Revision of the coastline length of the Azov Sea according to remote sensing data

Abstract

The length of the coastline and area of the water body are important parameters for geographical statistical calculations, lithodynamic studies, researcher of the land-sea contact zone. Traditionally, the length of the coastline and the area of water bodies were determined by navigational or topographic maps. Both systematic errors, related to errors in mapping or different approaches to determining of coastline position, and errors, related to the high dynamics of the coastal zone, affected to accuracy of such determination. For majority of sea coasts, especially for accumulative, planimetric and highaltitude variability of the water edge position connected with sea level fluctuations or abrasive-accumulative processes is significant. High- and medium-resolution multispectral satellite imaging technologies have opened up new possibilities for clarifying of water bodies’ boundaries and areas. In addition, the theoretical understanding of the coastal development mechanisms, causes and characteristics of their dynamics has expanded significantly in recent decades. The task of this work is to clarify the current coastline length and area of the Sea of Azov. Remote data type was chosen taking into account the survey one-time for the all sea area, spatial coverage, resolution and the availability of spectral channels for accurate determination of the water-land boundary. Images from the satellite Sentinel-2 have optimal combination of characteristics. Total length of the shores of the Azov Sea in 2018 amounted to 3430 km, its area – to 40570 km2. The length of the shores of the Azov Sea without isolate parts amounted to 2100 km, its area – to 35095 km2. Analysis of the results showed that the Sentinel-2 images can be used for revision of parameters of the inland seas.