Sedimentological and Clay Mineral Studies of Kumbla-Shiriya Estuary, West Coast of India

Four sediment facies viz., sand, clayey sand, sandy clay and silty clay occur in Kumbla-Shiriya (K-S) estuary. Sediments have formed from bottom suspension and graded and uniform suspension as a result of variable hydraulic conditions in different parts of the estuary. Kaolinite+chlorite is the dominant clay mineral followed by montmorillonite and illite. Gibbsite, goethite and quartz also occur in minor quantities. It appears that the abundance and distribution of clay minerals in the estuary are controlled by the geology of the source area and the water circulation pattern within the estuary.