Influence of Land Use and Land Cover Changes on Hydrology in Chidambaram Taluk: A Comprehensive Study on the Impacts of Changing Climate
摘要
Understanding the intricate dynamics between Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) changes and hydrology is paramount, especially within the evolving context of climate change. This present research investigates the profound influence of Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) changes on the hydrology of Chidambaram Taluk, a region frequently impacted by floods in recent years. The study spans the years 2010 to 2020, focusing on the dynamic LULC transformations occurring during two distinct periods, 2010–2015 and 2015–2020. The analysis includes key LULC classes such as Built-up, Agriculture, Forest, Waterbody, Barren land, Plantation, and Mangrove Forest, quantifying changes in their respective areas. The findings reveal notable shifts in the landscape, with Built-up (1.12%) and Agriculture (2.25%) areas experiencing steady expansion. Simultaneously, Waterbody (−1.35%) and Barren land (−2.01%) areas witness discernible contractions. In conjunction with the LULC analysis, the study incorporates a trend analysis of annual rainfall data obtained from four IMD gridded rainfall points. Strikingly, the results indicate a discernible increasing trend in annual rainfall, a trend that could significantly impact the hydrological dynamics of the region. The expansion of Built-up and Agriculture areas, alongside contractions in Waterbody and Barren land regions, underscores the transformative impact of anthropogenic influences on the landscape. Chidambaram experiences the tangible impacts of climate change through observable shifts in precipitation patterns, emphasizing the need for adaptive strategies in land use and resource management.