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Application in Coastal Ecosystems of Remote Sensing and GIS

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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Earth Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 December 2020) | Viewed by 19396

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Prof. Dr. Augusto Pérez-Alberti

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Departamento de Edafoloxía e Química Agrícola, Facultade de Bioloxía, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Galicia, Spain
Interests: coastal geomorphology; quaternary
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Dr. Xosé Lois Otero-Pérez

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CRETUS, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, School of Biology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Interests: environmental geochemistry; soil and water degradation and recovery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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The available information about dynamics and stability in coastal zones has risen substantially in the last decades as a consequence of their vulnerability in the global change context. Nevertheless, coastal areas are highly complex and heterogeneous. This limits the possibilities to have detailed knowledge of the key factors influencing their internal dynamic and temporal evolution.

On the other hand, coastal ecosystem diversity is in relation to nature, that is to say, with the lithology, climatic conditions, and the marine action. Thus, rocky coasts, dune systems, marshlands, mangroves or corals have differents dynamics and rates of changes. That said, there are connections and relationships of interdependence between them. Remote sensing and GIS are great tools for comprehensive studies. These studies can improve our knowledge of the importance of the diverse natural and anthropic factors that define and characterize each coastal ecosystem and its relation to nearby ecosystems.

Prof. Augusto Pérez-Alberti
Prof. Xosé Lois Otero-Pérez
Guest Editors

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Keywords

Characterization through Remote Sensing and GIS of ecosystems:

Rocky coasts
Beaches and dunes
Saltmarshes
Mangroves
Corals
Lagoons

Analysis through Remote Sensing and GIS of:

Coastal ecosystem evolution
Erosion processes and ecosystem variations
The impact of rising sea levels on coastal ecosystems
Integrated monitoring systems of coastal ecosystems
Dynamics and stability of coastal habitats

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

24 pages, 5462 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Pressure Level over Lentic Waterbodies through the Estimation of Land Uses in the Catchment and Hydro-Morphological Alterations: The LUPLES Method

by Daniel Morant, Christian Perennou and Antonio Camacho

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(4), 1633; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11041633 - 11 Feb 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2388

Abstract

The features of lentic waterbodies largely depend on the surrounding environment. Mediterranean coastal lagoons have been historically altered, with their catchment being highly modified for agricultural, livestock, or urban uses. Changes in land uses induce pressures that impact the waterbodies and alter their ecological status. The objectives of this paper were: to develop a methodological approach (LUPLES: Land Uses for estimating Pressure Levels to approach the Ecological Status), to quantify the main pressures on the waterbodies and to forecast the possible impacts of these pressures on their ecological status. Corine-Land Cover maps and Geographic Information System technics were used to delineate and identify land uses in the catchments. Specific algorithms were created to quantify the main pressures from land uses in the catchment and hydro-morphological alterations in the immediate basin. The values of the estimated pressure levels were correlated with ecological status indicators using metrics developed for the European Water Framework Directive. Data were obtained from European and River Basin Authorities databases. Results showed statistically significant correlations between the pressure levels quantified by the LUPLES method and the impact level detected by biological, physical and chemical metrics. This method provides a useful approach to estimate the pressure levels affecting lentic waterbodies and could be applied to approach how they could affect their ecological status. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application in Coastal Ecosystems of Remote Sensing and GIS)

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17 pages, 6312 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Natural and Anthropogenic Variations in the Large Shifting Dune in the Corrubedo Natural Park, NW Iberian Peninsula (1956–2017)

by Augusto Pérez-Alberti, Alejandro Gómez-Pazo and X. L. Otero

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(1), 34; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11010034 - 23 Dec 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3374

Abstract

This work analyzes the evolution of the large shifting dune included in the Corrubedo Natural Park from 1956 until the present day. The analysis was carried out using aerial images, orthophotographs, topographic surveys and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data. Variations were analyzed in terms of four different aspects: evolution of pathways in each period, changes in the position of the mobile dune front and the degree of vegetation cover, all between 1956 and 2017; and variations in elevation and volume of the dune system between 2001 and 2015. To analyze these aspects, geospatial and geostatistical techniques were employed, which revealed that the dune front had undergone two different phases: one until the 1980s, with a mean seaward advance of 32 m and another one between the 1980 s and 2017, when the front prograded to the continent, with an approximate mean advance of 82 m. Loss of volume, related to the expansion of the mobile dune towards the north, was confirmed in this sector. It is evident that these changes are closely linked to anthropic influence, due to sand extraction until the early 1990s and, more recently, due to an increase in the number of visitors to the Natural Park. The results obtained highlight the need to carry out detailed studies to understand the evolution of this system and to prevent further damage in the future. Moreover, based on these analyses, a strategy to improve coastal and environmental management in the Corrubedo Natural Park could be designed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application in Coastal Ecosystems of Remote Sensing and GIS)

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20 pages, 5669 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Contribution of GIS and Geochemical Proxies to Improving Habitat Identification and Delimitation for the Natura 2000 Network: The Case of Coastal Lagoons in Galicia (NW Iberian Peninsula)

by Alejandro Gómez-Pazo, Augusto Pérez-Alberti, Pedro Fraga-Santiago, Martin Souto-Souto and X. L. Otero

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(24), 9068; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10249068 - 18 Dec 2020

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1713

Abstract

The Natura 2000 network is an ambitious European project aimed at nature conservation. Nevertheless, the identification and delimitation of habitats is a complex task and simultaneously essential for correct ecosystem management. In this study we compared the current habitat delimitation and designation and the results produced by Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and geochemical proxies for the categorization of four coastal lakes in Galicia (NW Iberian Peninsula). The findings reveal important errors in the delimitation/designation. The first error is the designation of all four lakes as Coastal lagoons (habitat 1150), when geochemical data indicate that two of these lakes were always freshwater lakes and should consequently be classified as Natural eutrophic lakes (habitat 3150). Another error is of conceptual origin, because the lakes comprise a unique functional system composing of different environmental units (e.g., open water or aquatic vegetation). Subdivision into different habitats is therefore meaningless for units of negligible surface area. In addition, the designation of some habitats is very dubious according to the available data. Finally, notable changes in relation to the temporal changes of wetlands were observed. Thus, the area occupied by aquatic macrophytes increased greatly at the expense of open waters, and the increase was also reflected in the alluvial forest. This last finding indicates the importance of updating the state of Natura 2000 network in Galicia to improve habitat management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application in Coastal Ecosystems of Remote Sensing and GIS)

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28 pages, 6466 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tropical Cyclone Landfall Frequency and Large-Scale Environmental Impacts along Karstic Coastal Regions (Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico)

by Victor H. Rivera-Monroy, Luis M. Farfán, Luis Brito-Castillo, Jorge Cortés-Ramos, Eduardo González-Rodríguez, Eurico J. D’Sa and Jorge I. Euan-Avila

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(17), 5815; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10175815 - 22 Aug 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5046

Abstract

Tropical cyclones (TCs) are natural systems that develop over ocean basins and are key components of the atmospheric activity during the warm season. However, there are still knowledge gaps about the combined positive and negative TC impacts on the structure and function of coastal socio-ecosystems. Using remote sensing tools, we analyzed the frequency, trajectory, and intensity of 1894 TCs from 1851–2019 to identify vulnerable “hotspots” across the Yucatan Peninsula (YP), Mexico. A total of 151 events hit the YP, with 96% of landings on the eastern coast. We focused on three major hurricanes (Emily and Wilma, 2005; Dean, 2007) and one tropical storm (Stan, 2005) to determine the impacts on cumulative precipitation, vegetation change, and coastal phytoplankton (Chl-a) distribution across the YP. Despite a short inland incursion, Wilma’s environmental damage was coupled to strong winds (157–241 km/h), slow motion (4–9 km/h), and heavy precipitation (up to 770 mm). Because of an extensive footprint, Wilma caused more vegetation damage (29%) than Dean (20%), Emily (7%), and Stan (2%). All TCs caused a Chl-a increase associated to submarine discharge and upwelling off the peninsula coastlines. Disaster risk along the coast underscores negative economic impacts and positive ecological benefits at the regional scale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application in Coastal Ecosystems of Remote Sensing and GIS)

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25 pages, 7359 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Estuarine Mapping and Eco-Geomorphological Characterization for Potential Application in Conservation and Management: Three Study Cases along the Iberian Coast

by María Aranda, Francisco Javier Gracia and Gloria Peralta

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(13), 4429; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10134429 - 27 Jun 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3002

Abstract

Geomorphological changes in recent decades in three estuaries along the Iberian coast were analysed using aerial orthophotographs. A hierarchical classification scheme, based on a literature review representing 26 estuarine eco-geomorphological features relevant to estuarine dynamics and functioning, is described. The estuaries selected were San Vicente de la Barquera (N Spain), Guadiana River (SW border between Spain and Portugal) and the Ebro River Delta mouth (NE Spain). For these systems, a 60-year time series of high-resolution maps was developed, analysing the changes in feature surfaces. The main subsystems analysed were beach, dunes, saltmarshes and the drainage network. The results of the cartographies showed general behaviour common to all transitional systems, relationships among main subsystems and processes inherent to each one. This work illustrates how beaches and dunes serve as a protective barrier for the tidal flats, acting as a sediment buffer for the entire system. The subsystems are connected by the drainage network responsible for the exchange of matter and energy between them. Furthermore, an accuracy assessment was performed in one of the study zones to identify the limitations of mapping with aerial photographs. The results explain the changes with time but also the processes and relationships between the estuarine features at a long-term scale. This work adds an important perspective towards a general understanding of their dependence on intrinsic and boundary conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application in Coastal Ecosystems of Remote Sensing and GIS)

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17 pages, 5007 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Remote Sensing of Time-Varying Tidal Flat Topography, Jiangsu Coast, China, Based on the Waterline Method and an Artificial Neural Network Model

by Yanyan Kang, Wanting Lv, Jinyan He and Xianrong Ding

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(10), 3645; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app10103645 - 25 May 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2998

Abstract

Measurement of beach heights in the intertidal zone has great importance for dynamic geomorphology research, coastal zone management, and the protection of ecological resources. Based on satellite images, the waterline method based on satellite images is one of the most effective methods for constructing digital elevation models (DEMs) for large-scale tidal flats. However, for fast-changing areas, such as Tiaozini in the Jiangsu coast, timely and detailed topographical data are difficult to obtain due to the insufficient images over a short period of time. In this study, as a supplement to the waterline method, an artificial neural network (ANN) model with the multi-layer feed-forward back propagation algorithm was developed to simulate the topography of variable Tiaozini tidal flats. The “7-15-15-1” double hidden layers with optimized training structures were confirmed via continuous training and comparisons. The input parameters included spectral bands (HJ-1 images B1~B4), geographical coordinates (X, Y), and the distance (D) to waterlines, and the output parameter was the elevation. The model training data were the HJ-1 image for 21 March 2014, and the corresponding topographic data obtained from the waterline method. Then, this ANN model was used to simulate synchronous DEMs corresponding to remote sensing images on 11 February 2012, and 11 July 2013, under low tide conditions. The height accuracy (root mean square error) of the two DEMs was about 0.3–0.4 m based on three transects of the in-situ measured data, and the horizontal accuracy was 30 m—the same as the spatial resolution of the HJ-1 image. Although its vertical accuracy is not very high, this ANN model can quickly provide the basic geomorphological framework for tidal flats based on only one image. This model, therefore, provides an effective way to monitor rapidly changing tidal flats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application in Coastal Ecosystems of Remote Sensing and GIS)

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