Monitoring shoreline changes along Andhra coast of India using remote sensing and geographic information system

Abstract

A shoreline is dynamic in nature which makes the interface of land and water that offers socio-economic and cultural protection to its adjacent population. The purpose of this study was to understand long-term (1973-2015 and 2015-2057) shoreline transformation as well as the patterns of soil loss/sedimentation owing to physical and anthropogenic activities along the Andhra coast. Satellite imageries of LANDSAT from 1973 to 2015 were utilized to delineate the shoreline. Shoreline fluctuations were analyzed by Net Shoreline Movement (NSM) and End Point Rate (EPR) statistics using the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) computer software of USGS. The highest and lowest EPR of about 67.63 m/y and -43.14 m/y were recorded in the Andhra coast. The high rate of deposition was recorded in the Godavari delta, whereas Krishna delta experienced low erosion. This study establishes the use of remote sensing data and statistical techniques such as EPR and NSM for shoreline monitoring are helpful for soil loss/accretion evaluation and future shoreline prediction.