Removal of sediments from the Alleppey nearshore region during post-mud bank formation

Abstract

Formation of mud banks along the southwest coast of India is marked by an unusual calmness of the nearshore area with a large amount of suspensates in the water column and mud deposition. After cessation of the monsoon, the removal of mud from the mud bank region is evident. Sediment dynamics worked out from the textural characteristics suggest resuspension of sediments by waves and subsequent transportation of the suspended load by longshore/coastal currents as the main factors responsible for the removal of sediments from the mud bank region during the post-monsoon season.