Mangrove Classification in Sundarban using High Resolution Multi-Spectral Remote Sensing Data and GIS

Abstract

Mangrove is one of the most magnificent ecosystems of the coastal regions from ecological as well as biodiversity point of view. Mangrove pose real challenge to mapping due to their inaccessibility for field survey in most of the places. Multispectral optical remote sensing offers a tangible solution to this problem. In this study, the remote sensing and GIS were used to delineate and map the mangrove distribution at species level. As distribution of different mangrove species depends on the physico chemical conditions of the substrate, especially the soil salinity, the distribution of threeAvicennis species could be possible using soil salinity gradient. From the present observations, it is revealed that most of the species occupy a zone to which it is best adapted; however, there are overlapping occurrences of different species with varying ecological optima along salinity gradients.