Coastal Morphodynamics Under The Influence Of Climate Change And Anthropogenic Activities In The Last Decade: A Study In Jepara Area, Indonesia

Abstract

Coastal areas in Jepara region have received much attention due to their unique geomorphology and long-standing human history. In recent years, the coastal areas of Jepara and Demak have gone viral on social media due to floods that recalled public memories of the Muria Strait, which disappeared several centuries ago. In this paper, we studied coastal morphodynamics under the influence of climate change and anthropogenic activity, such as land-use changes, coastal development, and resource exploitation. This study aims to find the actual morphodynamic conditions currently under the issue of climate change and increasingly massive anthropogenic activities. This study uses primary and secondary data. Data collection is based on literature study, documents, observation, and interpretation of remote sensing imagery. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive analysis supported by remote sensing analysis. Descriptive analysis was carried out using a geomorphological approach and causal thinking patterns. Meanwhile, remote sensing analysis was conducted using Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) and Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI) analysis. The results of this study show that Jepara Coastal Area has been influenced by a combination of climate and anthropogenic activities such as land-use changes, development, and resource exploitation, in the coastal area. The climate element in question is wind, which correlates with the characteristics of waves and ocean currents. In the west season, the climate is destructive, while in the east season, it is constructive. This condition causes the formation of beaches with pocket beaches. Anthropogenic activities trigger the formation of the Wulan Delta, which has an impact on the patterns that exist in the region. In the last decade, strong marine erosion has mainly occurred on the south shore. Erosion in the north also occurs but at a limited intensity. In summary, this study offers new insights into the current morphodynamics of the Jepara Coastal Area.

Keywords: Anthropogenic activities; climate change; coastal morphodynamics; Jepara coastal