Modeling and remote sensing of suspended sediments in the Gulf of Kachchh, India

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of OCEANSAT-1 OCM (Ocean Color Monitor)-derived suspended sediment concentration (SSC), MIKE 21-simulated SSC, bathymetry, and tidal current speed and direction using tidal harmonic analysis to study the suspended sediments in the Gulf of Kachchh in the Arabian Sea for tidal and monsoonal changes. The spring tide and bathymetry predominantly control the sediment dynamics at Okha and Navlakhi ports as shown by the time series data. The sequential high temporal resolution of OCM-derived SSC images is near-ideal means for monitoring the Gulf. The abrupt OCM-derived SSC values were due to the combined influence of deficient monsoon in 2004, prevailing winds, and the re-suspension of bottom sediments.