Journal of Geological Society of India (Online archive from Vol 1 to Vol 78)

K. Selvaraj ¹, V. Ram Mohan ¹, M. P. Jonathan ², S. Srinivasalu ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Geology, School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Madras, A C College Campus, Chennai - 600 025, IN
2 Centro de lnvestigaciones en Ciencias de la Tierra, Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Ciudad Universitaria, Carretera Pachuca-Tulancingo, Pachuca, Hidalgo, C Postal 42184, MX
3 Departrnent of Geology, Anna University, Chennai - 600 025, IN

Abstract

The study of SPOT (1988) and IRS-1C (1998) images along with topographic maps (1928 and 1969-70) indicates that the wetland of Vedaranniyam has undergone significant landform modifications over a period of 70 years (1928-1998). Changes in shape and extent of the Mullippallam and Serattalaikkadu creeks, migrating confluence of stream Koraiyar towards north, development of mangrove vegetation, progradation and retrogradation of shoreline and increasing number of salt pans are determined and quantified. The study shows that fluctuations in the discharge of river flows and sediment loads associated with NE monsoon intensity and human interference through salt pan and agricultural activities are manly responsible for the dynamic changes observed in the area.

Keywords

Coastal Landforms, Fluvial Processes, Human Activity, Remote Sensing, Vedaranniyam Wetland, Tamil Nadu.

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K. Selvaraj ¹, V. Ram Mohan ², S. Srinivasalu ², M. R. Jonathan ², R. Siddartha ²

Affiliations
1 Ocean Science & Technology, Cell (Marine Geology and Geophysics), Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri - 574 199, Karnataka, IN
2 Department of Geology, School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Madras, A.C. College Campus, Chennai - 600 025, IN

Abstract

Two sediment cores collected from the Ennore Creek, southeast coast of India, were studied for sand-silt-clay contents, CaC0₃, organic matter and nondetrital trace metals in order to understand the geochemical processes controlling the distribution of metals including anthropogenic factors, if any. Core 1 from the intertidal region with sandy sediments shows lower metal contents, except for the top oxic layer, when compared to core 2, consisting mostly of silty sand with significant percentage of clay and showing higher concentration of metals. The sediments of core 1 show an oxidized upper layer where metals are mobilized and diffused from less oxidized deeper layers due to early diagenetic processes. While Mn, Fe, Ni, Co, Zn and Cr are diagenetically modified, anthropogenic processes seem to influence Pb, Cd and, to some extent, Cr and Zn. Discharge of wastes from the nearby located thermal power plant, fertilizer (phosphate) industry, electroplating industries, and sewage are identified as additional possible sources for these metals. Detrital elements (Si - and Al) do not show any relation with the metals studied, except Fe and Al in core 1. Textural changes at three subsurface depths represented by silty sand (15,40 and 50 cm) in core 1 and clayey sand (10,32.5 and 55 cm) in core 2 are probably correlatable with the low rainfall intensity suggesting past drought conditions in the study area. A distinct increase in concentrations of nondetrital trace metals Pb, Cr, Zn and Cd at a depth of 37.5 cm in core 2 is probably related to the beginning of intense industrialization around 1970s in the area under investigation.

Keywords

Sediment Cores, Nondetrital Trace Metals, Early Diagenesis, Anthropogenic Factors, Ennore Creek, Tamil Nadu Coast.

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