Spatial and temporal variations of carbonate content in the beach and nearshore environments off Goa, west coast of India

Abstract

Sediment samples collected from dunes, beaches (Calangute, Baina and Colva) and nearshore environments along the coast of Goa, have been analysed for their carbonate content. The results show the presence of very high carbonate content (60-90%) in the foreshore regions of individual beaches whereas low CaCO3 (< 20%) in the dune and backshore areas of these beaches and adjoining nearshore environs up to 10 m isobath. The observed spatial distribution shows the occurrence of modem carbonate sediments of skeletal origin. Carbonate content of the beaches shows marked seasonal variations and closely follows the seasonal cyclic changes in beach morphology.