Change detection studies in coastal Zone features of Nagapattinam, Tamilnadu by Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System

Landuse/land cover changes have emerged as a global phenomenon and perhaps the most significant regional anthropogenic and natural disturbance to the environment. The study aided with temporal remotely sensed data for landuse/land cover mapping in Nagapattinam coastal area between 1999 and 2007 with reference to SOI toposheets to assess the changes that has taken place in the coastallanduse. The interpreted data were verified in the field and results were corrected. The major types of land cover area are agriculture land, plantations, settlement, salt affected land, aquaculture, land with shrub and sandy area. The results indicate that agriculture area is dominant landuse class in Nagapattinam coast and its surroundings followed by plantation. Same time, 22.5 km² of salt affected area increased due to brackish water aquaculture and tidal inundation. The major geomorphic features identified are deltaic plain, mud! tidal flat, paleo-beach ridge, beach ridge, sand dune, salt flat and coastal plain. Among these, deltaic plain covers majority of the area (62.4%). The baseline information generated on land use pattern and geomorphology of the area would be of immense help for protecting the coastal environment to sustainable development. The study recommends the use of satellite imagery for effective environmental monitoring and assessment.