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco

    Mohamed Abioui

  3. MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre - Sedimentary Geology Group, Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal

    Mohamed Abioui

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  1. Hamza El Behja
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  4. Mohamed Abioui
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Contributions

H. El Behja authored the initial draft of the manuscript text and created the figures. Material preparation, data collection, and analysis were conducted by H. El Behja,  A. El M’rini, and D. Nachite. The primary manuscript text underwent editing and review by M. Abioui. All authors participated in the conception and design of the study. Subsequently, all authors collectively reviewed and engaged in discussions to enhance the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Hamza El Behja or Mohamed Abioui.

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El Behja, H., El M’rini, A., Nachite, D. et al. Assessing the spatiotemporal transformation of a coastal lagoon inlet (1984–2019) using remote sensing and GIS: a study of Khenifiss Lagoon in Southern Morocco. Environ Earth Sci 83, 122 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-024-11432-5

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