Comparative evaluation of erosion accretion criteria for a tropical beach

摘要

Beach processes along the Neendakara-Kayamkulam sector on the coast of Kerala related to the offshore waves and local wind conditions are investigated. This study is based on the field observations made during March 2012 to March 2013, which indicates that a major portion of the beach is dynamically stable except for a few hot spot locations, wherein, the natural balance or equilibrium has been disturbed due to excessive mining or introduction of hard structures as a part of harbour development activities or shore protection measures. It is also observed that the condition of some of the areas which were under heavy erosion during the last decade has improved considerably or remained more or less stable in recent past probably due to the protection measures adopted.