Modelling surface runoff coupling the Iber and SWMM models for groundwater recharge: case study of Tamellat plain (Morocco)

Accurate groundwater management requires the estimation and propagation of rainfall-surface runoff. Rainfall is the principal source of groundwater recharge. Consequently, it is essential to monitor precipitation and runoff to assess water availability. Developing hydrometeorological data is necessary to design water resources and artificial recharge in Tamellalt. This study has two objectives: first, to estimate this region’s runoff storm water using the storm water management model (SWMM) with the soil conservation service curve number (SCS-CN) method and second, to use the Iber code to create runoff flow maps based on runoff depth using the 2D shallow Saint–Venant’s water model for finite volume. It shows that the rainfall is instantly infiltrated. Iber simulation runoff is due only to the exterior zones. This is confirmed by surface lithology. Terrain permeability is characterized by mean or high capacity. The extreme northern east zone shows a water depth exceeding 11 m. The eastern zone exceeds 15 m of water depth. The western submergence region has an approximate 3-m depression and 0.8-m water depth. Finally, the western subsurface zone of the south is characterized by a 1.8-m depression and a 0.4-m water depth. The extreme northern east and eastern zones can be considered favorite artificial recharge zones because of their high permeability and greatest water depth, considered natural water storage on the plain surface.