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Coast erosion increased in 21st century

The short term analysis was carried using three different periods of 1990-2000, 2000-2006, and 2006-2012.

Visakhapatnam: The short term analysis show that after year 2000, erosion has incre-ased in Vizag. The short term analysis was carried using three different periods of 1990-2000, 2000-2006, and 2006-2012.

During 1990-2000, Vizag coast had accretion trend thereafter erosion started increasing. There was no trend in shoreline changes along Krishna and East Goda-vari districts, where changes were mainly influenced by sediment supply from various rivers.

Nellore district had accreting pattern during 1990-2000 and 2000-2006. Erosion was more than accretion after 2006. Vizianagaram, Guntur and West Godavari districts show similar trend throughout the study period.

Overall, 50.12 per cent and 51.75 per cent of AP coast was accreting during 1990-2000 and 2000-2006. But accretion redu-ced to 10 per cent during 2006-2012. Thereby, erosion has increased by 10 per cent during 2006-2012. During 1990-2000 periods, erosion was 36.39 per cent. But it has been increased by 10 per cent to a rate of 44.76 per cent in 2006-2012.

Cyclones are major factor
The study paper, which was also presented at 8th International Conference on Asian and Pacific Coasts (APAC 2015) held at IIT Madras recently, discussed that the coast is always under threat of cyclones, which may be a major controlling factor for short term changes. “Causes of shoreline change are due to bo-th artificial structures and natural processes acting together,” said the study.

( Source : Deccan Chronicle. )
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