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Geospatial analysis of long-term morphological changes in Cochin estuary, SW coast of India

DRS at CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography

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Title Geospatial analysis of long-term morphological changes in Cochin estuary, SW coast of India
 
Creator DineshKumar, P.K.
Gopinath, G.
Manimurali, R.
Muraleedharan, K.R.
 
Subject Geomorphology
Estuary
Geo-spatial technique
Shrinking rate
 
Description The Cochin estuary along the SW coast of India has undergone tremendous environmental changes due to continuous alterations. Geospatial information available since 1967 has been compiled to evaluate the long-term morphological changes. Quantification of geomorphological changes that occurred over the decades was made to have an integrated profile to ascertain the changes in the extent. Toposheet maps (1967) and satellite imageries for 2004 and 2011 have been interpreted. Quantitative comparison of inner island segments showed significant changes in island widths through time. It was found that the areas covered by the islands within the estuary during 1967, 2004, and 2011 were 81.62, 89.26, and 89.52 km2, respectively, and those covered by the water body were 130.68, 121.3, and 118.01 km2, respectively. The shrinking rate of the estuarine system was estimated to be 0.288 km2/y. About 11 km2 of island area was found to be prograded, and 3 km2 was eroded. In effect, the reduction in the aerial extent of the estuarine system was estimated to be 12.67 km2. The evolution of the western estuary margin has been characterized by a strong progradation during the past 4 decades. The results obtained conclusively show that the estuary is being inflicted with major geomorphic changes at several segments, resulting in reduction in the extent. Geomorphic differences may lead to factors in modifying estuarine flows, which ultimately affect the dynamic processes within the estuary. Observed trends of morphological changes generate concern in the background that the region may continue to remain vulnerable in the coming decades due to development pressures in the adjoining hinterlands
 
Date 2014-12-11T06:39:38Z
2014-12-11T06:39:38Z
2014
 
Type Journal Article
 
Identifier Journal of Coastal Research, vol.30(6); 2014; 1315-1320
http://drs.nio.org/drs/handle/2264/4655
 
Language en
 
Rights Copyright [2014]. All efforts have been made to respect the copyright to the best of our knowledge. Inadvertent omissions, if brought to our notice, stand for correction and withdrawal of document from this repository.
 
Publisher Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation