Quantitative Analysis and Characterization of Grain Size Distribution-Study from Recent Coastal Sediments of Chandipur, East Coast India

Background and Objective: Characterization of sediment grain size and sorting on a beach are key input parameter to morphological models. The aim for analysis of these parameters helps to identify the spatial sediment distribution in active sedimentation environment. Materials and Methods: Recent coastal sediments has been studied from Chandipur beach, India; which has been designated as "Important Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Area" (ICMBA) for the coastal preservation as well as improved supervision of threatened and delicate coastal and marine flora and fauna. Results: Grain size variability on the present-day Chandipur beach has been interpreted. Statistical correlations between grain size, sorting and relative distance from beach/estuary have been recognized. Conclusion: Beach sands have been found coarser and well sorted with respect to the ones near estuary and upper tidal flat. Active sediment transport from estuary mouth by shore parallel current resulted in a mixing zone, resulting in poorly sorted sediment accumulation.