MANGROVE: Mapping and Analyzing the Geomorphological Roles of Mangrove Vegetation and its contribution to erosion control for sustainable coastal development in Baganga, Davao Oriental

University of Southeastern Philippines, BS in Geology Program, Davao City, Philippines

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Coastal geomorphology in typhoon-prone regions of the Philippines is increasingly threatened by erosion and shoreline retreat, compounded by population growth, anthropogenic pressures, and the degradation of mangrove ecosystems. Mangrove forests, due to their sediment-trapping capacity and wave attenuation function, serve as natural buffers that enhance shoreline stability. This study assesses the geomorphological role of mangroves in mitigating coastal erosion along the shoreline of Baganga, Davao Oriental. Multi-temporal satellite imagery from 2000 to 2025 was analyzed to quantify changes in mangrove distribution and shoreline position. Mangrove coverage was mapped using the Post-Classification Change Detection, which works by carefully comparing each image pixel by pixel to detect changes in land cover types, such as mangroves, across different layers, often requiring the classifications to be resampled to a common resolution and grid to ensure accurate comparisons. Shoreline dynamics were assessed using the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS), applying Net Shoreline Movement (NSM), End Point Rate (EPR), and Linear Regression Rate (LRR) to evaluate patterns of erosion and accretion.