Changes in precipitation and discharge in a Mediterranean catchment as a response to climate change and human activities

Abstract

Abstract The Mediterranean region is considered to be highly affected by climate change with rainfall deficits leading to a significant decrease in river discharge. This study aims to assess the impacts of climate change on water resources in a Mediterranean catchment, namely the Bas-Loukkos catchment (Morocco), where pressure on the water resources is already present due to intensive hydro-agricultural development and is likely to increase. Mann–Kendall, Pettitt and Buishand tests were used to analyze trends and detect breakpoints in discharge and precipitation time series over the period 1960–2018. The precipitation–specific discharge relationships has been analysed by the double-mass curve (DMC). The analyses highlighted a decreasing trend in precipitation. A significant breakpoint was detected in early 1970s, with mean annual precipitation decreasing by 16–26% after this period. Discharge decreased by approximately 35% beginning in the late 1970s/early 1980s. The DMC showed different patterns between ‘undisturbed’ sub-catchments and two intensively managed sub-catchments. Wettest Mediterranean catchments are often considered as future water reservoirs to support part of the water needs in arid catchments. This study highlights that such catchments may already be impacted by climate changes, with discharge decreasing, and by water human activities that exert a major pressure on water resources.