Analysis of the sedimentary characteristics of the tees estuary using remote sensing and GIS techniques

Abstract

This thesis examines the ability of airborne remotely sensed data to provide quantitative information about the characteristics of intertidal sediments. The research was undertaken on Seal Sands in the Tees estuary, UK, and the airborne imagery was acquired by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) using a Daedalus 1268 11 channel scanning radiometer. The research focused upon establishing calibration and correction procedures for the airborne imagery as well as developing GIS techniques to process and analyze the data. A database was produced for the National Nature Reserve of Seal Sands to integrate remotely sensed imagery data, primary data from fieldwork (particle size analysis) and digital map data. Quantitative analysis of the relationship between radiance and particle size characteristics was undertaken. Results show that a multiple regression model is able to predict sand fractions in intertidal sediments and explain over 70% of the variance in radiance data. GIS techniques have facilitated predictions of the ATM data and particle size analysis of the intertidal sediments, sediment interpolation, and spatial patterns of birds' feeding behaviour. In addition, a digital elevation model (DEM) was established to investigate the relationship of sediment distribution to topography. Although limited to a single study area, the integrated approach employed in this research should be of use in monitoring estuarine environments elsewhere.