Marine Biology (2+1)

Definitions and characteristics

The calm, turbid region in the coastal waters of Kerala are called the mud banks. Two well known mud banks are formed along the coast of Cochin and Alleppy. These mud banks appear during the southwest monsoon season. The mud gets churned up and this mud is kept in suspension making the water highly turbid. The muddy waters are free from surface disturbance because there being no waves even during peak monsoon season. Portion of the beach corresponding to mud banks are free from wave action, while regions of the adjacent beach experiences severe erosion. The mud banks act as a barrier and save the beach being eroded. These mud banks are unique in nature, which are not reported from anywhere in India. It is a periodic phenomenon taking place between Cannanore and Quilon.

First mention of mud banks recorded in 1755 by Captain Cope and described in his book entitled “A new history of East Indies”. Later attempts were made to study the chemistry, physics and geology of these mud banks. Two major mud banks are formed along the coast of Alleppy and Narakkal (Cochin), two smaller ones near Calicut. Mud banks form close to the beach and extend in a semicircular shape towards the sea and maximum seaward limit being at 6 fathom lines.