Morphological Changes of Coastal Landforms around Southern Ganjam Coast, Orissa

Marine marginal zones are most susceptible to geomorphic modifications. Study of sequential datasets enables clear understanding of the changes that an area has undergone. Systematic study of the datasets of Bahuda estuary region revealed that the mouth of the river is oscillating during the past seven decades. The morphology of the estuary is also modified due to combined action of fluvial, fluviomarine, marine and aeohan action. The tidal influence together with the fluvial regime is responsible for modification of the coastal landforms and tidal swamps located inland. The channel bars and mouth bars are under constant influence of the physical processes and are adjusting to the dominant processes, which control their existence and geometry. The Bahuda estuary region can be considered as one of the most attractive sites along the coast of Orissa due to panoramic view and unique geomorphological set up in the context of tourist potential.