Characterization of coastal slope instability: A geophysical and geotechnical study along the Mediterranean ring, Northern Morocco
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1
Geophysics and Natural Hazards Laboratory, Department of Geomorphology and Geomatics, Scientific Institute. Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco
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Laboratory of Geosciences, Geomatics, and Environment (L2GE), Faculty of Sciences Ben M'Sik, Hassan II University, P.O. Box 7955, Casablanca, Morocco
Ecol. Eng. Environ. Technol. 2025; 5
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ABSTRACT
Natural hazards have become increasingly intense due to the effects of human actions and climate change. Slope instabilities are among the natural disasters that result in loss of life and property. The coastal zones in northern Morocco are recognized for their susceptibility to landslides, primarily attributed to their hilly slopes, tectonic settings, alpine geology, and specific climatic conditions. These factors combine to pose a significant threat to the local population and socio-economic activities in the region. Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), methods have been used in this case study, as a non-invasive and cost-effective method to characterize subsurface geological properties. We combined the ERT result with geotechnical tests to fill this knowledge gap and gain a better understanding of landslide slope dynamics within their regional context. The results reveal that the platform is experiencing a significant rotational landslide, moving from the base of the slope toward the sea, with slip surfaces located at a depth of approximately 16 meters. Water infiltration through fracture planes acts as a lubricant, contributing to the initiation and reactivation of sliding. Additionally, anthropogenic factors, such as slope degradation from road construction, played a significant role in triggering the observed landslide. The use of both techniques holds great potential for improving interpretation accuracy, particularly in addressing the complexities of near-surface heterogeneity. This approach allows for a more reliable and quantitative evaluation of coastal landslide hazards along the Mediterranean shoreline, paving the way for improved risk management strategies.