Micro-time scale beach changes along Visakhapatnam Coast

Abstract

Elevation changes at selected points on the foreshore profile were measured at 30 min intervals. Onshore-offshore sediment transport over the beach face was studied in relation to tide phase, breaker characteristics, availability of beach material, beach slope and other variables. Erosion in the zone of wave breaking and accretion at the meeting point of swash and back wash were noticed and with the rise and fall of the tide, the zones of erosion and deposition shifted alternately shoreward or seaward. After each tidal cycle prominent spots of erosion or accretion were identified over the beach profile. Quantum changes of accretion or erosion at the micro-time scale were influenced by the location of a station with respect to any barriers across the littoral zone.