Indian Agencies Collaborate to Monitor Rip Currents Using Coastal Video Surveillance

Indian Agencies Collaborate to Monitor Rip Currents Using Coastal Video Surveillance

Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Collaboration.

Background:

  • Rip currents are hazardous coastal phenomena.
  • Lack of studies on rip currents off the Indian coast.
  • Importance of continuous monitoring for beachgoer safety.

Research Methodology:

  1. Preliminary Study:
    • Experimentation at Visakhapatnam beaches, especially RK beach.
    • Identification and continuous monitoring of rip channels.
  2. Implementation of Coastal Video Surveillance:
    • Utilizing an open-source Quantitative Coastal Imaging Toolbox (QCIT).
    • Collection of video data from temporary cameras.
  3. Data Processing:
    • Pre-processing of video data.
    • Camera calibration and rectification.

Findings:

  • Rectification Products:
    • Includes single-image products such as ‘Timex’ and pixel instruments.
    • Analysis of intensity variations in rectified frames.
  • Identification of Rip Channels:
    • Detection of persistent gaps in wave-breaking events.
    • Accurate mapping of rip channels using high-resolution satellite images.

Potential Applications:

  • Continuous monitoring of rip currents.
  • Parameters for consideration: alongshore currents, shoreline mapping, wave run-up, nearshore bathymetry.
  • Implementation of numerical modeling for enhanced predictions.

Recognition:

  • Research Paper: “Identifying rip channels along the RK beach in Visakhapatnam using video and satellite imagery analysis.”
  • Award: Best paper award for 2022 from the Journal of Indian Society of Remote Sensing.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

  1. What is the primary objective of the collaboration between INCOIS and ISRO?
    • a) To study marine biodiversity
    • b) To monitor and issue operational forecast alerts of rip currents
    • c) To explore extraterrestrial life
    • d) To study climate change
    Answer: b) To monitor and issue operational forecast alerts of rip currents
  2. Which beach was the focus of the preliminary experimental study?
    • a) Goa beach
    • b) RK beach, Visakhapatnam
    • c) Marina Beach, Chennai
    • d) Juhu Beach, Mumbai
    Answer: b) RK beach, Visakhapatnam
  3. What tool was utilized for processing video data in the study?
    • a) Adobe Photoshop
    • b) Quantitative Coastal Imaging Toolbox (QCIT)
    • c) Microsoft Excel
    • d) AutoCAD
    Answer: b) Quantitative Coastal Imaging Toolbox (QCIT)
  4. What are ‘Timex’ images used for in the study?
    • a) Calculating wave heights
    • b) Detecting rip channels
    • c) Identifying marine species
    • d) Mapping coastal vegetation
    Answer: b) Detecting rip channels
  5. What was the recognition received for the research paper based on this study?
    • a) Nobel Prize in Physics
    • b) Pulitzer Prize for Journalism
    • c) Best paper award from the Journal of Indian Society of Remote Sensing
    • d) Grammy Award for Best Music Video
    Answer: c) Best paper award from the Journal of Indian Society of Remote Sensing