Morphology and evolution of the central west coast of India

Abstract

Based on photo-element analysis such as tone, texture, shape, size, form, pattern and associated features, the coastal geomorphology and processes operating therein are discussed. Erosion and accretion features indicate that the coast is prograding along beaches and retreating along cliffs and headlands. Based on the disposition of landforms, the present coast is neither of emergent nature nor of submergent nature, but it is a combination of both. The emergent features are extensive surfaces of marine abrasion, wave cut terraces, raised beaches, beach rock, beach ridges etc. The submergent nature is inferred by the presence of drowned river valleys, occurrence of offshore islands etc. The contrasts in the coastal features appear to have resulted due to a combination of changes in the sea level, climate, lithology, structure and local tectonic movement. It can be concluded that maturity has not been reached as the embayed nature of the coast has not yet become straight and the shore lines have not receded beyond the heads of the original base