Informatics Publishing Limited

G. K. Suchindan ¹, M. Samsuddin ¹, K. P. Thrivikramji ¹

Affiliations
1 Marine Science Division, Centre for Earth Science Studies, Trivandrum 695010, IN

Abstract

The coastal Zone of Kerala is characterised by typical broad strand plains and cliffed shoreline with or without a beach. A facsimile of such coastal settings have been identified between Mahe and Talapadi in northern Kerala. The strand plain consists of a series of sub parallel ridges formed by successive accretion of low narrow beach ridges parallel to the shoreline. The erosional and accretional behaviour of the beaches were monitored during a programme of field observation and survey during November 1980 to November 1981. In addition to the beach profiling at 64 survey locations, the breaker parameters and longshore currents were also monitored. It is estimated that 96.84m³/ linear meter of the beach has been eroded during the survey period.

Full Text

     

M. Samsuddin ¹, K. K. Ramachandran ¹, G. K. Suchindan ¹

Affiliations
1 Marine Science Division, Centre for Earth Science Studies, P. O. Box No. 7250, Akkulam, Trivandrum, 695 031, IN

Abstract

The cyclicity in the erosional and accretional pattern is monsoon controlled. The erosion during monsoon (May-August) and accretion during pre-monsoon (January-April) and post-monsoon (September-December) are well defined. The transport trends derived from the progressive changes in the grain-size characteristics show relatively better correlation with the measured trends where they are not influenced by the input of sediments from multiple sources. The obliquely approaching swell waves which generate intense northerly longshore currents during non-monsoon season favour accretion of the beaches. The foreshore in the accreted zones are gentler and are characterized by finer and negatively skewed sediments. This zone exhibits a higher period for the breaking waves. The converse is true in the beaches where erosion is prevalent during the monsoon season.

Keywords

Sedimentology, Grain-Size, Sediment Transport, Beach Stability, Kerala Coast.

Full Text