Shoreline Evolution along Vengurla, South Maharashtra Coast using a Numerical Model

Noujas, V. and Kankara, R.S., 2020. Shoreline evolution along Vengurla, south Maharashtra coast using a numerical model. In: Sheela Nair, L.; Prakash, T.N.; Padmalal, D., and Kumar Seelam, J. (eds.), Oceanic and Coastal Processes of the Indian Seas. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 89, pp. 105-110. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208.Shoreline are very dynamic and undergo changes due to natural and various human interventions. Shoreline evolution models are very useful tools to understand the shoreline change behaviour over a period of time. In this study, a shoreline evolution model is implemented along Vengurla, west coast of India. Major inputs required for estimation of shoreline evolution are nearshore wave climate, bathymetry, sediment characteristics and initial coastline. Nearshore wave climate at a depth of 15 m were collected using wave rider buoy during the year 2015. Bathymetry, nearshore sediments and shoreline information were also collected during the same year. Initially shoreline evolution model was set up for one year and the results were verified with field data. Model results showed a good comparison with the measured data, except the extreme northern boundary of the study region. Further model run continued for 10 years with calibrated model. The result indicates approximately 20-30 m beach advancement in the southern boundary of the study region. Erosion of about 65 m was observed in the extreme northern boundary in the first year which reduced during the subsequent years and finally stopped after 5 years as the shoreline attained equilibrium. The result of this study can be used by coastal managers for suggesting suitable management plans along the sector.