Assessing Coastal Land Dynamics Along UAE Shoreline Using GIS and Remote Sensing Techniques

Abstract

the coastal areas geomorphological characteristic is greatly active, where land accretion and erosion is a continuous phenomenon with different degrees. The temporal change in coastline location is an important sign of coastal development and it can provide quantitative and descriptive information on beach dynamics. To investigate coastal variability trends, when field-based surveys are inaccessible or absent, historical remote sensing data and GIS analysis can be effective techniques. This study focuses on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) coastline that stretches for more than 1,000 km to cover the entire coastal area of the country. Multitemporal Landsat satellite images cover more than 45 years had been used to assess the coastal land dynamics by first delineate land areas from existing water bodies accurately using GIS and remote sensing approaches. Then, quantify coastline variability by measuring erosion and accretion rates, using the statistical operations within Digital Shoreline Analysis Software (DSAS) that include, Net Shoreline Movement(NSM), Linear Regression Rate (LRR), and End Point Rate (EPR). Finally, compare and analyse these rates with the associate causes for a better understanding of the coast area dynamic nature. The study results can be a feasible management tool to help coastal planners and policymakers to consider the identified coastal dynamic trends before starting any urban development.