Role of Wind and Waves in Shaping the Coastal Environment in Central Kerala, India: A Pre-monsoon Study

This study analyzes wind and wave data from the coastal region of central Kerala during the years 2015 and 2016 to investigate the impact of wind patterns and wave characteristics on the coastal environment before the onset of the monsoon season. It is essential to comprehend these factors when evaluating coastal conditions, sea state, and regional wind scale. In particular, the study focuses on Shamal events, which are characterized by northwesterly winds and lead to significant changes in wave height and period. In addition, the daily cycle of the sea breeze, which plays a key role in the change of wind speed and wave height at the coast, is investigated. While local wind patterns such as the sea breeze influence wave development, the land breeze from the northeast has minimal impact due to limited fetch. The study emphasizes the importance of the Shamal waves and the intensity and duration of the sea breeze for sediment transport along the coast. Overall, this study emphasizes the significance of meteorological conditions, especially wind patterns and their impact on waves, for coastal processes during the pre-monsoon season.