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The Casablanca–Mohammedia coast shows forms of littoral erosion, characterized by narrowing of the sandy beaches and retreat of rock cliffs. The regressive evolution of this littoral sector is linked to the strong intensity of the hydrodynamics factors controlling the distribution of the coastal sediments, amplified by the anthropic activity. Indeed, the comparison of the shoreline of this coastal zone, from air photographs taken in 1962 and 1986, showed a general tendency for retreat in the majority of beaches of this zone. Beaches showing the most recession are localized near zones with many coastal installations (north-east and south-west sections), in the vicinity of the Casablanca and Mohammedia harbours. The rate of narrowing of these beaches was estimated at 0.9 m/year. However, beaches located in the central section, far from the developed zones, show some stability due to sediment exchanges with the adjacent dunes. The study of the seasonal variations of the profiles of the beaches, realized according to detailed surveying during 2001–2002, showed impoverishment in sediment in the majority of the beaches. |
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