Author(s)-Thanikachalam.M

ABSTRACT
Coral reefs are highly sensitive and productive marine ecosystem. The increasing human population and their activities and other natural factors have caused the degradation of coral reefs. The IRS LISS-II (1988) and IRS LISS-III (1998) satellite data with GIS and ERDAS software were used for mapping coral reef, change detection and of coral reef zonations. Digital and visual techniques were used to map the coral reefs. Visual classification shows that 25 km2 of coral reef area in Gulf of Mannar has been lost over a period of ten years.  Digital classification of IRS LISS-III date using Principle Component Analysis was found to be more suitable for coral reef zonation.

Read full text