Multi-temporal Quantification of Sand Flux Using BSNE and Leatherman Traps in the Middle Drâa Watershed, Morocco

Mahjoub Benbih; M'hamed Nmiss; Abderrahmane Ouammou; Hassan Nait-si; Abdelfattah Ben Kacem

doi:10.31127/tuje.1729820

Multi-temporal Quantification of Sand Flux Using BSNE and Leatherman Traps in the Middle Drâa Watershed, Morocco

Abstract

Aeolian processes represent a dominant geomorphological force in arid and semi-arid regions, where wind-driven sediments’ transport strongly influences landscape evolution and sediment redistribution, particularly in oasis systems such as those in the Middle Drâa Valley. This study aims to quantify bimonthly and instantaneous aeolian dynamics in the downstream area of Ternata, southeastern Morocco, to better understand the relationships between wind conditions, sediment flux, and measurement height. Bimonthly measurements were conducted using the Big Spring Number Eight (BSNE) sampler, while instantaneous measurements employed Leatherman’s device, with sand traps strategically placed in minimally disturbed areas and on dune crests. Results demonstrate a clear cause–effect relationship: wind speeds exceeding a critical threshold significantly increase sediment transport, with the highest mobilization observed at lower altitudes. Saltation was identified as the predominant transport mode, while suspension contributed to a lesser extent. Total sediment fluxes measured over bimonthly periods reached substantial values, highlighting the intensity of aeolian activity in this region, whereas instantaneous measurements captured short-term variability associated with gusts and directional shifts. These observations confirm that local topography and wind dynamics jointly control sediment flux patterns. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms driving sand movement in arid landscapes and emphasizes the importance of considering both temporal scales of measurement. These findings offer a scientific basis for developing dune management and stabilization strategies and underscore the need for proactive measures to mitigate sand encroachment and protect vulnerable oasis ecosystems.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Global Environmental Engineering, Geospatial Information Systems and Geospatial Data Modelling

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Mahjoub Benbih ^*
0009-0008-5759-8097
Morocco

M'hamed Nmiss
0009-0001-4107-3690
Morocco

Abderrahmane Ouammou
0009-0000-3579-1947
Morocco

Hassan Nait-si
0000-0003-3299-5447
Morocco

Abdelfattah Ben Kacem
0009-0009-4112-904X
Morocco

Publication Date

May 1, 2026

Submission Date

July 13, 2025

Acceptance Date

January 4, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 10 Number: 2

DOI

https://doi.org/10.31127/tuje.1729820

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA96WA64UX

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Benbih, M., Nmiss, M., Ouammou, A., Nait-si, H., & Ben Kacem, A. (2026). Multi-temporal Quantification of Sand Flux Using BSNE and Leatherman Traps in the Middle Drâa Watershed, Morocco. Turkish Journal of Engineering, 10(2), 314-327. https://doi.org/10.31127/tuje.1729820

AMA

1.Benbih M, Nmiss M, Ouammou A, Nait-si H, Ben Kacem A. Multi-temporal Quantification of Sand Flux Using BSNE and Leatherman Traps in the Middle Drâa Watershed, Morocco. TUJE. 2026;10(2):314-327. doi:10.31127/tuje.1729820

Chicago

Benbih, Mahjoub, M’hamed Nmiss, Abderrahmane Ouammou, Hassan Nait-si, and Abdelfattah Ben Kacem. 2026. “Multi-Temporal Quantification of Sand Flux Using BSNE and Leatherman Traps in the Middle Drâa Watershed, Morocco”. Turkish Journal of Engineering 10 (2): 314-27. https://doi.org/10.31127/tuje.1729820.

EndNote

Benbih M, Nmiss M, Ouammou A, Nait-si H, Ben Kacem A (May 1, 2026) Multi-temporal Quantification of Sand Flux Using BSNE and Leatherman Traps in the Middle Drâa Watershed, Morocco. Turkish Journal of Engineering 10 2 314–327.

IEEE

[1]M. Benbih, M. Nmiss, A. Ouammou, H. Nait-si, and A. Ben Kacem, “Multi-temporal Quantification of Sand Flux Using BSNE and Leatherman Traps in the Middle Drâa Watershed, Morocco”, TUJE, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 314–327, May 2026, doi: 10.31127/tuje.1729820.

ISNAD

Benbih, Mahjoub - Nmiss, M’hamed - Ouammou, Abderrahmane - Nait-si, Hassan - Ben Kacem, Abdelfattah. “Multi-Temporal Quantification of Sand Flux Using BSNE and Leatherman Traps in the Middle Drâa Watershed, Morocco”. Turkish Journal of Engineering 10/2 (May 1, 2026): 314-327. https://doi.org/10.31127/tuje.1729820.

JAMA

1.Benbih M, Nmiss M, Ouammou A, Nait-si H, Ben Kacem A. Multi-temporal Quantification of Sand Flux Using BSNE and Leatherman Traps in the Middle Drâa Watershed, Morocco. TUJE. 2026;10:314–327.

MLA

Benbih, Mahjoub, et al. “Multi-Temporal Quantification of Sand Flux Using BSNE and Leatherman Traps in the Middle Drâa Watershed, Morocco”. Turkish Journal of Engineering, vol. 10, no. 2, May 2026, pp. 314-27, doi:10.31127/tuje.1729820.

Vancouver

1.Mahjoub Benbih, M’hamed Nmiss, Abderrahmane Ouammou, Hassan Nait-si, Abdelfattah Ben Kacem. Multi-temporal Quantification of Sand Flux Using BSNE and Leatherman Traps in the Middle Drâa Watershed, Morocco. TUJE. 2026 May 1;10(2):314-27. doi:10.31127/tuje.1729820