Peat Coast Erosion of the Bengkalis Island and its Effect on the Groundwater Discharge

Abstract

Erosion area, volume and particulate organic carbon emission to the ocean were calculated by the coastal erosion of the Bengkalis Island, Indonesia. In the Bengkalis Island, total of 741 ha peatland has lost from 1998 to 2013. The erosion rate of the coast is almost double in recent 5 years. Annual total of 2.6 Mm 3 of the peat and 1.2 Mm 3 of the clay have been eroded to the ocean. Annual particulate organic carbon loss from the Bengkalis Island was at the maximum of 0.13 Tg. Also, groundwater emission to the coastal area was enhanced by making constructed water way.