Geomorphology and Physical Oceanography of the Lakshadweep Coral Islands in the Indian Ocean

About this book

The Lakshadweep islands are a group of 36 coral islands in the Indian Ocean. These small islands are unique for their aquatic biodiversity and vast blue lagoons. Geomorphology and Physical Oceanography of the Lakshadweep Coral Islands in the Indian Ocean presents the results of studies done by the authors during the period 1990 to 2009 that address the beach morphology, hydrodynamics, energy resources and management options with special reference to the issue of both natural and anthropogenic coastal erosion.

The relatively low island elevation makes the islands more susceptible to high-wave attack and coastal flooding during adverse weather conditions. The islands are also prone to risks from episodic events like cyclones and deep depressions. This highlights the need for a comprehensive study of the wave, climate and coastal processes at work during different seasons to delineate the factors responsible for shoreline changes and also to identify the locations that need protection and the management options. Geomorphology and Physical Oceanography of the Lakshadweep Coral Islands in the Indian Ocean will serve as a guide to researchers, scholars and students who are interested in the coastal processes of coral islands.

Contents

1. Lakshadweep Islands
            1.1       Introduction
            1.2       Origin of Islands
            1.3       Geology and Geomorphology of Islands
            1.4       Historical Profile
            1.5       Socio-Economic Profile
            1.6       Livelihood
            1.7       Administrative Setup
                        1.7.1    Panchayati Raj System
                        1.7.2    Judicial System
            1.8       Topography and Surface Characteristics
            1.9       Groundwater Resources
            1.10     Ecological Profile of the Islands
                        1.10.1 Coral Reef
                        1.10.2 Status of Coral Reefs
            1.11     Natural Hazards
                        References

2. Hydrodynamics of Lakshadweep Sea           
            2.1       Introduction
            2.2       Waves
                        2.2.1  Wave Heights
                        2.2.2  Wave Periods
            2.3       Wave Direction
            2.4       Currents
                        2.4.1  In the Open Sea
                        2.4.2  Inside Lagoon
            2.5       Tide
            2.6       Wind
            2.7       Summary
                        References
 
3. Beach Morphology        
            3.1       Introduction
            3.2       Beaches of Lakshadweep
            3.3       Beach Monitoring Programme
            3.4       Beach Morphological Changes
                        3.4.1    Long-term Changes
                                 3.4.1.1  Laccadive Group
                                 3.4.1.2  Amindivi Group
                                 3.4.1.3  Minicoy Group
                        3.4.2    Short-term Changes
                                 3.4.2.1  Laccadive Group
                                 3.4.2.2  Amindivi Group
                                 3.4.2.3  Minicoy Group
            3.5       Beach Sediment Characteristics
            3.6       Shore Protection Measures
            3.7       Summary
                        References

4. Numerical Modelling of Coastal Processes of Kavaratti Island   
            4.1       Introduction
            4.2       Numerical Model Studies : Models used
                        4.2.1   Spectral Wave (SW) Model
            4.3       MIKE21 Flow Model (MIKE21-FM)
                        4.3.1   Sediment Transport Module
            4.4       Model Setup
            4.5       Model Calibration and Validation
            4.6       Results and Discussion
                        4.6.1    Simulated Wave Parameters
                        4.6.2    Wave Diffraction
                        4.6.3    Coastal Circulation
                        4.6.4    Sediment Transport
                        4.6.5    Bed Level Changes
                        4.6.6    Impact of Anthropogenic Activities
                        4.6.7    Shore Protection Measures
                        4.6.8   Strengthening of Reef on the Northern Part of the Island       
            4.7         Summary
                        References
 
5. Energy Resources
            5.1       Introduction
            5.2       Present Status of Power Generation
            5.3       Economics of Power Generation
            5.4       Wave Power Potential
            5.5       Wind Power Potential
            5.6       Advantages of Renewable Energy
            5.7       Summary
                        References

6. Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan for Lakshadweep Islands
            6.1       Introduction
            6.2       Coastal Zone Management in Lakshadweep
                        6.2.1    Existing Management Regulations
                        6.2.2    Local Level Planning
                        6.2.3    Coastal Regulation Zones
            6.3       ICZMP Approach
            6.4       Physico-Environmental Characteristics of the Islands (Resource)     
            6.5       Issues/Problems Related to Islands
                        6.5.1    Coastal Erosion and Shore Protection
                        6.5.2    Fresh Water Management
                        6.5.3    Conservation of Coral Reefs/Mangroves
                        6.5.4 Fishery Resource Exploitation and Catch Enhancement           
                        6.5.5    Sewage and Solid Waste Treatment
                        6.5.6    Tourism
                        6.5.7    Environmental Education for People
            6.6       Conflicts and Perceptions of the Stakeholders in Islands
            6.7       ICZMP
            6.8       Summary
                        References

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