SYSTEMATIC STUDY OF COASTAL EROSION AHD DEFENCE WORKS ITS THE SOUTHWEST COAST Of IKDIA

Abstract

The SouthWest eoast of India is subjected to severe erosion due to attack by waves and. tidal overflow. Through the years the problem has intensified as beach front areas have become more extensively developed and subject to greater damage from the foree of the sea. More than 300 kms of the eoast is subjected to severe erosion due to constant attack by waves and tidal overflow, resulting in continuous recession, loss of valuable property and affecting many aspects of its economy* The paper presents the problem at the proper perspective. It deseribes the various physical factors of the Southwest eoast of India, namely the geomorphelogy, winds, waves, tides and currents, littoral drift, material characteristics, shore line and shore depth changes, effects of inlets and mudbanke. The study, evolution and development of different eeastal defense works and their behaviour and effectiveness is also presented.