Recent Changes in Coastal Configuration of Henry's Island

The swampy intertidal zone and part of the backshore of Henry's Island coast of 1969 have now been submerged. Topographic surveys, analysis of textural and palynological character of sediments coupled with time-series analysis of shoreline change show phasewise erosion. This has resulted in ingression of sea. Modern sands, transported from near coastal seabed, are being deposited over the ancient clayey silt bed depending on retreat of high water line and relief. The shoreline has been retreated by about 450 m to 1 km. Pollen of Liliceae, Pteris, Microthyriod, Excoecaria and Rhizophora in the subsurface sediments indicate the swampy nature of the earlier coast.