Deposition of tar-like residues on the beaches of Kerala

Abstract

In majority of the beaches the deposition of tar-like residues was low as compared to other parts of the west coast of India during 1977 to 1980. Recorded only in monsoon periods the deposit was dominant in open sea beaches and infrequent in HT level than in MT and LT levels. In few beaches the deposition was seen 15 cm below the surface at HT levels. The shape of the deposits varied from small pellets to large lumps or flat melting tar pieces. Extraneous matter like polychaete tubes, debris, charcoal pieces, seeds, exposed shells was also associated with the deposits. Maximum deposition was noticed in 1978-79 and the magnitude of tar deposition was higher towards north zone of Kerala, which may be due to wave action or current patterns of the inshore waters.