Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Coastal erosion is a natural process that has been exacerbated by the impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels, increased storm intensity, and changing weather patterns are contributing to the accelerated loss of coastal land worldwide. Remote sensing techniques offer valuable tools for monitoring and analyzing coastal erosion processes in a cost-effective and efficient manner. This thesis investigates the impact of climate change on coastal erosion using remote sensing techniques, with a focus on understanding the dynamics of erosion along vulnerable coastal areas. The study begins with an introduction to the background of coastal erosion and the problem statement, highlighting the increasing threat posed by climate change. The objectives of the study are outlined, including the identification of key factors contributing to coastal erosion, the assessment of erosion rates, and the evaluation of the effectiveness of remote sensing techniques in monitoring erosion processes. The limitations and scope of the study are also discussed, along with the significance of the research in addressing the urgent need for sustainable coastal management strategies. In the literature review chapter, ten key themes related to coastal erosion, climate change impacts, and remote sensing applications are explored in detail. These themes provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge in the field, highlighting gaps in research and areas for further investigation. The research methodology chapter outlines the approach taken to investigate the impact of climate change on coastal erosion using remote sensing techniques. The methodology includes data collection methods, remote sensing tools and techniques employed, data analysis procedures, and validation strategies. Eight key components of the research methodology are detailed to ensure the robustness and reliability of the study findings. The findings chapter presents an elaborate discussion of the results obtained from the analysis of remote sensing data on coastal erosion processes. The findings include assessments of erosion rates, identification of vulnerable coastal areas, and correlations between climate change impacts and erosion dynamics. The implications of the findings are discussed in relation to coastal management practices and adaptation strategies in the face of climate change. In the conclusion and summary chapter, the key findings of the study are summarized, and conclusions are drawn regarding the impact of climate change on coastal erosion. Recommendations for future research and practical implications for coastal management are provided, emphasizing the importance of integrating remote sensing techniques into monitoring and mitigation efforts. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on coastal erosion and climate change impacts, highlighting the urgency of addressing these challenges to ensure the sustainability of coastal environments in the face of global environmental change.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Investigation of the impact of climate change on coastal erosion using remote sensing techniques" aims to address the pressing issue of coastal erosion exacerbated by climate change through the utilization of advanced remote sensing technologies. Coastal erosion is a significant environmental challenge globally, leading to the loss of land, damage to infrastructure, and threats to biodiversity and human populations. Climate change, with its associated sea-level rise, increased storm intensity, and changing weather patterns, is accelerating the rate of coastal erosion, posing a severe risk to coastal communities and ecosystems. Remote sensing techniques offer a powerful tool for monitoring and studying coastal erosion processes over large spatial scales and extended time periods. By utilizing satellite imagery, aerial photography, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and other remote sensing technologies, researchers can gather valuable data on coastal morphology, shoreline changes, sediment transport, and vegetation cover along the coast. These data enable the assessment of coastal vulnerability, the identification of erosion hotspots, and the monitoring of erosion rates in response to climate change impacts. The research overview will focus on investigating the impact of climate change on coastal erosion by analyzing remote sensing data collected from selected coastal regions. The study will involve the following key components: 1. Data Collection: Gathering satellite imagery, LiDAR data, and other remote sensing datasets for the selected coastal study areas to assess coastal erosion patterns and changes over time. 2. Image Processing and Analysis: Applying image processing techniques and GIS (Geographic Information System) tools to analyze remote sensing data, extract relevant information on coastal features, and quantify erosion rates. 3. Climate Change Impact Assessment: Examining the relationship between climate change indicators (such as sea-level rise, storm frequency, and temperature changes) and coastal erosion dynamics using remote sensing-derived data. 4. Spatial Modeling: Developing spatial models to predict future coastal erosion scenarios under different climate change scenarios and sea-level rise projections. 5. Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategies: Assessing the vulnerability of coastal areas to erosion and developing mitigation strategies to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change on coastal erosion. By integrating remote sensing techniques with climate change data and coastal erosion analysis, this research aims to enhance our understanding of the complex interactions between climate change and coastal erosion processes. The findings of this study will provide valuable insights for coastal managers, policymakers, and stakeholders to develop effective strategies for sustainable coastal management and adaptation to climate change impacts.