Assessment of the Impacts of Sea Level Rise on Mangrove Dynamics in the Indian Part of Sundarbans Using Geospatial Techniques

Abstract

The intertidal mangrove ecosystem of Indian Sundarban is now as a critical ecosystem due to climate changeinduced sea level rise. The present study analyses the responses, migration, destruction and vulnerability of the four deltaic mangrove ecosystem, such as Jambudwip, Bulcherry, Dalhousie and Bangaduni Islands along the ocean sides. The changes in this deltaic ecosystem studied by using GIS and remote sensing with collecting data about sea level of nearest tidal gauge station Haldia (2.59 ± 1.0 mm/year) and Diamond Harbor (4.67 ± 0.68 mm/year). The study finds that if the sea level rises about mangrove surface, the mangrove retreats landward and also decline the land areas, increases soil erosion that affected in the southern and south-western part where these vulnerable mangrove islands are located. Moreover, the study indicates that the low-level mangrove islands would threaten with the rates of increasing sea level under present climate change. However, the amount of net loss is about 10009 ha at the rate of 164.08 ha per year of the four more vulnerable islands. In the context of climate change induced sea level rise there also needs long-term thinking and coastal zone management option that must have economic feasibility. Thus, the dynamics of the mangrove ecosystem in response to projected sea level rise enable to take appropriate planning for reducing threats and human safety along the coastal areas.