Investigation of Nearshore Sedimentary Characteristics along the West Coast of Sri Lanka Based on the Analysis of Satellite Images and Feldspar Thermoluminescence

Abstract

This paper investigates sedimentary characteristics along the west coast of Sri Lanka based on satellite images, feldspar thermoluminescence (TL) and numerical shoreline model. Analysis of aerial photograph and satellite images first revealed significant sedimentation around Kalpitiya, the northern part of the west coast, and severe erosion in the central and southern part of the coast. Monotonous northward decrease of TL indicated the dominant northward sediment transports and also a lack of sediment supply in the central and northern part of the coast. Analysis of ALOS PALSAR data finally captured the more detailed shoreline dynamics around Kalpitiya with frequencies of several months. Based on all these findings, shoreline model was finally applied for predictions of the alongshore sediment budgets.