Multidate satellite data for study of dynamics of coastal landforms of Uttara Kannada, South India

. The Uttara Kannada coast in the State of Karnataka lying on the west coast of India, characterized by diverse terrains with widely differing structures, is an important region for many developmental activities. In order to understand its coastal landforms, and their seasonal and long term dynamics, multidate satellite data of SPOT and IRS have been studied along with the Survey of India toposheet from 1976-77 as the baseline. In the present study approximately 100 km of the coast of the Uttara Kannada district has been covered. Coastal landforms were mapped and the dynamics were assessed using satellite, collateral data and field observations. The study revealed that the coast is studded with several estuaries and creeks that support extensive mudflats, which are being used for salt production and aquaculture activities. The coast is also marked by spectacular cliffs/headlands, bays, beaches, sand dunes, spits, offshore islands, bars/shoals and river islands. The multidate data have indicated that the coast has not undergone major seasonal changes except a few modifications in the configuration and location of spits, shoals, bars mouths, etc. However, long term changes have occurred along estuarine mouths, spits, beaches and pocket beaches. Such changes are linked to the variations in the outflow from the rivers, nature, type and composition of landforms and their interaction with coastal processes operating in the study area. The study has revealed that the coast has not undergone any significant progradation or retrogration during the past two decades under study.