1

2
3
4
 CHAPTER I
Introduction to the Study Area

5
 I.1.Introduction :
Before proceeding with the design of an irrigation (drainage) study, it is imperative to
conduct a comprehensive analysis of climatic parameters to assess water requirements and
appropriately size the hydraulic system. Concurrently with this climatic analysis, it is
equally essential to investigate geographical and geological conditions, given their
influence on hydraulic structures. The objective of this chapter is to examine the various
geographical, geological, and climatological conditions in our study area, with the aim of
guiding the subsequent selection of crops for implementation.

I.2 Geographical location of the wilaya of Chlef

The Chlef Province is located in northwestern Algeria, 200 km west of Algiers. Covering
an area of 4791 km2, the Chlef Province comprises 13 administrative districts (daïras) and
35 municipalities.

It is bordered by:

From an administrative standpoint, the Chlef Province is bounded by (Figure I.1):

• To the North by the Mediterranean Sea

• To the South by the Tissemsilt Province
• To the East by the Mostaganem and Relizane Provinces
• To the West by Tipaza and Ain Defla.

Figure I.1: Location and Administrative Boundaries of Chlef Province

Source : (https://www.wikiwand.com/fr/Communes_de_la_wilaya_de_Chlef)

6
I.3. Situation and Location of the Study Area:

The study area (Ouled Abbes) is situated in the northwest of Algeria, in the eastern part of the
Chlef province, approximately 16 km from the provincial capital and 50 km from the
Mediterranean Sea.
Our study area is irrigated from the Oum Drou Dam (formerly known as Pontéba), covering
an area of 120 hectares.

Geographically, Ouled Abbes is bordered by:

- To the North by Beni Rached;

- To the South by Oum Drou;
- To the East by Oued Fodda;
- To the West by Oum Drou.

Figure I.2: Location of the Study Area, Ouled Abbes

I.3.1 Presentation of the Perimeter

The Middle Cheliff perimeter is located between the Upper and Middle Cheliff, stretching
from EL ATTAF in the east to ECH SHELIFF in the west. It covers a total area of 9562
hectares and is divided into two independent zones.

- Zone A: supplied by the El Fodda river (4539 hectares).

- Zone B: supplied by the Cheliff river (5023 hectares).

For a more organized approach to agricultural production, each zone is further divided into

7
sectors. Our designated sector, referred to as "Sector C," is affiliated with Zone B, situated to
the east of the Middle Cheliff perimeter.

The projected irrigated perimeter is located on the left bank of the Cheliff river, downstream
of the OumDrou Dam, and is supplied by the latter.

Figure I.3: Location of the Ouled Abbes Perimeter - Google Earth Imagery Date

I.4.1 Geological Context:

The geological formations in the study area corresponding to the vicinity of Oum Drou
are Neogene and Quaternary. The Tellian substratum is anti-Neogene (Perrodon,
1957).

With structures elongated in an east-west direction, the tectonics are complex. The
main elements of this chain include:

1. Autochthonous cores: These are massive metamorphic outcrops with schistosity (O.
Kirèche, 1977).

2. Allochthonous units (thrust sheets) covering a large area. They constitute the
majority of formations that were established during different Alpine tectonic phases
(Middle Eocene and Lower Miocene) (O. Kirèche, 1977).

8
 La zone d’étude
Ouled
Abbes

Figure I.4: Geological Map of Western Middle Cheliff (Perrodon, 1957)

I.5 Geomorphology and Relief:

The terrain features a flat topography with occasional rugged areas, a characteristic attributed
to the massive limestone reliefs prevalent in this region. The slope of the terrain is generally
gentle, particularly suitable for irrigation, especially in the central and peripheral areas.
However, the slope increases and exceeds 3% in certain locations (ELMEDDAHI, 2009).

La zone d’étude Ouled Abbes

Figure I.5: 3D Altitude Map of the Study Area

9
I.6. Climatological Study:

Climatic factors play a crucial role in an irrigation project as they influence the estimation of
water requirements for crops and their growth.

The most influential factors include temperature, relative humidity, frost intensity, and sirocco
intensity, collectively forming a set of decisive elements.

I.6.1 Selection of the Reference Station:

I.6.1.1 Choice of the Meteorological Station:

The climatic data presented below are gathered from the Pontéba weather station.

Table I.1: Coordinates of the Chlef Meteorological Station

Name of station Latitude Longitude Altitude(m)

Chlef 36.2 1.26 Z= 127

I.6.2 Air Temperature:

Climate temperature plays a crucial role as it influences the evapotranspiration

process, thereby regulating plant growth and defining their distribution zones. For this
reason, we have chosen the Pontéba meteorological station, located near the site.

Table I-2: Annual Average Temperatures of the Station.

MOY
Month
ENN
S O N D J F M A M J J A
E
MONTHLY AVERAGE 25,8 19,8 14,7 11,0 10,3 11,3 13,8 16,5 20,4 25,5 29,2 29,3 19,1
TEMPERATURE (°C)

MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE (°C) 30,6 22,6 16,6 14,2 13,3 14,0 17,1 21,3 24,7 29,9 31,2 30,6 20,3

MINIMUM TEMPERATURE (°C) 24,1 17,3 12,5 8,7 8,0 7,4 11,0 14,5 12,0 22,6 26,7 26,3 18,3

The temperature variation graph is presented as follows:

10
 35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
S O N D J F M A M J J A

Series1 Series2 Series3

Figure I.6: Distribution of average temperatures (Chlef Station)

I.6.3. Monthly Rainfall:

Monthly rainfall is significant in irrigation as it allows the quantification of the water

balance needed for the calculation of irrigation doses and requirements.

Table I -3: Rainfall at the Oum Drou Station

Station Code Coordonné X (Km) Lambert Y (Km) Altitude (m)

Pontéba 12203 393900 327400 320

The Table I.4 and Figure I.6 show us the monthly distribution of precipitation at the
rain gauge station (Pontéba).

Table I.4: Rainfall at the Pontéba Station.

Month Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Fev Mar Avr Mai Juin Jui Aou Moy

AVERAGE RAINFALL (mm) 18,2 29,7 58,5 44,9 48,6 54,6 28,9 39.2 28,8 6,5 0,6 3,07 354,5

We observe that the rainiest month is November, and the driest month is July.

I.6.4. Relative Evaporation:

It is a transformation without boiling of a liquid into vapor. The variations in monthly

evaporation are represented in the following table:

Table I-5: Average Monthly Evaporation:

11
Month Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Fev Mars Avr Mai Juin Jui Aou Moy

MONTHLY EVAPORATION (mm) 101,1 61,8 34,2 24,1 27,3 31,9 51,1 64,4 89,1 117,0 154,8 149,1 905,9

Evaporation takes a maximum value in July and a minimum value in January.

I.7. Calculation of Agro-Meteorological Indices:

To determine the climate type and the interaction of different variables within this climate and
their impact on plants, we consider two essential factors: precipitation and temperature.

I.7.1. Martonne Aridity Index

The formula used is as follows:

With:

 CI: climatic index.

 P: average annual precipitation (mm).
 T: average annual temperature (°C).
In our case, we have:

Table I.8: Classification of the climate according to Martonne

Values of I Climate Type Irrigation

I<5 Desert Essential

5<I<10 Very Dry Essential

10<I<20 Dry Often Essential

20<I<30 Relatively Humid Occasionally Useful

I>30 Humid Unnecessary

In our case, we have:

12
• P = 354,5 mm/year
• T = 19,1°C

We will have:

So, our zone is dry, and irrigation is often essential.

I.7.2. CLASSIFICATION OF CLIMATE ACCORDING TO THE EMBERGER

DIAGRAM:

This index aims to determine the bioclimatic zone and is calculated as follows:

Figure I.8: EMBERGER Bioclimatic Diagram.

Bioclimatic Zone: Arid.

13
 Subzone: warm winter.

I.7.3. Climate Classification According to the Bagnouls and Gaussen Index

The Ombrothermic Diagram by F. Bagnouls and Gaussen highlights the dry period
throughout the year. In this diagram, a month is considered dry when the total precipitation,
expressed in (mm), is equal to or less than double the temperature, expressed in °C (P ≤ 2T).
In other words, this occurs when the precipitation curve falls below the temperature curve.
The period between the abscissas of the points of intersection of the two curves corresponds
to the duration of the dry season.

70 35

60 30

50 25

40 20
Période
30 15
Sèche
20 10

10 5

0 0
J F M A M J JU A S O N D

P(mm) T(°C)

Figure I.9: Gaussen Ombrothermic Diagram

I.8. Conclusion:

The perimeter is located just downstream of the Oum Drou dam and is characterized by an
arid climate with hot winters and hot, dry summers.

However, precipitation is insufficient and unevenly distributed throughout the year. To

promote agricultural development in the region, given these climatic characteristics, it is
essential to implement hydro-agricultural development and more effective irrigation systems.

14