Mapping wetlands of the Sundaban Delta and it's environs using ERS-1 SAR data

Wetlands play an important role in bio-geochemical cycling, flood control and recharging of aquifers. They serve as a major source and net sink of carbon and a potential site for aquaculture and the breeding of waterfowls. The wetlands of Sundarban and its adjoining areas support a variety of flora and fauna and they are currently being used for fish culture. Precise information of their nature, extent and spatial distribution is a pre-requisite for their optimal utilization. Being a coastal region, the cloud-free optical remote sensing data for the area is not very often available. Synthetic aperture radar, which has the ability to penetrate cloud, permits regular and repetitive observation of the wetlands. A study was made to evaluate the potential of the ERS-1 SAR data for delineating wetlands in part of the Sundarban delta and its adjoining areas of West Bengal. ERS-1 SAR data was analysed/interpreted in conjunction with optical data, i.e., Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS-1B) data, acquired simul...