Comparative physico-chemical and faunal studies of two thermal springbrooks near Sidi Harazem (Morocco)

The origin of the water of the two Sidi Harazem springs (Morocco), was foun d to be different. Environmental parameters made it possible to recognise t hree types of water : one issuing from a "cool spring", with lowest tempera ture (mean : 26.7 degreesC), conductivity and chloride concentration; one i ssuing from the "hot spring" (mean : 31.7 degreesC) with the highest temper ature and high conductivity; and the one of the oued itself with into which both springs flow This oued had the highest values of pH, conductivity, ch lorides, and calcium. The interstitial fauna collected by means of artifici al substrates was composed of both epigean and stygobite species. Only the "cool spring" included stygobite species, the number of which generally dec reased with depth.