This book is the result of comprehensive research work on the various aspects of the West Bengal coast including the world's largest riverine delta system, the Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta. The role of various hydrodynamic factors in shaping the coastal configuration and physicochemical parameters of coastal waters, soils, and granulometry of beach sands are extensively discussed. The coasts of the Indian peninsula, particularly the east coast, are subjected to severe cyclones, tidal bores, storm surges, and strong drift, which changes the coastal configuration as well as the quality of waters and the fertility of soils. A systematic description of major cyclones and their effects on coastal areas are described in detail. The book offers comprehensive information on the prevailing ecological conditions and lush green mangrove forests with wide-ranging flora and fauna of Sundarbans. UNESCO has declared Sundarbans as one of the world's heritage sites, and as in other parts of the world, some of the coastal areas in West Bengal have attracted the attention of many tourists. Various steps undertaken by the government for coastal zone management and sustainable development of the coastal areas have been highlighted in the book.
This book will be of interest to students and researchers of the coastal environment.
Chapter 1 - Coastal Processes, Coastal Waters and Sediments
Chapter 2 - Coastal Geomorphology
Chapter 3 - Cyclonic Storms and Other Natural Phenomena
Chapter 4 - Beach Environment
Chapter 5 - Sea Level Rise, Climate Change and Natural Disasters in Coastal Sunderbans
Chapter 6 - Coastal Floral Diversity
Chapter 7 - Coastal Zone Management
Chapter 8 - Granulometry of Coastal Beach Sands
Chapter 9 - Coastal Tourism and Pollution
Chapter 10 - Foraminifera and Benthic Mollusks
Chapter 11- Coastal Environments - Case Studies
Gautam Kumar Das, a researcher, is well-known in the field of environmental assessment, monitoring, and modeling of coasts, forests, and Sundarbans.