Morphostructural influence and neotectonic activity in the geomorphological configuration of southeast Paraíba and northeast Pernambuco, Brazil.

The current study provides critical insights into the field of geomorphology by examining the impact of lithological structures and tectonic activities on the geomorphological configuration of terrain and drainage networks in the southeast of Paraíba and northeast of Pernambuco, Brazil. This geographical region is characterized by phenomena of uplift and fluvial incision at various sites, yet remains inadequately explored with respect to its active deformation and the broader context of its recent geology. Therefore, the primary aim of this research is to elucidate the morphostructural and neotectonic influences on the geomorphological formations in these sectors of Brazil. The methodology encompasses morphostructural analysis, leveraging data derived from altimetry, slope, and geomorphology maps, categorized into taxonomic terrain units. Additionally, this research incorporates the use of morphometric indices, including the Stream Length-Gradient Index (SL), Valley Floor Width (VF), and Asymmetry Factor (AF) to quantify geomorphological anomalies. The analysis of the SL index indicates that a significant portion (87.5 %) of the drainage network exhibits anomalies. Furthermore, the VF index results reveal that 66 % of the profiles analyzed manifest anomalies of various magnitudes. Within the study region, the AF index elucidates the distribution of sub-basins into categories of low (0-30), medium (31-50), and high (>51) asymmetry, comprising 25 %, 31 %, and 44 % of the sub-basins, respectively. The sub-basins demonstrate channel disequilibrium, as evidenced by the SL index, attributed to numerous transient knickpoints along the drainage profiles. This observation is consistent with previous findings in the Koyna-Warna Shallow Seismic Region. The study's outcomes reveal both qualitatively and quantitatively anomalous patterns in the drainage network and terrain forms, which are likely indicative of recent tectonic events affecting the entire eastern edge of Northeast Brazil. Consequently, the findings highlight the significant role of post-Miocene tectonic events in shaping the relief of the study area.

Climate change and resilience, adaptation, and sustainability of agriculture in India: A bibliometric review.

Climate change (CC) is a global issue, with effects felt across nations, including India. The influences of CC, such as rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, and extreme weather events, have a direct impact on agricultural productivity, thereby affecting food security, income, livelihoods, and overall population health. This study aims to identify trends, patterns, and common themes in research on Climate Change and Resilience, Adaptation, and Sustainability of Agriculture in India (CCRASAI). It also seeks to illuminate potential future research directions to guide subsequent research and policy initiatives. The adverse impacts of CC could push farmers into poverty and undernourishment, underscoring the imperative to focus on the resilience, adaptation, and sustainability of agriculture in India. A bibliometric review was conducted using Biblioshiny and VoSviewer software to analyze 572 articles focused on CCRASAI from the Scopus and Web of Science databases, published between 1994 and 2022. There was an evident upward trend in CCRASAI publications during this period, with steady growth appearing after 2007. Among the States and Union Territories, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka have the highest number of published research articles. Research on CCRASAI is most concentrated in the southern plateau, the trans-Gangetic and middle Gangetic plains, and the Himalayan regions. The frequently used terms-'climate change impacts,' 'adaptation strategies,' and 'sustainable agriculture'-in CCRASAI research emphasize the focus on analyzing the effects of CC, creating adaptation strategies, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Dynamic shoreline alterations and their impacts on Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) nesting sites in Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha (India).

Currently, sea turtle habitats are being altered by climate change and human activities, with habitat loss posing an urgent threat to Indian sea turtles. Thus, the objective of this study is to analyze the dynamic shoreline alterations and their impacts on Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (ORT) nesting sites in Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary from 1990 to 2022. Landsat satellite images served as input datasets to assess dynamic shoreline changes. This study assessed shoreline alterations and their rates across 929 transects divided into four zones using the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) software. The results revealed a significant 14-km northward shift in the nesting site due to substantial coastal erosion, threatening the turtles' Arribada. This study underscores the need for conservation efforts to preserve nesting environments amidst changing coastal landscapes, offering novel insights into the interaction between coastal processes and marine turtle nesting behaviors.

Spatial analysis and machine learning prediction of forest fire susceptibility: a comprehensive approach for effective management and mitigation.

Forest fires (FF) in tropical seasonal forests impact ecosystem. Addressing FF in tropical ecosystems has become a priority to mitigate impacts on biodiversity loss and climate change. The escalating frequency and intensity of FF globally have become a mounting concern. Understanding their tendencies, patterns, and vulnerabilities is imperative for conserving ecosystems and facilitating the development of effective prevention and management strategies. This study investigates the trends, patterns, and spatiotemporal distribution of FF for the period of 2001-2022, and delineates the forest fire susceptibility zones in Odisha State, India. The study utilized: (a) MODIS imagery to examine active fire point data; (b) Kernel density tools; (c) FF risk prediction using two machine learning algorithms, namely Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF); (d) Receiver Operating Characteristic and Area Under the Curve, along with various evaluation metrics; and (e) a total of 19 factors, including three topographical, seven climatic, four biophysical, and five anthropogenic, to create a map indicating areas vulnerable to FF. The validation results revealed that the RF model achieved a precision exceeding 94 % on the validation datasets, while the SVM model reached 89 %. The estimated forest fire susceptibility zones using RF and SVM techniques indicated that 20.14 % and 16.72 % of the area, respectively, fall under the "Very High Forest Fire" susceptibility class. Trend analysis reveals a general upward trend in forest fire occurrences (R2 = 0.59), with a notable increase after 2015, peaking in 2021. Notably, Angul district was identified as the most affected area, documenting the highest number of forest fire incidents over the past 22 years. Additionally, forest fire mitigation plans have been developed by drawing insights from forest fire management strategies implemented in various countries worldwide. Overall, this analysis provides valuable insights for policymakers and forest management authorities to develop effective strategies for forest fire prevention and mitigation.

Multi-datasets to monitor and assess meteorological and hydrological droughts in a typical basin of the Brazilian semiarid region.

This study analyzed the meteorological and hydrological droughts in a typical basin of the Brazilian semiarid region from 1994 to 2016. In recent decades, this region has faced prolonged and severe droughts, leading to marked reductions in agricultural productivity and significant challenges to food security and water availability. The datasets employed included a digital elevation model, land use and cover data, soil characteristics, climatic data (temperature, wind speed, solar radiation, humidity, and precipitation), runoff data, images from the MODIS/TERRA and AQUA sensors (MOD09A1 and MODY09A1 products), and soil water content. A variety of methods and products were used to study these droughts: the meteorological drought was analyzed using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) derived from observed precipitation data, while the hydrological drought was assessed using the Standardized Soil Index (SSI), the Nonparametric Multivariate Standardized Drought Index (NMSDI), and the Parametric Multivariate Standardized Drought Index (PMSDI). These indices were determined using water balance components, including streamflow and soil water content, from the Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model, and evapotranspiration data from the Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL). The findings indicate that the methodology effectively identified variations in water dynamics and drought periods in a headwater basin within Brazil's semiarid region, suggesting potential applicability in other semiarid areas. This study provides essential insights for water resource management and resilience building in the face of adverse climatic events, offering a valuable guide for decision-making processes.

A multi-temporal analysis of shoreline dynamics influenced by natural and anthropogenic factors: Erosion and accretion along the Digha Coast, West Bengal, India.

This investigation analyzed shoreline evolution along India's Digha Coast from 1992 to 2022, using multispectral Landsat satellite images and the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS). Methods included identifying zones and transects, shoreline extraction, and applying spatial statistical techniques. The study area, divided into five zones with 587 transects, enabled both short- and long-term analysis. Key findings indicate that the mean long-term rate of shoreline change is -0.54 m per year, with 70.70 % of transects experiencing erosion and 29.30 % accretion. Notably, Zone V had the highest accretion rate (8.55 m/year), while Zone III faced the most erosion (-7.47 m/year). Short-term analysis from 1997 to 2017 indicated significant erosion, contrasting with accretion during 1992-1997 and 2017-2022. Particularly, Zones II, III, and IV underwent major erosion, especially from 1997 to 2002. The study underscores the need for continuous shoreline management strategies and demonstrates geospatial technology's effectiveness in capturing coastal landscape changes.

Coastal evolution and future projections in Conde County, Brazil: A multi-decadal assessment via remote sensing and sea-level rise scenarios.

Global sea levels, having risen by approximately 20 cm since the mid-19th century, necessitate a critical examination of their impacts on shoreline dynamics. This research evaluates the historical (1985-2022) and future shoreline changes in Conde County, Paraíba State, Brazil, an area of significant touristic interest. Employing Landsat satellite imagery, the study utilized the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) and a Kalman filter algorithm for cloud removal, while also assessing land use and land cover changes using data from the MapBiomas Project for 2000, 2010, and 2020. These analyses informed projections of potential inundation under various sea-level rise (SLR) scenarios: 1, 2, 5, and 10 m. Key findings revealed a negative average coastline change rate of -0.27 m/year from 1985 to 2022, indicative of erosive trends likely accelerated by human activities. Long-term projections for 2032 and 2042 anticipate continued erosion in areas identified as highly vulnerable. The SLR scenario analysis underscores the urgent need for adaptive climate measures; while a 1- or 2-meter SLR presents limited immediate effects, a 5-meter rise could lead to significant inundation across key sectors, including urban and agricultural landscapes. The projected severity of a 10-meter SLR necessitates immediate, comprehensive interventions to safeguard both natural and human systems.

Geo-ecological, shoreline dynamic, and flooding impacts of Cyclonic Storm Mocha: A geospatial analysis.

This research comprehensively assesses the aftermath of Cyclonic Storm Mocha, focusing on the coastal zones of Rakhine State and the Chittagong Division, spanning Myanmar and Bangladesh. The investigation emphasizes the impacts on coastal ecology, shoreline dynamics, flooding patterns, and meteorological variations. Employed were multiple vegetation indices-Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), Modified Vegetation Condition Index (mVCI), Disaster Vegetation Damage Index (DVDI), and Fractional Vegetation Cover (FVC)-to evaluate ecological consequences. The Digital Shoreline Assessment System (DSAS) aided in determining shoreline alterations pre- and post-cyclone. Soil exposure and flood extents were scrutinized using the Bare Soil Index (BSI) and Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI), respectively. Additionally, the study encompassed an analysis of microclimatic variables, comparing meteorological data across pre- and post-cyclone periods. Findings indicate significant ecological impacts: an estimated 8985.46 km2 of dense vegetation (NDVI >0.6) was adversely affected. Post-cyclone, there was a discernible reduction in EVI values. The mean mVCI shifted negatively from -0.18 to -0.33, and the mean FVC decreased from 0.39 to 0.33. The DVDI underscored considerable vegetation damage in various areas, underscoring the cyclone's extensive impact. Meteorological analysis revealed a 245 % increase in rainfall (20.22 mm on May 14, 2023 compared to the May average of 5.86 mm), and significant increases in relative humidity (14 %) and wind speed (205 %). Erosion was observed along 74.60 % of the studied shoreline. These insights are pivotal for developing comprehensive strategies aimed at the rehabilitation and conservation of critical coastal ecosystems. They provide vital data for emergency response initiatives and offer resources for entities engaged in enhancing coastal resilience and protecting local community livelihoods.

Assessment of macrobenthos diversity and a zoning proposal for Seixas coral reefs (northeastern Brazil).

Coral reefs worldwide are under severe threat due to their inherent fragility and urgent need for conservation. The escalating tourism in coral reefs significantly impacts the marine ecosystem's biodiversity and conservation. This study analyzed the diversity and conservation status of macrobenthos in the Seixas coral reef, located in northeastern Brazil, and proposed a zoning plan. We employed monitoring protocols adapted from the Reef Check Program, the Rapid Assessment Protocol for Atlantic and Gulf Reefs, and the Protocol for Monitoring Coastal Benthic Habitats. Species identification was carried out by analyzing 25 transects, each divided into 1 m2 grids, with photos recorded for each grid, totaling 625 photos. Margalef, Shannon-Weaver, Simpson, and Pielou indices were used to analyze species distribution and diversity. The results indicated Dictyotaceae, Sargassaceae, and Corallinaceae as prevalent families. This research offers decision-makers a snapshot of species distribution in the Seixas coral reefs, providing a non-destructive, efficient methodology for assessing environmental impacts on coastal coral reefs.

Analysis of marine diversity and anthropogenic pressures on Seixas coral reef ecosystem (northeastern Brazil).

Coral reefs, vital and ecologically significant ecosystems, are among the most jeopardized marine environments in the Atlantic Ocean, particularly along the northeastern coast of Brazil. The persistent lack of effective management and conservation has led to fragmented information on reef use and pressures, hindering the understanding of these ecosystems' health. Major difficulties and challenges include inadequate data, diverse anthropogenic pressures, and the complex interaction between marine species. This study sought to bridge this knowledge gap by conducting a comprehensive analysis of marine diversity and anthropogenic pressures, specifically focusing on Seixas coral reef near João Pessoa city, an area notably impacted by tourism. Utilizing 25 monitoring transects, subdivided into 1 m2 quadrants, the marine diversity was meticulously evaluated through innovative procedures including (a) sedimentological and geochemical field surveys, (b) application of Shannon-Weaver diversity and Simpson dominance indices, (c) cluster analysis, (d) species identification of macroalgae, coral, and fish, and (e) an examination of anthropogenic interactions and pressures on the coral reef. The assessment encompassed three distinct zones: Back Reef, Reef Top, and Fore Reef, and identified a total of 25 species across 15 genera and 10 fish families. The findings revealed the prevalence of brown macroalgae, fish, and coral, with heightened abundance of red macroalgae in the Fore Reef, which also exhibited the greatest diversity (2.816) and dominance (0.894). Original achievements include the identification of specific spatial variations, recognition of the anthropogenic factors leading to ecological changes, and the formulation of evidence-based recommendations. The study concludes that escalating urbanization and burgeoning daily tourist visits to the reef have exacerbated negative impacts on Seixas coral reef's marine ecosystem. These insights underscore the urgent need for strategic planning and resource management to safeguard the reef's biodiversity and ecological integrity.

Assessment of hybrid machine learning algorithms using TRMM rainfall data for daily inflow forecasting in Três Marias Reservoir, eastern Brazil.

This study investigates the application of the Gaussian Radial Basis Function Neural Network (GRNN), Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), and Multilayer Perceptron Optimized by Particle Swarm Optimization (MLP-PSO) models in analyzing the relationship between rainfall and runoff and in predicting runoff discharge. These models utilize autoregressive input vectors based on daily-observed TRMM rainfall and TMR inflow data. The performance evaluation of each model is conducted using statistical measures to compare their effectiveness in capturing the complex relationships between input and output variables. The results consistently demonstrate that the MLP-PSO model outperforms the GRNN and GPR models, achieving the lowest root mean square error (RMSE) across multiple input combinations. Furthermore, the study explores the application of the Empirical Mode Decomposition-Hilbert-Huang Transform (EMD-HHT) in conjunction with the GPR and MLP-PSO models. This combination yields promising results in streamflow prediction, with the MLP-PSO-EMD model exhibiting superior accuracy compared to the GPR-EMD model. The incorporation of different components into the MLP-PSO-EMD model significantly improves its accuracy. Among the presented scenarios, Model M4, which incorporates the simplest components, emerges as the most favorable choice due to its lowest RMSE values. Comparisons with other models reported in the literature further underscore the effectiveness of the MLP-PSO-EMD model in streamflow prediction. This study offers valuable insights into the selection and performance of different models for rainfall-runoff analysis and prediction.

Assessing coastal vulnerability and land use to sea level rise in Jeddah province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Sea level rise is one of the most serious outcomes of increasing temperatures, leading to coastal flooding, beach erosion, freshwater contamination, loss of coastal habitats, increased soil salinity, and risk of damage to coastal infrastructures. This study estimates the vulnerability to inundation for 2100 in coastal zones in Jeddah Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under various sea level rise (SLR) scenarios of 1, 2, 5, and 10 m. The predicted flooding was estimated using a combination of factors, including SLR, the bathtub model, digital elevation model, climate scenarios, and land use and land cover. The climate scenarios used were Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios 1.9, 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5. The results of the SLR scenarios of 1, 2, 5, and 10 m revealed that 1.6, 4.7, 14.9, and 30.6% (or 88, 214, 679, 1398 km2) of the study area's coast could be classified as inundated areas. The various SLR scenarios can inundate 3.3 to 34% of the road area/length. The inundated built-up and road areas were estimated to range between 0.31 and 0.79 km2, accounting respectively for 1.18 to 3.01% of the total class areas for 1-meter and 2-meter SLR scenarios. In contrast, the inundated area will be significant in the situation of 5 and 10 m SLR scenarios. Regarding the case of a 10-meter SLR scenario, the inundation will negatively impact the built-up and road infrastructure areas, inundating 8.9 km2, with industrial infrastructures affected by inundation estimated at 0.21 km2, followed by green space infrastructures at 0.013 km2. The spatial information based on various SLR scenario impact mapping for Jeddah Province can be highly valuable for decision-makers to better plan future civil engineering structures within the framework of sustainable development.

Multi-proxy assessment of coral reef formation and biotic-abiotic diversity in an urban coastal reef ecosystem in northeastern Brazil.

Coral reefs are habitats with high animal and mineral diversity and are subject to both climate change and anthropogenic impacts. This article presents novel and relevant data on the Seixas coral reef environment's geological, sedimentological, mineralogical, and biotic aspects in Paraíba State, northeastern Brazil. The aim of this study is to evaluate the processes of reef formation and the diversity of coral reef species in urban coastal environments in northeastern Brazil using a multi-proxy approach. Materials and methods employed to analyze the formation and diversity of biotic and abiotic species include (a) bathymetric survey, (b) collection of sedimentological, mineralogical, and granulometric data, (c) geological and stratigraphic determination, and (d) identification of biotic and abiotic species. Mineralogical slide results reveal that the Seixas Reef is a recent biogenic coral-algal carbonate formation associated with coastline evolution, high coastal sedimentation, and changes that occurred alongside sea-level rise (Holocene-Quaternary period). The diversity results indicate that benthic organism settlement occurred on a consolidated arenite base, with the fauna undergoing continuous succession processes. It can be concluded that this coral reef is highly vulnerable due to the material of its formation and comprises subsectors with high diversity (fore reef) and others with low diversity (reef top), which are affected by both anthropogenic and natural factors. Studies of this nature can contribute to understanding the evolution of coastal reefs, as their proximity to the continent makes them more vulnerable, and they experience direct physical impacts from fishing and tourist activities.

A cloud-integrated GIS for forest cover loss and land use change monitoring using statistical methods and geospatial technology over northern Algeria.

Over the last two decades, forest cover has experienced significant impacts from fires and deforestation worldwide due to direct human activities and climate change. This paper assesses trends in forest cover loss and land use and land cover changes in northern Algeria between 2000 and 2020 using datasets extracted from Google Earth Engine (GEE), such as the Hanssen Global Forest Change and MODIS Land Cover Type products (MCD12Q1). Classification was performed using the pixel-based supervised machine-learning algorithm called Random Forest (RF). Trends were analyzed using methods such as Mann-Kendall and Sen. The study area comprises 17 basins with high rainfall variability. The results indicated that the forest area decreased by 64.96%, from 3718 to 1266 km2, during the 2000-2020 period, while the barren area increased by 40%, from 134,777 to 188,748 km2. The findings revealed that the Constantinois-Seybousse-Mellegue hydrographic basin was the most affected by deforestation and cover loss, exceeding 50% (with an area of 1018 km2), while the Seybouse River basin experienced the highest percentage of cover loss at 40%. Nonparametric tests showed that seven river basins (41%) had significantly increasing trends of forest cover loss. According to the obtained results, the forest loss situation in Algeria, especially in the northeastern part, is very alarming and requires an exceptional and urgent plan to protect forests and the ecological system against wildfires and climate change. The study provides a diagnosis that should encourage better protection and management of forest cover in Algeria.

Quantitative assessment of present and the future potential threat of coastal erosion along the Odisha coast using geospatial tools and statistical techniques.

The eastern coast of India is one of the regions where most of the population resides in urban areas in the low-elevation coastal zone, making it vulnerable to frequent extreme weather events. The objectives of this study are to assess the short- to long-term shoreline changes of the Odisha coast, to understand how anthropogenic influences, and particularly extreme natural events, affect these changes, and to predict shoreline changes for 2050. This study utilized multi-temporal/spectral/spatial resolution satellite images and a digital shoreline analysis (DSAS) tool to appraise the short- (at five/six-year intervals) and long-term (1990-2019) shoreline dynamics along the coastal part of Odisha over the past three decades (1990-2019). The long-term shoreline analysis shows that the mean shoreline change is about 0.67 m/year and highlights that 52.47 % (227.4 km), 34.70 % (150.4 km), and 12.83 % (55.6 km) of the total Odisha coastline exhibit erosion, accretion, and stability, respectively. During the short-term analysis, the 2000-2005 period had the highest percentage of erosion (64.27 %), followed by the 2005-2010 period with an erosional trend of 59.06 %. The 1995-2000 period showed an accretion trend, whereas, during the last period, i.e., 2015-2019, the percentage of transects depicting erosion and accretion was almost similar. In 2050, 55.85 % of the transects are expected to show accretion, while 44.15 % would show erosion or a constant trend. The study identified the hotspots of coastal erosion along delineated study zones by synthesizing data from previous studies as well. The regional analysis of shoreline change along the Odisha coast would not only provide coastal managers with critical information on shoreline dynamics but also draw attention to vulnerable areas linked to shoreline dynamicity along the coast.

Deciphering the impact of anthropogenic coastal infrastructure on shoreline dynamicity along Gopalpur coast of Odisha (India): An integrated assessment with geospatial and field-based approaches.

Odisha's coastline supports various development activities that are critical to the state and national economy, such as oil and gas, ports and harbors, power plants, fishing, tourism, and mining that continues to not only detriment the coastal ecology but also affect the overall shoreline morphodynamics. The morphological changes are complicated processes involving both natural and human-induced drivers, but it is critical to understand how recent development activities further impact beach morphodynamics and shoreline dynamicity. The study analyzes the overall shoreline morphodynamics in response to the recent development of port and other related infrastructure for annual and decadal scale using two-dimensional (2-D) shoreline changes along with detailed 3-D beach profile volumetric changes for different studied zones along the Gopalpur coast. The results reveal that nearly all studied zones of the Gopalpur shoreline, Zone-4 (EPR = -05.64 m a-1 and LRR = -04.25 m a-1), Zone-3 (EPR = -04.51 m a-1 and LRR = -07.01 m a-1) and Zone-1 (EPR = -2.85 m a-1 and LRR = -01.46 m a-1), experienced erosion between 2010 and 2020 except Zone-2 (EPR = 24.31 m a-1 and LRR = 25.96 m a-1), which showed overall sign of deposition. The interannual shoreline analysis depicted that Zone-1 (tourist beach area) remained almost stable, Zone-2 (south of the breakwater of Gopalpur Port) showed accretion trends, Zone-4 (north side of the port) dominantly showed an erosion pattern, whereas Zone-3 (port area) showed a high level of uncertainty in the context of erosional or deposition trends. Calculated volumetric loss along the surveyed 3-D beach profiles supports these 2-D changes for all the studied zones. The results showed substantial changes in coastal morphodynamics in different studied zones of the Gopalpur region and severe erosion along its northern segment of the constructed coastal infrastructure. These findings can potentially promote effective coastal zone management and prevent further deterioration along the Gopalpur coast in future.

Deforestation and fires in the Brazilian Amazon from 2001 to 2020: Impacts on rainfall variability and land surface temperature.

Deforestation and fires in the Amazon are serious problems affecting climate, and land use and land cover (LULC) changes. In recent decades, the Amazon biome area has suffered constant fires and deforestation, causing severe environmental problems that considerably impact the land surface temperature (LST) and hydrological cycle. The Amazon biome lost a large forest area during this period. Thus, this study aims to analyze the deforestation and burned areas in the Amazon from 2001 to 2020, considering their impacts on rainfall variability and LST. This study used methods and procedures based on Google Earth Engine for analysis: (a) LULC evolution mapping, (b) vegetation cover change analysis using vegetation indices, (c) mapping of fires, (d) rainfall and LST analyses, and (e) analysis of climate influence and land cover on hydrological processes using the geographically weighted regression method. The results showed significant LULC changes and the main locations where fires occurred from 2001 to 2020. The years 2007 and 2010 had the most significant areas of fires in the Brazilian Amazon (233,401 km2 and 247,562 km2, respectively). The Pará and Mato Grosso states had the region's largest deforested areas (172,314 km2 and 144,128 km2, respectively). Deforestation accumulated in the 2016-2020 period is the greatest in the period analyzed (254,465 km2), 92% higher than in the 2005-2010 period and 82% higher than in the 2001-2005 period. The study also showed that deforested areas have been increasing in recent decades, and the precipitation decreased, while an increase is observed in the LST. It was also concluded that indigenous protection areas have suffered from anthropic actions.

Assessment of impacts to the sequence of the tropical cyclone Nisarga and monsoon events in shoreline changes and vegetation damage in the coastal zone of Maharashtra, India.

The tropical cyclones impact both the eastern and western coasts of India, causing severe socio-environmental problems. This study analyzed shoreline changes and vegetation degradation caused by cyclone Nisarga and monsoon events in Maharashtra coastal zone and Mumbai region, India. In this study, the shoreline change was studied using the Net Shoreline Movement (NSM) statistical technique embedded in the digital shoreline analysis system (DSAS) tool. The effects of the cyclone on the vegetation were mapped using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), and the rainfall distribution from Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) data. The correlation between rainfall data and vegetation loss was analyzed using geographically weighted regression. The results also show that 90% of the events were concentrated in the 80-300 mm classes, being classified as sudden increases. This cyclone caused erosion in 56.32% of the shoreline; the highest erosion level was observed along the coastal zone of Maharashtra (near Mumbai city). Cyclone Nisarga has also impacted the vegetation loss most prominently in the region, with mean EVI in pre-cyclone equal to 0.4 and post-cyclone equal to 0.2. These eco-physical studies using geospatial technology are needed to understand the behavior of changes in shoreline and vegetation and can also help coastal managers plan for resilient coastal systems after the passage of tropical cyclones.

Response of long- to short-term tidal inlet morphodynamics on the ecological ramification of Chilika lake, the tropical Ramsar wetland in India.

The long- to short-term morphodynamic response in low-lying coastal wetlands raises serious concerns worldwide about the loss of their biodiversity and ecological ramifications due to change in tidal amplitude and cyclonic events. One such place worth studying is Chilika lake, India, a prominent Ramsar site, the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia, and the second-largest coastal lagoon in the world. It experiences frequent cyclone landfalls and strong littoral drift that tends to open/close the tidal inlet. The goal of this study was to analyze the response of slow onset events such as long- (1952-2020) to short-term (~annual scale from 1989 to 2020) tidal inlet movement, shoreline change (1990-2020 with almost every five-year interval), spit morphodynamics (~annual scale from 1989 to 2020) on ecological ramification in Chilika lake as well as the implications of sudden onset event such as cyclonic landfall. In this study, we used the Digital Shoreline Change Analysis System (DSAS) to compute the statistics of shoreline change rate by calculating end point rate (EPR) values for short-term shoreline change (1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2011, 2016, and 2020) and weighted linear regression (WLR) for long-term shoreline change (1990-2020). The results show that Chilika lake experienced both erosion and accretion processes with a remarkably high erosion rate of 19.87 m year-1 and accretion of 16.91 m year-1 during a long-term scale (1990-2020). The average erosion and accretion rates were 2.25 m year-1 and 4.67 m year-1, respectively, during the past three decades (1990-2020). The short-term analysis suggests that the highest mean erosion of 4.37 m year-1 occurred during 2005-2011, mainly due to cyclonic storms, reduction in sediment discharge, and lunar eclipse, which induced tide with very high amplitude in August 2008. Overall, the annual scale analysis of tidal inlet shows a shifting trend towards the northward side even after the artificial opening of an inlet in 2000. It can be ascribed mainly to the prevalent direction of longshore drift along this coast. This study observed that the landfall of cyclones significantly affects the spit morphodynamics and opening of the tidal inlet, which defines the inflow of the seawater into the lagoon and further substantial impacts on the ecological ramification. The current study's methodology can be extended to comprehend the response of long- to short-term changes of the tidal inlet, shoreline, and spit morphodynamics on the ecological ramification of coastal lagoons worldwide along with impacts of sudden-onset events caused by cyclonic landfall.

Mining impacts on forest cover change in a tropical forest using remote sensing and spatial information from 2001-2019: A case study of Odisha (India).

Worldwide mining activities are one of the major anthropogenic activities that have caused high forest cover loss (FCL). In this study, we have quantified FCL in Odisha State due to mining activities analyzing Hansen Global Forest Change (HGFC) time series data for the period of 2001-2019 in Google Earth Engine platform. Our analysis suggests that Nabarangpur, Puri, Kendrapara, and Kalahandi districts lost more than 20% of their forest cover during this period. Rayagada and Koraput were the top two districts that recorded the highest FCL with mean change rates of 13.81 km2/year and 7.17 km2/year, respectively. The results point out that mining operations have grown in recent years in Odisha State, and the increase in these activities has contributed to the increase in FCL. This study offers a cost-effective methodology to monitor FCL in mining areas which will eventually contribute to the protection of forest biodiversity and forest dwelling tribal population.