GRANULOMETRIC STUDIES ON THE MODERN SEDIMENTS OF ETTIKULAM LAGOON, WEST-COAST OF INDIA

Surface sediment samples were studied to decipher the significant text ural variation within the lagoonal area. Sediment distribution is affe cted by the river deposition and various geomorphic features such as b arriers and islets in this region. Muddy sand covers a major part of t he lagoon. Most of the lagoonal sediments are polymodal, positively sk ewed, and poorly to very poorly sorted. The platykurtic and leptokurti c nature of lagoonal sediments are due to the mixing of different size populations in varying proportion. CM pattern indicates the prevalenc e of low to moderate current activity in the areas adjacent to river m ouths and inlet, and a quiet area in the middle part of the lagoon. Th e protected nature, adequate supply of sediments by rivers and the pre sence of small natural islands within the lagoon are responsible for t he sediment distribution pattern in the lagoonal area.