A study on coastal dynamics of mauritius island

Abstract

Mauritius is a volcanic island situated at latitude 20º south and longitude 58º east in newlinethe South West Indian Ocean commonly called the Mascarene region. . It has a total land newlinesurface area of about 1,865 km2, a total maritime zone of 2.3 million square kilometres, a newlinecontinental shelf of 396,000 square kilometres and an exclusive economic zone beyond its newlinecontinental shelf of approximately 1.9 million km2. The island is almost completely newlinesurrounded by coral reef which besides providing for the livelihood of the fisher community, newlineit plays a major role in the development and expansion of the tourist industry in Mauritius. newlineIn the context of the study of coastal dynamics of Mauritius island, coral reef is highlighted newlineas an important element in protecting the island from swells especially during cyclone and newlinestormy weather, A comprehensive literature review has been conducted to gather, analyse newlineand further develop ideas and research that has been conducted in this field. Literature newlinereview has been the guiding force in taking cognizance of research and development in the newlinefield of marine sciences, physical oceanography and coastal engineering. newlineThe study on coastal dynamics of Mauritius Island in its format and content has never newlinebeen attempted before and contains original database. The published paper on shoreline newlinechange rate and erosion risk assessment along the Trou aux Biches-Mont Choisy beach on newlinethe north west coast of Mauritius using GIS-DSAS technique is a first attempt for Mauritius newlineisland and has been extended to five other sites around Mauritius. This forms the basis for a newlinebird s eye view on the state of these beaches. Widespread erosion and beach retreat is newlineconcluded form the GIS-DSAS study. This serves as a basis for more in depth study at four newlinespecific sites, geographically well located to serve as reference sites for future studies. newline