Surf zone dynamics along the south Karnataka coast between Bhatkal and Ullal, west coast of India

Abstract

Field study between Bhatkal and Ullal from June 1989 to May 1990 indicated that the beaches along this segment of coastline are essentially stable showing only seasonal fluctuations. Beaches after being subjected to erosional phase during southwest monsoon season, were found to regain their profiles by January or February. The erosion observed at the river mouths can be attributed to the readjustment of the river mouths during monsoon season when the river flow was highest. Longshore currents were stronger in June, and relatively low and steady during the rest of the year. Coast between Padubidri and Ullal experienced relatively stronger longshore currents than the coast between Maravanthe and Malpe. Longshore sediment transport rate was relatively low at Maravanthe and Ullal compared to Malpe and Padubidri.