Grain size parameters and heavy minerals as indicators of depositional environment: A case study of beach sediments from Goa

Abstract

Beach morphological and sediment characteristics studied between the Tiracol and Chapora Rivers show non-uniformity. Heavy mineral suite identified in this area proves the provenance to be mainly the catchment area of the two rivers. Heavy minerals could be divided into high density and low density. Spatially the high density heavy minerals are concentrated near the river mouths and low density minerals farther away. Across the beach, the coarse sediments and high density heavy minerals are concentrated near the berm crest/high water line. During the monsoon, high density heavy minerals remain within the beach, whereas low density heavy minerals are removed. The 22 km coastal stretch studied presents different energy domains. The combined action of the river discharge and the presence of rocky promontories modify the incoming sea waves to a great extent by dissipating their energy and thus control the morphology. grainsize characteristics and heavy mineral distribution within the beaches.