Geospatial techniques to determine Coastal geomorphology changes along the Cuddalore and Nagapattinam coast, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

This study proposes to use geospatial techniques to assess coastal geomorphological changes along the southeast coast of India, from Cuddalore to Nagapattinam. The results will provide insights into regional morphology changes and will advance our understanding of coastal evolution, sea level variations and quaternary geomorphic processes. The coastal geomorphological units of the study area comprise of the coastal zone and an older deltaic plain. Most coastal zone features have developed through erosion, accretion and other natural processes. These features can be classified as depositional or erosional. By analyzing satellite imagery from 1980 to 2020, the study identified changes in coastal geomorphological features. This information can be used to locate mineral deposits, hydrocarbon locales, groundwater targets and sites for artificial recharge and saltwater intrusion mitigation. It can also affect coastal zone management decisions.