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<p>This study proposes an integrated approach that combines the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and fractal dimension analysis to delineate potential groundwater zones in the structurally complex terrains of the Midelt–Errachidia transect (Morocco). Groundwater potential mapping integrates geological, structural, morphometric, and climatic parameters, including lithology, lineament density, drainage density, precipitation, land use and land cover (LULC), slope, roughness, topographic wetness index (TWI), and curvature, and weights them using the AHP. In parallel, the fractal dimension of fracture networks is calculated using the box-counting method to quantify structural complexity. The results indicate that high-potential zones are primarily associated with intense fracturing (15 &lt; FD ≤ 18), reflecting strong hydraulic connectivity and enhanced infiltration and storage capacity. Moderate-potential zones correspond to intermediate values (12 ≤ FD ≤ 14), whereas low fractal dimension values (FD &lt; 11) indicate limited groundwater circulation capacity. Spatially, 2.02% of the study area (143.84 km<sup>2</sup>) exhibits very high groundwater potential, and 19.50% (1384.60 km<sup>2</sup>) exhibits high potential, mainly located in the northern and southern sectors in relation to the major structural features of the Central High Atlas. These findings confirm the decisive role of structural complexity and demonstrate that fractal dimension is a robust and transferable indicator for assessing groundwater potential in arid and semi-arid environments.</p>

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Integrated mapping of potential groundwater: the Errachidia–Midelt transect in the central high Atlas, Morocco

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月24日

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  • Ibtissame Bentahar,
  • Hicham Si Mhamdi,
  • Mohammed Raji,
  • Ilham Bentahar,
  • Ismail Hadimi,
  • Mourad Aqnouy

摘要

This study proposes an integrated approach that combines the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and fractal dimension analysis to delineate potential groundwater zones in the structurally complex terrains of the Midelt–Errachidia transect (Morocco). Groundwater potential mapping integrates geological, structural, morphometric, and climatic parameters, including lithology, lineament density, drainage density, precipitation, land use and land cover (LULC), slope, roughness, topographic wetness index (TWI), and curvature, and weights them using the AHP. In parallel, the fractal dimension of fracture networks is calculated using the box-counting method to quantify structural complexity. The results indicate that high-potential zones are primarily associated with intense fracturing (15 < FD ≤ 18), reflecting strong hydraulic connectivity and enhanced infiltration and storage capacity. Moderate-potential zones correspond to intermediate values (12 ≤ FD ≤ 14), whereas low fractal dimension values (FD < 11) indicate limited groundwater circulation capacity. Spatially, 2.02% of the study area (143.84 km2) exhibits very high groundwater potential, and 19.50% (1384.60 km2) exhibits high potential, mainly located in the northern and southern sectors in relation to the major structural features of the Central High Atlas. These findings confirm the decisive role of structural complexity and demonstrate that fractal dimension is a robust and transferable indicator for assessing groundwater potential in arid and semi-arid environments.