Tectonic geomorphology, tsunamis and environmental hazards: reference to Andaman-Nicobar Islands

Author: Narayana, A.

Source: Natural Hazards, Volume 57, Number 1, April 2011 , pp. 65-82(18)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Geomorphic features associated with earthquakes and tsunamis have received wide attention in estimating uplift and subsidence after the tectonic event. Although various techniques are in vogue in estimating the uplift and subsidence after the 2004 Andaman-Sumatra earthquake and subsequent tsunami, remote sensing techniques have been proved to be quite handy to study the geomorphic changes. In the present study, geomorphic changes associated with the destructive event of December 2004 have been analyzed. The emergent and subsident coasts around the smaller islands in the Andaman region have been identified. The coral reef area that has been subjected to uplift or subsidence in some of the islands of the Andaman and Nicobar region is delineated, and the net areal extents of these coral beds have been computed. Of the six islands studied in Andaman region, coral reef of four islands was subjected to uplift, and around two islands the area was subsided. The uplifted area varied from 0.10 to 11 km², and subsidence was about 0.50 km². In Nicobar region, the subsidence of coral reefs was recorded. This study helps to monitor the coastal environments and the destruction due to natural hazards.

Keywords: Andaman-Nicobar region; December 2004 earthquake; Coastal uplift and submergence; Coral reefs

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11069-010-9647-x

Affiliations: 1: Centre for Earth and Space Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India, Email: acnes@uohyd.ernet.in

Publication date: 2011-04-01