Long-Term Coastal Erosion Vulnerability Assessment in Kuala Rompin Using Remote Sensing (2003-2023)

Abstract

Coastal erosion is a severe environmental threat, impacting many coastal areas worldwide. The increasing rate and severity of erosion occurrences can be attributed to natural and human sources. Coastal erosion is becoming more prevalent through rising sea levels, climate change, and human activities, including urbanisation and unsustainable coastal development. This study examines the geographical and chronological patterns of coastal erosion along the shoreline of Kuala Rompin, Pahang, for a long-term period, specifically from 2003 to 2023. Over the past twenty years, coastline features and coastal erosion rates have been revealed by utilising Landsat satellite optical imagery. Additionally, with the desired satellite revisit timeframe, the combination of high-resolution multispectral data and advanced GIS spatial analysis tools enables comprehensive change detection to assess the coastal landscape’s dynamic pattern and vulnerability rate. Data analysis indicates an average erosion rate of -0.476 meters per year, with significant variability along the coastline. Besides that, this study also delved deeper into the relationship between environmental factors and the likelihood of erosion, offering valuable insights into the factors that caused changes in the coastal area. The utilisation of GIS and remote sensing images in this study provided a flexible and adaptable framework in the form of classified remote sensing images and GIS models complete with analysis for evaluating the susceptibility of coastal areas in different regions, promoting a wider range of potential applications for the research findings to aid other departments in mitigating and preventing coastal erosion in the area. The findings provide an enhanced comprehension of the dynamics of coastal erosion around Kuala Rompin, facilitating well-informed decision-making for implementing sustainable methods in coastal management. In summary, this research can serve as a significant reference for environmental scientists, policymakers, and coastal management practitioners involved in addressing the effects of erosion on susceptible coastal regions.