Journal of Geology & Geophysics
Open Access

Environmental sensitivity assessment as a tool for sustainable development in coastal lagoons: Case study on Lake Brollos

International Conference on Geology

June 22-23, 2015 Florida, USA

Safaa A Ghoneim

Posters-Accepted Abstracts: J Geol Geosci

Abstract :

Remote Sensing has a great capability especially from the scope of coastal environments, as it is rapidly making visible what had previously been hidden or inaccessible. Also, it has helped overcoming most difficulties of data collection from field. Moreover obtaining up to date data and tracking changes of environmental characteristics, the GIS and Remote Sensing have provided great opportunity for integrating interdisciplinary studies and analyses, which required for environmental planning in coastal areas. On the other hand, coastal lagoons are presenting very sensitive and dynamic ecosystems which facing different natural and human challenges. From here, this paper presents a new developed technique of Environmental Sensitivity Assessment â??ESAâ??, which has been designed to meet the special features of coastal lagoons and the special requirements land use/physical planning in order to achieve sustainability in these areas. However the paper focuses on the role of GIS and Remote Sensing in this new technique, it starts with a quick introduction of the ESA, and then it moves step by step throughout the application procedure. Lake Brollos in the northern coast of Egypt was chosen as a case study for the application; and a quite long time series of satellite images (i.e. years 1984-1993-2000-2010) were used for the purposes of this study. The results show a dramatic deterioration of sensitive and productive areas; huge shrink of the water-body and the associated flora of wetlands; and accelerated erosion in certain parts of the shoreline. However the study approved that: certain areas/locations in this ecosystem are the most sensitive and significant, and they would be in the top of ES scoring list even over long period. Thus, guidelines for future land uses, development decision, and protection decision could be drawn upon clear evidence of ES for each sub area of the case study.