1139 | 971 | Spot images remote sensing study of the Middle Atlas aquifer (Morocco) and scaling properties of fracture networks. | Mohamed Rouai 1* and Khaoula Qarqori 2
In fractured aquifers such as the tabular Liasic reservoir of Middle Atlas (northern Morocco), geological fracturing plays significant role in feeding patterns and governing water flows. The knowledge of the geometry of fractures and their connectivity is essential for a better characterization of the discontinuous reservoir and the assessment of water resources. The use of remote sensing techniques helped us to have the latest information, to easily cover a large surface and to quantify fracture networks and choosing targets for water wells. _x000D_
We used VHR, VIRHR multispectral and GHR panchromatic Spot images. Several techniques like enhancement and sharpness optimization and different filtering have been applied in order to extract a new fracturing map, which was validated by a cross-analysis with various cartographic inventories of the study area and with a field survey. The statistical and 2D spatial analysis of the resulting data, based on the fractures azimuth and length, showed heterogeneous and high clustering fracturing which is predominated by NE-SW and NW-SE directions._x000D_
The application of the fractal geometry and power-law statistics has led to describe and to quantify the spatial distribution of fracture networks related to the scale and to determine the characteristic fracture lengths specific for the studied reservoir. The obtained results from the surface using imagery could be extrapolated, under some precautions, to the whole reservoir and to the deep aquifer beneath the Sais basin._x000D_
The used remote sensing techniques under a GIS environment have been very useful for this case study in order to characterize and modeling this important aquifer and to contribute to protect water resources in the region in the context of global change._x000D_
Mohamed Rouai 1* and Khaoula Qarqori 2
1. Earth Sciences Department, Moulay Ismail University of Meknes, Morocco. 2. Earth Sciences Department, FST Errachidia, Moulay Ismail University, Morocco.
ID Abstract: 971