The Demerara Coast of Guyana consists of different physio-graphical environments continuously responding to direct wave action, wave induced littoral currents, coastal water-levels and most significantly to the propogation and migration of mudbanks-mudflats. These coastal environments have been changing continuously, determined by a process of accretion and erosion linked to the presence of large along-shore west migrating mudbanks-mudflats. This study utilises a ‘Geographical Information System’ to identify, map and monitor the spatial and temporal changes in the coastline. The objective of the study is to determine erosion/accretion patterns at different segments along the coastline of Demerara in Guyana. Data used for the study were 45 and 50 + Guyana Datum (GD) contour positions, along fixed profile survey sections that numbered 86 sections, between the periods of 1941 to 1987. Nine five-year span time-periods are established to determine net positional change between contours, total accretional and erosional areas and volume estimates to examine accretional and erosional patterns. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |