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Tsunami Vulnerablity Mapping Along Kerala Coast, South India Using SRTM DEM, Near-Shore Bathymetry, Wave Dynamics And Coastal Geomorphology.
S. Sanjeevi
Professor
Earth Observation Group, Department of Geology,
Anna University, India
sanjeevi_annauniv@yahoo.co.uk
Sarunjith
Post-Graduate Student
Earth Observation Group, Department of Geology,
Anna University, India
sarunjith@yahoo.com
Abstract :
Effective coastal zone management may be achieved only when we can realize the vulnerability of the coast to the multi-hazard situation prevalent there. Certain coastal stretches of Kerala state in south India are vulnerable to the effects of Tsunami and this has been demonstrated during the recent episode in December 2004. The vast expanse of backwaters (Kayals) adds to the vulnerability of these stretches. For efficient planning and mitigating the effects of future tsunami, a map showing the various zones of vulnerability along the Kerala coast is required. The factors that influence the landward inundation due of Tsunamis and the consequent damage include: wave height and dynamics, configuration of the coast, elevation of the coastal area, presence of headlands, shape/configuration of the beach and coastal bathymetry. The geomorphic units including the backwaters also have a key role in deciding the vulnerability of an area to tsunami inundation. This paper considers the factors that influence inundation due to tsunami along the coast and analyses these factors in a GIS environment. The resulting map clearly indicates the areas that are at high, moderate and low risk. The highlight of this paper is the computation of tsunami run-up for the Kerala coast based on the DEM derived from SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission) data. The zonation map generated using remote sensing and GIS tools can thus serve as an initial input for effective management by the coastal managers and planners in the vulnerable regions.
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