DYNAMICS OF MUDBANKS ALONG A COAST EXPERIENCING RECURRING EPISODES OF EROSION AND ACCRETION

The morphological states of Guyana’s coastal system, at various spatial and temporal scales, are found to be influenced by the formation and migration of mudbanks. Stationary and propagating mudbanks along the coast are investigated with the use of multiple data sources, including aerial photographs, satellite imagery, GPS measurements, and a time series of coastal profile data (1941-1987, 1992-2005). Multi-temporal data from different sources are assimilated, integrated, analyzed and visualized with a geographical information system. Six mudbanks are recognized from 1941-2005. Each mudbank had a different length and moved at a different rate in a westerly direction. Mudbanks are associated with recurring episodes of erosion and accretion. Statistical analysis of variance demonstrated significant spatial and temporal variations in the patterns and amounts of erosion and accretion along the coast.