Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

HYDROGRAPHIC CONDITIONS OF A TROPICAL ESTUARY IN CENTRAL WEST COAST OF INDIA AND ITS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS - A CASE STUDY OF SHARAVATI ESTUARY

V.S. Hegde, Kanchanagouri, D. Gosavi, G. Shalini and K.H. Girish

Abstract

Seasonal variation in physicochemical characteristics of the Sharavati estuary in Central West Coast of India indicated tide controlled hydrographic condition.The physicochemical characteristics, especially high temperature, salinity, pH conditions of the estuary are conductive for large benthic population during post and pre-monsoon. Low pH, temperature and salinity prevailing during monsoon although do-not favour large benthic population, there is large input of biomass into the estuarine and near-shore regions.The spatial and temporal variations in physicochemical characteristics suggest variable mixing of fresh water and seawater in the estuary.The mixing promote flocculation and their deposition in the estuary.