Assessment of landslide susceptibility on the Mediterranean coast of Jebha-Al Hoceima in northern Morocco: A descriptive approach

The coastal zone located between the commune of Jebha and the province of Al Hoceima in northern Morocco is the area most susceptible to landslides, which result from a complex interaction between natural factors controlled by climate, geology, and geomorphology, and anthropogenic factors related to human interventions along the Mediterranean coast. This work examines the mechanisms that govern slope instability in this region, focusing on the synergy between several factors and conditions, such as preexisting geology characterized by recent lithological formations, deformed structures, and intense fracturing; natural predisposing and trigger factors, notably precipitation, climate change, topography, seismicity, and marine erosion; and anthropogenic impacts through road development, uncontrolled urbanization, excessive deforestation, and slope provocation. The integrated analysis of these parameters, based on field missions, GIS data, and the interpretation of satellite images, enables the inventory of the most significant landslides, mapping of landslide susceptibility in the study area, and the proposal of risk mitigation strategies. The results reveal the importance of a global approach to managing the risk of landslides in the Mediterranean coastal zone.