| Author | Ling, Jessica Lee Wan |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no. NR-94-05 |
| Subject(s) | Coastal ecology--Malaysia--Langkawi Island (Kedah)
|
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of
Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources & Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. NR-94-05 |
| Abstract | The aim of this project is to ascertain the development impact of human
activities on the natural coastal ecosystems of Northwest Langkawi, Malaysia
during the period of 1985 to 1994. Studies have been carried out on the water-shed area of Northwest Langkawi, 4,857 hectares. Change detection of the
terrestrial, intertidal and marine areas have been carried out. Remote sensing
and Geographic Information System (GIS) are used as a tool to detect the terrestrial changes. LANDSAT Thematic Mapper (February 1989 and January 1992)
and aerial photographs (1989 and 1994) are utilized in this study.
Results obtained showed that much of the landuse/cover of the study area
had undergone changes. These changes were seen highest for the primary
forest where approximately 11 .5% of the total area had been cut to make way for
development. The mangrove forest acreage was also declining. Increase in
acreage were observed for built-up areas, grasslands, baresoil, and belukar
(secondary regrowth) due to the on-going development within the study area.
However, a decrease was observed for the cultivated land. The annual sediment
load estimated for the study area was considered low, 13,542 tons per year. A
decrease in live coral coverage was observed between 1989 and 1994 resulting
in an increase in coral debris. The marine water quality of the study area showed
no changes except for the increase in sedimentation rates near the river mouths
and the reef flat. No chemical pollution was observed throughout the study period. Chemical leachings observed in 1989 data showed minimal short term impact
on the marine environment. |
| Year | 1994 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. NR-94-05 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Natural Resources Management (NRM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Kaew Nualchawee; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Suphat Vongvisessomjai ;Delsol, Jean Pierre; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | H.M. Thailand King's Scholarship ; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1994 |