Shoreline dynamics of the Lakshadweep Islands

Abstract

Lakshadweep group of islands are mainly coral atolls. Fringing reefs protect these small islands from the attack of waves. This paper describes the waves and currents acting on Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Minicoy, Agatti, Kadamat and Androth islands. The main reason for erosion at these islands seems to be the removal of coral reef for construction and other purposes, and to some extent the dredging of navigational channel in the lagoons. While the wave induced currents govern the sediment processes along the open coast, the tidal and wave generated currents influence the lagoon beaches