Coastal erosion in Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh city under the condition of global climate change

Abstract

Can Gio coastal zone is composed of funnel – shaped estuaries (Soai Rap, Dong Tranh, Long Tau) and coastal line from Dong Hoa headland to Can Gio headland. Dominant dynamic geomorphic process in study area is coastal erosion by tides and waves. In the study, the using associative methods: collection of data, analysis of satellite imageries, GIS and field work is to detect and identify levels of coastal erosion. Results of this research have indicated that erosion process in study area has been taking place during several decades with moderate rate 5 – 12m/year and even 22m/year in sensitive segments. Especially, the sand dune from Dong Hoa headland to Can Gio headland, Long Tau estuary and the Eastern shore of Thanh An Island are seriously eroded. Coastal erosion in Can Gio, Viet Nam as well as throughout the world is relative to sea level rise happening gradually. Anthropogenic activities such as: Buildings of hydroelectric dams, exploitation of sand are the other factors have accelerated erosion in the area.