Numerical Model Studies on the Effect of Breakwaters on Coastal Processes — A Case Study along a Stretch of the Kerala Coast, India

• Main Authors: L. Sheela Nair, V. Sundar, N.P. Kurian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: SAGE Publishing 2011-12-01
• Series: International Journal of Ocean and Climate Systems
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1260/1759-3131.2.4.291

The Kayamkulam-Arattupuzha coastal stretch which forms part of the Kayamkulam – Thottapally (Quilon-Cochin) sector of the Kerala coast of India has been an eroding coastline for the past two to three decades. From 2000 to 2007 there has been a drastic increase in the erosion particularly around the inlet. Coincidentally, during the same period, two long breakwaters were constructed for the formation of the Kayamkulam fishing harbour. A critical analysis of the field data clearly indicates that the morphological changes are directly due to the construction of breakwaters. This paper reports the application of numerical models as an effective tool to study the coastal dynamics of the area and also to quantify and assess the shoreline changes for predicting the shoreline evolution pattern over a period of time. The Spectral Wave (SW) and Hydrodynamic Flow Model (FM) of the MIKE 21 modeling system (DHI) have been used for modeling the coastal dynamics, whereas, the studies on the shoreline change were carried out using LITPACK coastal suite (DHI). The paper highlights the need for an integrated coastal management approach as a proactive measure wherein shoreline management plans are also developed and implemented along with the execution of the project to address adverse impacts if any.