Abstract:
Distribution of organic matter (OM) in shelf sediments off Godavari is significantly influenced by river inputs, primary productivity, specific surface area (SSA) of sediments and hydrodynamic conditions. The OM and SSA of the sediments varied with seasons. Enrichment/depletion of OM is discussed in terms of its monomolecular coverage. Despite predominant inputs from river runoff, productivity and higher SSA, the sediments are depleted with respect to their monolayer accumulation during monsoon and pre-monsoon seasons due to relatively high energy conditions in the region. On the other hand, postmonsoon witnessed higher accumulation due to decrease in energy conditions.
