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Abstract

The objective of the paper was to understand the wave refraction pattern and littoral sediment transport along the south eastern coast of India. There are areas of erosion and accretion observed along the coastal stretch which depends primarily on the direction of wave approach, wave period and wave refraction pattern. In the near shore zone of present study area, the movement of sand along shore is due to the action of waves and currents. Wave refraction phenomenon is an important process responsible for effecting changes in coastal configuration. Refraction diagrams have therefore been prepared for wave periods of 8 and 10 seconds approaching from N 110° and N 135° by following the Tarangam Programme. This programme was developed in the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, India. The wave refraction analysis has delineated the different wave energy conditions prevailing in the study area. There are areas of erosion and accretion observed along the coastal stretch which depends primarily on the direction of wave approach, wave period and wave refraction pattern. Based on this study, wave convergent and divergent zone are identified with reference to wave refraction. The long shore sediment transport is higher in the northerly direction as compared to southerly direction. The present study of littoral sediment transport implies that the beaches of Kanyakumari, Navaladi, and Ovari have more transport rates.

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