Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Coastal Dynamics along the Cuddalore Taluk Coast, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Urban coasts and estuaries undergo significant changes in erosion and accretion due to both natural and human factors. This study investigated the shoreline changes along the coast of Cuddalore Taluk, Cuddalore District, from 2003 to 2023. Shoreline changes were analysed seasonally for 20 years using multi-year remotely sensed data. All data were geo referenced with the UTM projection of WGS 1984 and digitised shorelines with the FCC Colour Image. Transect lines (155–231) were generated with a 100m space and 600m length along the shore using the DSAS tool. The tool generates EPR Statistic Reports for multi-year shorelines on each transect line. Shoreline changes were classified into five classes: High Erosion, Low Erosion, Stable, Low Accretion and High Accretion, based on the EPR Statistics Report. The overall result  showed that 60% of the stable areas had coverage within a 4.7 km radius. Low erosion was 27% at 2.1 km and 0.5 km, with Low Accretion (6.4%) accumulated along the coast. However, 5.1% High Accretion was observed 0.4 km away, and High Erosion (1.3%) was observed 0.1 km away. The study has concluded that low-rate accretion occurs along the coast due to both natural and human interventions. Furthermore, scenario-based predictive models should be developed to predict long-term coastal development, including sea-level rise, changing storm frequency, and changing sediment supply. These models will support evidence-based coastal zone management, erosion mitigation planning and adaptation strategies at local and regional level.