Salt intrusion length in well-mixed Moroccan estuaries during infrequent events: a simple empirical equation development

Abstract

Infrequent events, such as periodical total moon or sun eclipses can affect the water resources in the estuaries. The Super Blue Blood Moon on (31/01/2018) and Total Solar eclipse on (21/08/2017) were investigated. The Bouregreg and Sebou estuaries (Morocco) were selected as an example location due to the availability of field survey data during infrequent events; and during these events both estuaries are well-mixed. Results showed that during these phenomena, the gravitational pull on the ocean is strong, so the high water is at its highest point and the low water at its lowest point. Water level rise affects the hydrodynamic balance and can increase salt water intrusion into the river estuaries, causing many ecological problems. The paper also presents a straightforward empirical equation for estimating salt intrusion length during high water levels. This equation proves valuable in offering initial estimates of salt intrusion length (LHWS) in estuaries during infrequent events in Moroccan estuaries.