Study of coastal erosion along karnataka coast

Abstract

In the recent years, it is quite common that with the onset of monsoon, a lot of hue and cry is raised by the people who are living along the coast line about erosion and damage to property. In order to monitor the actual extent of this problem along the Karnataka coast and to find the causes of erosion, a detailed analysis of the available data and field study of beach profiles were taken up. From the detailed study, it can be concluded that there are significant natural changes that occur in river mouths in Karnataka coast. This assumes serious proportions when these areas are encroached by population. Coastal erosion, if any on Karnataka coast, is due to direct wave action. In certain stretches, there is concentration of wave energy due to refraction and these areas are more vulnerable to erosion. Beaches adjacent to coast parallel rivers are also more vulnerable to erosion due to higher water tables that exist when the rivers flow full in monsoon. Littoral drift and sea level changes do not pose any problems in Karnataka coast. 2002 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.