Diachronic study of coastline behavior using remote sensing: a case study of Korba beach, Tunis

This study analyzed the spatiotemporal changes of the Korba coastline over 18 years using LANDSAT 5 and 7 and Sentinel 2A imagery. The research, focused on 2004–2022, used consistent spring tide conditions for image selection and processing. Following radiometric and geometric corrections, the LANDSAT imagery employed the normalized differential water index (NDWI) for land–water differentiation, while Sentinel 2A imagery used histogram-based pixel classification. Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) software validated the shoreline position changes. Using Earth Observation Point Reference (EPR) techniques, both regression and transgression in the study area were identified. In subsequent stages, comparisons were based on the 2004 topographic survey data and Landsat 7 imagery, emphasizing the consistent spring tide phase. Preliminary results from the study showcased minor variations in the coastal landscape, thus affirming the efficacy of high-resolution remote sensing methodologies for coastline monitoring. The synchronization of data acquisition with consistent tidal phases emerged as a crucial factor in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the findings. This research not only contributes valuable insights into the spatiotemporal dynamics of the Korba coastline but also underscores the significance of methodological rigor in remote sensing applications along tidal phases for environmental monitoring.