EFFECT OF DROUGHT ON WATER RESOURCES IN THE SEMI-ARID REGIONS OF ALGERIA. CASE OF THE BASIN OF THE HIGH PLATEAUS OF CONSTANTINE

Abstract

Algeria is one of the most countries likely to be affected by drought, which is typically caused by the effects of climate change. Studies showed that drought periods might become more frequent due to climate change, which threatens wealth, whereas the lack of strategies muddles water and policies to mitigate their negative impacts on water resources. Since Algeria is experiencing increased demand for this critical substance, it is also experiencing scarcity and depletion of its water resources because of a variety of human and natural factors, particularly the drought caused by low rainfall rates. This article aims to show how drought affects water resources in the basin of the high Plateaus of Constantine by using the rainfall measurement index (SPI). The basin is known for being in a semi-arid climate and having natural features like a widening of the drought circle in both space and time, which leads to a decrease in its potential and water resources.