Coastal Vulnerability Mapping using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques in Tuticorin Coast of Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

The southern part of the Indian peninsula of Tamil Nadu coast is potentially more vulnerable to hazards. This research aims to classify the coastal vulnerable zones of the Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu using Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI). The multi-spectral satellite data of Landsat series was used for shoreline change analysis from 1978 to 2017. The Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) software extension was used to calculate the shoreline rate-of-change statistics from multiple historic shoreline positions developed by the United States Geological Survey. The study reveals significant erosion and accretion demarcated based on DSAS computed values along the coastal stretch. The six physical variables characterizing the vulnerability of the coast, including the geomorphology, shoreline change rate (m/yr), coastal slope (deg), relative sea-level change (mm/yr), mean wave height (m) and mean tide range (m). The geomorphology map was created using Landsat OLI satellite data in 1: 50,000 scale. The Shoreline change rate was calculated using temporal satellite data. Based on the CVI value, low vulnerable to very high vulnerable areas were identified. Besides, Vembar, Periyasamypuram, Vaippar, Kallurni, Pattanamarudur areas were identified in erosion. The Muttayyapuram coast has accretion by the consequence of sediment transport from the Thamiraparani estuary. The coastal zones are highly fragile for dynamic nature and resource. The sources of anthropogenic and natural processes are accelerating the erosion and accretion along the coast. Hence the vulnerability map prepared for the southeast coast of India and it can be most helpful for stakeholders and future coastal disaster mitigation and management.