ANALYSIS OF KARACHI COAST THROUGH GEO SPATIAL TECHNIQUE FROM 2013-2022

Abstract

Climate change is a burning issue at present time. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates global mean sea levels to upsurge from 0.43 m to 0.84 m by the 21st century’s end. In the world, Pakistan is more likely to experience coastal hazards due to uncertain hydrodynamics in the Arabian Sea. Coastline erosion is one of the phenomena which are directly linked with increase in sea level rise. Karachi coastline has been delineated by the action of waves, winds, currents and tides which are the consequences of sea level rise causing immense shoreline changes. Remote Sensing techniques play a crucial role in spatio-temporal analysis. In this study, medium spatial resolution of 30m multi sensor Landsat images from 2013-2022 along the 100m coast of Karachi are providing data. For the estimation of changing coast line, a digital shoreline analysis system (DSAS) tool is utilized. From Cape Monz to Hawksbay in western coast, the rate of erosion and deposition are not indicating an alarming situation. It means anthropogenic activities are negligible in these areas. In contrast, eastern coast of Karachi like Keemari, Korangi and Port Qasim show an imbalance of sediment budget.South of Karachi depicted high accretion. In DSAS technique, out of 567 transects, 41% reported as erosional while 58% are accretional. This research will not only assist in providing data for coastal engineering but also recognition of coastal vegetation in order to maintain marine habitat .and minimize the incident and intensity of the catastrophic hazards.