Mud Banks of Kerala-Their Formation and Characteristics

Abstract

Mud banks become clearly demarcated as areas of calm water adjoining the Kerala coast, during the roughest SW monsoon conditions prevailing in the Arabian Sea. The appearance of mud banks is associated with an increase in the constancy and force of wind towards the east. Surface currents at that time run parallel to the coast and record -maximum velocity. During June and July, strong swells approach the SW coast. Along the continental shelf, between Mangalore and Quilon, the nature of bottom from about 3•5 to 18 m depth is largely muddy. Mud banks occur as small elevations of consolidated mud throughout the year.