REMOTE SENSING ANALYSIS OF COASTAL DYNAMICS DUE TO CASPIAN SEA LEVEL CHANGES AT GIZILAGHAJ STATE RESERVE, AZERBAIJAN

We examine the impact of decreasing sea levels in the Caspian Sea over a decade (2014-2023) on the coastal ecosystems and biodiversity of the Gizilaghaj State Reserve in Azerbaijan. Utilizing optical and radar satellite data from Landsat and Sentinel-1, we conducted an in-depth analysis of coastal transformations, revealing significant shifts in the coastline. As the sea level drops and the land simultaneously subsides, one might expect the shoreline to remain stable. However, our findings indicate that in areas experiencing land uplift, coupled with the decreasing sea level, the shoreline undergoes notable changes, suggesting a dynamic and evolving coastal zone. These transformations are influenced by a combination of natural geological processes, human activities, and broader climatic trends. Notably, the uplift in some areas appears to be impacted by both human activities and natural tectonic processes over time. The use of multi-sensor satellite data has provided significant insights into the dynamics of these coastal changes, reinforcing the importance of advanced remote sensing in environmental monitoring and conservation efforts. Furthermore, our research highlights the complex relationship between coastal dynamics, vertical land movements, and environmental changes. It emphasizes the urgent need for integrated, multidimensional monitoring approaches to effectively manage these intricate interactions. Recognizing these patterns is essential for creating adaptive measures that can respond to the ongoing environmental and geological developments affecting the Caspian Sea area.