Incessant Erosion of High Tidal Mudflats in the Northern Gulf of Khambhat

Extensive erosion of high tidal mudflat along the northern parts of Gulf of Khambhat (GoK) was observed from the analysis of time series satellite images during the time period from March 2014 to September 2017. Around 28.66 sq. km area of high tidal mudflat eroded within this time period. Maximum erosion rates estimated have even peaked to about 4 km/year showing the severity of erosion. The mudflats under erosion are along the outer boundary of a meandering tidal channel connecting the Gulf with Mahi river. A possible cause of the incessant erosion of mudflats is the strong tidal currents along the outer boundary of the meandering tidal channel, that have carved the mudflats and pushed the tidal channel further landward. A subtle seasonal pattern of erosion was observed with decrease in erosion rates during the summer monsoon period when the high tidal currents are weak due to the river influx. Rapid erosion of the tidal mudflats has not only destroyed the vital habitat, but has also eventually exposed the inhabited land area to tidal flooding, making it vulnerable to erosion. The study shows the importance of assessing the stability of mudflats along the GoK, where large development activities are proposed.