20/06/2025
- by
Shaped by the remains of marine life, the calming waters and pristine beaches of Lakshadweep are not just sights of scenic delight but indicators of biological, physical, and chemical processes that form and sustain these atoll islands. Primarily made from corals, molluscs, algae, and tiny marine organisms, these sediments offer important insights into the island’s establishment, growth, and resilience through time.
A new study by researchers from the REEFS lab at IITGN investigates qualitatively and quantitatively the various carbonates factories and their relative abundance across different regions and grain sizes, providing valuable insights into sediment production, transport, and accumulation/redistribution.
The research highlights the natural vs anthropogenically induced variabilities in sediment production across the lagoons of Agatti and Kavaratti atolls, which are modified by local patterns of water movement, or hydrodynamics. By comparing Lakshadweep’s sediment dynamics with those of other Indian Ocean atolls, particularly the Maldives, the study provides a broader context. The research also highlights how understanding the variability of sediment production and transport can help assess the vulnerability of low-lying carbonate islands to climate change. Its findings are critical for informing targeted conservation strategies that address both climate change and local human stressors, ultimately enhancing the resilience of these fragile ecosystems.
The team, led by Prof Pankaj Khanna, includes PhD students Shradha Menon and Saikat Kumar Misra.
Read more through the link in bio.
