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Assessing the Extent of Saltwater Intrusion in a Tropical Coastal Environment Using Radar and Optical Remote Sensing

Bell, Darren, Menges, CH and Bartolo, R (2001). Assessing the Extent of Saltwater Intrusion in a Tropical Coastal Environment Using Radar and Optical Remote Sensing. Geocarto International,16(3):45-52.

Document type: Journal Article
Citation counts: Scopus Citation Count Cited 1 times in Scopus Article | Citations

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Title Assessing the Extent of Saltwater Intrusion in a Tropical Coastal Environment Using Radar and Optical Remote Sensing
Author Bell, Darren
Menges, CH
Bartolo, R
Journal Name Geocarto International
Publication Date 2001
Volume Number 16
Issue Number 3
ISSN 1010-6049   (check CDU catalogue open catalogue search in new window)
Scopus ID 2-s2.0-79952036344
Start Page 45
End Page 52
Total Pages 8
Place of Publication Hong Kong China
Publisher Geocarto International Centre
HERDC Category C1 - Journal Article (DEST)
Abstract The Alligator River Region (ARR) of the Northern Territory, Australia, has been identified as being particularly susceptible to saltwater intrusion. The Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory (PWCNT) have attempted to restrict the intrusion and preserve the natural environment by creating physical earth barrages. A consequence of the intrusion is the conversion of freshwater paperbark (Melaleuca spp.) swamps into extensions of the mangrove margin. During this process stands of dead Melaleuca result and juvenile mangroves (primarily Avicennia marina) invade and establish in the affected areas. The use of Airborne Polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar (AirSAR) fused with Thematic Mapper (TM) is investigated as a means for mapping Melaleuca dieback as a measure of the extent of the saltwater intrusion. Individually the sensors cannot map areas of salt affected Melalecua as there is confusion with other cover types in the study area. The combined data set were evaluated for the most useful components of the optical and AirSAR data in resolving the overlap of land cover types and a map of Melalecua dieback was produced. A total of 0.4% of the Study Area or 2.25 square km was identified as being affected by recent saltwater intrusion with an aerial assessment yielding 100% accuracy. The individual areas range from 100 to 3100 square metres and are typically located along tidal creek lines or at the edge between floodplain and woodland. The high identification accuracy using this methodology may allow the use of Melalecua dieback as a bio-indicator of environmental change in tropical floodplain systems.
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10106040108542203   (check subscription with CDU E-Gateway service for CDU Staff and Students  check subscription with CDU E-Gateway in new window)
 
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