Beach dynamism v/s climate changes

Abstract

Beach studies over the globe, have gained importance either due to the dynamic changes within this environment and their effects, or due to their economic viability with respect to placer mineral deposits. In India due to its long coast line the subject has attracted many research workers. Studies carried out along a stretch of coastline on the central west coast of India showed that the different types of beaches show a remarkable significance in changes in response to wave climate affecting the coast. Since West Coast of India has a tropical maritime and monsoonal type of climate, seasonal changes are distinct. The wave climate associated with monsoon season, brings about dramatic changes in beach configuration, with extensive erosion of backshore which many a time reaches alarming limits. The fairweather season (Pre- and post-monsoon) show a constructive activity with intermittent minor erosion periods resulting in most of the beaches cyclic behaviour.