Shoreline changes along Tamil Nadu coast: A study based on archaeological and coastal dynamics perspective

Abstract

<span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:" times="" new="" roman";="" mso-fareast-font-family:times;mso-bidi-font-family:"times="" mso-ansi-language:en-in;mso-fareast-language:ja;mso-bidi-language:ar-sa"="">Available geophysical survey data confirm submergence of a large area comprising of building complex, which are possible remains of a submerged township. A global sea level rise estimate of 1-2 mm per year would inundate up to several hundred meters of coast line over a period of 2000 years. Shore line changes have been calculated to about 497 m and 380 m at Poompuhar and Tranquebar during the last 75 years. Apart from prevailing waves and currents, past sea level change estimates, tectonic movement induced subduction, erosion from storms and palaeo-tsunamis events, are plausible reasons for the shoreline retreat. It can be said that the coastal erosion due to invasion of sea has played a major role in submergence of these structures. The present paper deals with the shoreline retreat estimates resulting from underwater explorations, past sea level changes and extreme events along the Tamil Nadu coast. </span>