WAVE REFRACTION AND PREDICTION OF BREAKER PARAMETERS ALONG THE KERALACOAST, INDIA

Numerical wave refraction study for the Kerala coast has been carried out for waves representing southwest monsoon (June - September), north east monsoon (October - February) and fair weather period (February - May). Distribution of wave heights vary significantly from place to pl ace due to wave refraction and shoaling. The convergence and divergenc e of wave energy induce non-uniform distribution of wave heights durin g the monsoon period. Ezhimala promontory causes waves to refract cons iderably along the coastline of Cannanore, Badagara and Mahe during Oc tober to February, whereas the headland at Thankasseri induces diverge nce of wave energy along Quilon and Varkallai. Vypin experiences conve rgence of wave energy almost throughout the year.