Title: Monitoring and Modelling of Chilika Environment Using Remote Sensing Data
Abstract:The Chilika Lagoon (N 19 0 28 ’ -19 0 54 ’ ; E 85 0 06 ’ -85 0 35 ’ ) on the east coast of India in the Orissa state is the largest lagoonal system in the subcontinent and is one of the largest tropic...The Chilika Lagoon (N 19 0 28 ’ -19 0 54 ’ ; E 85 0 06 ’ -85 0 35 ’ ) on the east coast of India in the Orissa state is the largest lagoonal system in the subcontinent and is one of the largest tropical lagoons of the world. Sedimentation, both from riverine discharge and disintegration of macrophytes, choking of the outer channel, shifting of the inlet mouth, decline in water area and increase in vegetated area, and the opening of the new inlet mouth are the dominant processes influencing the cotemporary phase of lagoon transformation in the Chilika. Remote sensing offers promise in the detection and delineation of the functional elements of lagoon transformation. In order to check the deteriorating condition of the lagoon a new inlet mouth was opened on 23 September 2000. Therefore time series Indian Remote Sensing Satellite Data (IRS 1D and P6 LISS-III) along with field observations in the post mouth opening period have been used in the present study for a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the components involved in the transformation and to obtain estimates of their distribution, abundance and physical state. Long term monitoring of important water quality parameters such as salinity, temperature, depth, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, secchi depth, water nutrients, pH, total suspended solid, chlorophyll concentration etc in the time-space continuum were carried out during the period 2001 to 2006. Based on the circulation / hydrodynamics of the lagoon, the lagoon is divided into four sectors. The northern sector receives discharges of the floodwaters from the tributaries of the river Mahanadi. The southern sector is relatively smaller and does not show much seasonal variation in salinity. The central sector has features intermediate of the other sectors. The eastern sector, which is a narrow and constricted outer channel, connects the lagoon with the Bay of Bengal and the tidal effects are important in this area. Thus, due to its complicated geomorphology, the circulation in the lagoon corresponding to the different sectors is very complex. Interest in detailed analysis of the circulation, biotic and abiotic factors affecting the lake and its limnology is due to the threat to the lagoon from various factors – Eutrophication, weed proliferation, siltation, industrial pollution and depletion of bioresources. The present paper deals with the numerical simulation of seasonal circulation in the lagoon using Mike 21 hydrodynamic flexible mesh model. The model is capable of accurate simulation of tidal elevations and salinity structure throughout the lagoon and is presented in this paper.Read More
Publication Year: 2008
Publication Date: 2008-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 11
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