Sediments of the Bharathapuzha, Kerala: Implications of Downstream Trends of Texture and Grain Shape

The results of analysis of textural parameters of channel sediment samples of the Bharathapuzha system using the scheme of McLaren and Bowles (1985) reveal the existence of Case B trend in the direction of transport for mainstream (Bharathapuzha) and two high gradient tributaries viz., Gayathcipuzha and Thuthapuzha. Further, Fourier amplitude spectra estimated from digitized data of grain boundaries of the sand grade sediment from selected samples and the Waddell's sphericity and roundness indices demonstrate that influx of sediment from tributaries does not alter the size or shape distribution trends of the mainstream sands to any extent.