Climate change and water availability in north-west Algeria: investigation by stable water isotopes and dendrochronology

Since the 1970s, rainfall has declined along the North African coast, while the demographic pressure has increased. Supplementing the rainfall data and water level of the Béni Bahdel dam, water isotopic signature and tree ring analyses were used to better understand the effects of climate change (lower rainfall, higher summer temperature) and the water circulation in the Tafna River basin in north-west Algeria. Changes are recommended in water storage and afforestation policies and irrigation techniques.