Sea Levels and Waves Along the Madras Coast

Abstract

Annual and seasonal characteristics of tides and waves have been studied with a view to understanding the coastal processes along the Madras Coast in relation to sea levels and waves. Monthly mean sea level has a range of variation of 34 cm with lowest and highest during April and November respectively. Fluctuations in monthly and annual sea levels are attributed to the physical properties of sea water and climate in the neighbourhood of Madras. Most frequent waves from south-west during south-west monsoon and waves from north-east and east during north-east monsoon are correlated with the wind field over the Bay of Bengal during different months. Sediment transport in the nearshore water has been explained in relation to wave characteristics. Geomorphological changes of the neighbouring shore lines have been explained as resulting change in the circulation pattern in the coastal zone after the erection of artificial marine structures.