Sediment distribution in the offshore regions of Goa

Abstract

Sediment samples collected from the offshore areas of some of the beaches (Calangute, Baina and Colva) along the coast of Goa, have been studied for their particle size and areal distributions. These areas are dominated by sediments in the sand size grades just adjacent to the beaches followed by either silty sands or sandy silts. Further seaward, the nearshore area off Calangute shows sandy mud in the south and mud in the north while clay occurs in the Colva area. Relatively coarse grained sediments occur off Calangute. Distribution pattern of these sediments has been discussed in relation to river discharge, and wave induced mass transport velocities near the sea bed.