Grain Size Variation in the Sediments off Tuticorin Harbour, Tamil Nadu

The size parameters of the near shore sediments off Tuticorin vary as follows: inclusive graphic mean from 1.41 to 2.22 phi; standard deviation 0.58 to 0.91 phi; skewness - .07 to - .37 and kurtosis 0.91 to 1.15. Decrease in the values of mean size towards southwest indicates the movement of sand in that direction which is largely aided by the wind induced currents. A close correlation between mean grain size and sorting is mferred. Sporadic occurrences of coarser sand nestled by finer ones noticed closer to the site of break-waters speaks of the low transporting ability of the back wash. The important mode of transport is through saltation and traction.