Spatial assessment of groundwater recharge, agricultural pumping, and hydrodynamic stress in the complexe terminal aquifer (Ghardaïa, Algeria) using GIS and Remote Sensing

A severe localized groundwater crisis threatens historic oasis perimeters in the M'Zab Valley, Algeria, with agricultural pumping exceeding natural recharge by factors of 10 to 12.7, despite a macro-scale surplus balance. This paradox arises from distorted macro-balances due to vast uncultivated peripheral areas. The study employs an integrated GIS-ArcGIS, remote sensing (NDVI), and multi-criteria decision analysis (FAHP) framework to map optimal upstream green-engineering retention sites along Wadi M'zab and Wadi Metlili, aiming to maximize floodwater infiltration and stabilize vulnerable water tables. The validated FAHP model offers a targeted solution to mitigate local depletion, providing critical insights for sustainable groundwater management in hyper-arid regions.

Mokhtar, E., Merzouk, B., Ferhati, A., Benmouffok, H., Sahli, Y. S., & Berghout, A. B. (2026). Spatial assessment of groundwater recharge, agricultural pumping, and hydrodynamic stress in the complexe terminal aquifer (Ghardaïa, Algeria) using GIS and Remote Sensing. Journal of Advanced Applied Technology and Engineering, 1(02), 68–79. https://doi.org/10.67603/jaate.v1i02.10450