Monitoring Landform Dynamics of Mahi River Estuary at Gulf of Cambay, Gujarat Using RS-GIS Techniques

Abstract: The Gulf of Cambay (GoC), the extension of the Arabian Sea, is the valuable asset and is importantfor the economic progress of the state and the nation.This study is focused on estuary of Mahi River and its tributary at Gulf of Cambay (GoC).The studiesshows arising complications of mix nature in a regiondue to several reasons.To detect and assess the decadal landform changes for the 1978-2017 time frame and Level I & II Classification System for Coastal Land Use Mapping for the geology and geomorphological features were considered. Satellite data were used in ArcGIS environment to construct the geodata sets and produce LULC classified thematic maps and geo-statistics. Statistical analysis generated were materialised to reveal the outcomes. Industries (7%), mangroves (>1%), settlements (>1%) depict a growth from 1978 to 2017. Sandbars have negative and mudflats have positive but fluctuating trend. Further association of classified and predictable features on image were established with Ground Control Points (GCP). The spatial extent of mud flats, salt encrusted land and sand bars have transformed indicating the natural parameters are under pressure over this region. The trend of fluvial water and rejuvenation through sediment flux in gulf in the recent time is declining compare to previous and in contradictory, the spatial extent of mud of marine nature and its deposition and change in its quality is striking and evident.