Spatial and Temporal Variations in Shoreline Changes of the Niger Delta during 1986–2019

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyse the shoreline movement of the Niger delta, specifically focusing on the spatial pattern of the delta’s shoreline behaviour during 1986–2019. We employed satellite data of medium spatial resolution (20–30 m) to delimit the delta shorelines representing specific time in order to determine the rates of the delta shoreline migration. Our results show that the delta shoreline has changed nearly in equal proportion between erosion (50.3%) and accretion (49.7%), at mean (maximum) rates of 3.9 m/yr. (26 m/yr.) of erosion, and 4.0 m/yr. (27 m/yr.) of accretion. Further analysis indicates that the highest shoreline migration is seaward (>200 m) though the ratio of the shoreline distance in recession (54%) exceeds that which is in accretion. Our analysis did not reveal any entrenched spatial pattern of shoreline behaviour but rather highlights a random occurrence of hotspots in both shoreline erosion and accretion over space and time. We have also showed that by applying the statistical mean-removed shoreline approach, the overall trend of a delta shoreline movement can be vividly discriminated. In conclusion, since the Niger delta shoreline dynamics is most intense at the delta river mouths, we suggest this is likely due to the interaction between waves and river discharge in these locations.

Assessing the shoreline dynamics on Kuakata, coastal area of Bangladesh: a GIS- and RS-based approach

“…The shoreline rate change is one of the most general techniques for coastline experts, engineers and property developers to demonstrate the changing aspects and threats of the coast (Afolabi & Darby, 2022). In this study, we have considered seven shorelines having 5 years’ time intervals from 1991 to 2021 (i.e.…”

“…The shoreline rate change is also one of the furthermost vital factors in the forecast of the future shifting of the oceanfront (Afolabi & Darby, 2022). Henceforward, the rate calculated using the LRR approach was also utilized to provide a rough representation of the coastal position in the year 2041.…”

Utilizing Machine Learning and DSAS to Analyze Historical Trends and Forecast Future Shoreline Changes Along the River Niger

“…For assessing long-term shoreline changes, we utilized multi-temporal Landsat satellite data and applied Weighted Linear Regression (WLR) [29]. The weight (w) for WLR is defined as W=1/(e^2), where e represents measurement uncertainty (1).…”

“…The mighty Niger River is a cornerstone of Nigeria's socio-economic and environmental well-being, impacting agriculture, fisheries, and settlements. Shorelines along the Niger Delta have undergone significant alterations due to natural processes (sediment transport) and human activities (dams, land reclamation) [1]. Coastal erosion, relentlessly stripping away land, threatens lives, properties, and infrastructure [2].…”