Abstract
Potentiality of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) based Radar Forest Degradation Index (RFDI) combined with field observations for monitoring spatio-temporal dynamics of intertidal mudflat vegetation was assessed in this study. Five vegetation zones were delineated in the Junput mudflat of eastern India with very high classification accuracy (Kappa coefficient ≥ 0.79). Fragmentation and coalescence patterns of different vegetation zones under two plantation initiatives were also analysed by different spatial metrics. Results reveal gradual degradation of tree dominated vegetation zones and growth of shrub dominated and herbaceous ones from 2007 to 2019. Plantation of exotic species like Eucalyptus globulus and Casuarina equisetifolia along the shoreline had been found to be less effective against storms and sea surges. Conversely, native mangrove plantations and associated herbs had demonstrated remarkable growth in the intertidal areas. Based on the findings, the study pointed out that a zone-wise cum site-specific plantation strategy is needed towards developing effective bio-shields.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.