Lithological and hydrodynamic characterization of the deep aquifer using logging techniques and pumping tests in the Fritissa Area, middle Moulouya, Morocco

The current research is an attempt to precise the lithological nature and hydrodynamic characters of deep aquifer in the Fritissa region, Middle Moulouya, Morocco, under arid to semi-arid climate environments.The objective is to determine the aquifer capacity to satisfy the needs of local population and specify the conditions of water exploitation while insuring the resource sustainability.The methodology adopted consists in the application of logging techniques comprising logs of gamma ray (GR), spontaneous potential (SP), normal resistivities (N16) and (N64), lateral resistivity (L48) and caliper.In addition to pumping tests, notably step-drawdown and constant pumping rate tests.The logging operations are completed in two boreholes: Bouyakoubate (F1) and Dkikira (F2), and reveal the carbonate nature of the saturated zones, located at depths of 630 m in Bouyakoubate and exceeding 550 m in Dkikira.Pumping tests are done in the two former boreholes and in a third one in Fritissa locality (F3).Stepdrawdown tests precise the critical pumping rates as: Q c1 : 288 m 3 /h in Bouyakoubate, Q c2 : 61.20 m 3 /h in Dkikira and Q c3 : 292 m 3 /h in Fritissa, while constant pumping rate tests show operating pumping rates as: Q op1 : 259.2 m 3 /h in Bouyakoubate, Q op2 : 55.08 m 3 /h in Dkikira and Q op3 : 262.44 m 3 /h in Fritissa.The findings consequently confirm that the exploitation of deep aquifer through the three boreholes is satisfactory to meet the needs of the local populations sustainably.The method of coupling logging with pumping tests therefore proves reliable and applicable in Morocco and elsewhere if the cost problems are overcome.