Innovative technique of predicting shoreline change in developing countries: Case of accra erosion and causal factors

Kwasi Appeaning-Addo, Emmanuel Lamptey

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The world over, coastal zones are known to support a wide range of critical habitats, unique biodiversity, host 50% of human populations and site development projects. These make coastal zones quite complex, dynamic and fragile and therefore challenging to manage. Shoreline status assessment is an invaluable tool for coastal resource management given the escalating impacts of emerging global geophysical changes, such as rising sea levels, and rapid coastal development. In this contribution, shoreline change detection of Accra, Ghana was modeled with an innovative technique that combined dated historic maps, aerial photography, satellite imagery, conventional or global position system (GPS) ground surveys and laser altimetry data. Such a technique shows the relative response of coastal geomorphic features and geology to coastal processes. The results of the assessment revealed that the Accra shoreline has receded at an average rate of 1.13 m/year, which is attributable to several factors. This rate of change poses a looming threat to coastal lands and infrastructure in the zone. Essentially, this study demonstrate that reliable historic erosion rates can be estimated using the proposed technique for developing nations where geospatial data is scarce. These findings have important implications for formulating reliable and sustainable coastal management strategies in developing countries.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCoastal Research Library
PublisherSpringer
Pages367-402
Number of pages36
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013

Publication series

NameCoastal Research Library
Volume1000
ISSN (Print)2211-0577
ISSN (Electronic)2211-0585

Keywords

  • Coastal erosion
  • Littoral drift
  • Root mean square error
  • Shoreline change
  • Shoreline position

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