COASTAL DYNAMICS AND SHORELINE MAPPING: MULTI SOURCES SPATIAL DATA ANALYSIS IN LE MORNE (MAURITIUS ISLAND)

Mr. G. Krishnamoorthy

Research Scholer

Department of Geography, Maharaja’s College, University Of Mysore.

Contact No. 8055497578, Email: krishnamoorthy983@gmail.com

Abstract: 

The shoreline erosion is considered to be one of the major environmental problems in the south east and south west part of Mauritius coast. Shoreline mapping provides a means of monitoring shoreline-change, which is very essential for coastal planning and decision-making. The main objective of this study is to detect erosion/accretion patterns as well as to calculate erosion/accretion areas along the shore zone using multi-temporal aerial photographs, satellite images for past 43 years (1967 to 2009) and also different time periods (1967-1975, 1975-1991, 1991-1998, 1998-2006 and 2008-2009).Methods commonly used for trend determination involve measurement of the shoreline or high water mark using aerial photographs and high resolution satellite images. In addition to the shoreline and the high water mark, these include the use of position indicators such as the vegetation line and the bluff or scarp location, as well as various volumetric measures taken. The detailed shoreline change analysis carried out at Le morne south west beaches, based on the shoreline change GIS analysis were identified. The south east to south west beach is marked by shoreline erosion occupied by man-made features, Public beach which is characterized by slight erosion with minor and localized accretion areas. Comparisons among variation of erosion, accretion and shoreline change areas were carried out for the five time periods. Results indicate similarity of trends of erosion, accretion, erosion hotspot and shoreline change areas calculated from aerial photos and satellite images. More over the observation of physical coastal process, coral ecosystem, near shore topography observation made, finally integrated coastal hazard map prepared. At end of the research work describes coastal improvement and coastal zone management.

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