Investigating the evolution of sand bars and natural channel formation in the Mandovi estuary along the central west coast of India

Abstract

Coastal formations, such as sandbars, play a vital role in shaping the environment and maintaining local and regional coastal morphology. This study deals with two noteworthy sandbars, namely Aguada and Reis Magos which are in the Mandovi estuary of the Goa region in the central west coast of India. They have attracted great attention because of their dynamics and their role in shaping the adjoining coast. This study employs a comprehensive approach, incorporating in-situ observations and remote sensing methods, to investigate the mechanisms underlying the emergence and dissipation of these sandbars and their linkage with adjoining navigational channels and coastline. During the intense wave conditions of the southwest monsoon (June to September), these sandbars undergo a temporary phase of dispersion. This phenomenon results in the accumulation of sand from both the sandbars and the neighbouring Miramar beach within the navigational channel. As a consequence, it obstructs maritime traffic and forms a unified shallow bar, obstructing maritime navigation in the area. However, following the attenuation of monsoon waves in October to November, the sandbar and beach initiate a gradual replenishment process, aimed at compensating for the sediment loss incurred during the monsoon season. This recurring trend has demonstrated persistent characteristics over an extended period. The presence of the sandbar may pose navigational challenges for large barges, cruise ships, and fishing boats but on the other hand, it serves as an effective barrier against incoming high-energy waves into the inner parts of the Mandovi estuary. Results revealed notable variations in the extent of the sandbar over the study period. The maximum recorded extent of the sandbar was 82.48 ha and 32.59 ha on May 04, 2021, while the minimum extent was measured at 36.68 ha and 7.14 ha on February 14, 2019, for Reis Magos and Aguada bar respectively. The sandbar promotes a calm environment along the shoreline and reduces erosion susceptibility by dissipating the wave energy before reaching the riverbanks. The absence of this protective sandbar would have significantly impacted the parts of the Goa region. Notably, the maximum erosion of 107 m was observed at the right bank of the estuary, while the maximum accretion of 141 m was recorded in the Caranzalem from 1975 to 2023. This study contributes valuable insights into the formation, dissipation, and environmental implications of sandbars within the estuary in Goa. The integration of in-situ observations and remote sensing data affords a comprehensive understanding of sandbar dynamics, highlighting the essential role that they play in coastal protection, navigation and the preservation of the local environment.