Primary productivity and organic matter distribution during SW and NE monsoon: A case study from Alleppey mudbanks, Kerala, India.

Abstract

Formation of mudbank during summer monsoon and its dissipation during winter is a characteristic feature of the southwest coast of Kerala, South India. Both southwest (SW) and northeast (NE) monsoons play an important role in the overall run-off-related changes and sedimentation pattern in this region that governs the primary productivity in the region. The present study is an attempt to assess primary productivity and precipitation-induced run-off-related changes using biotic proxies (diatoms and palynofacies) during NE and SW monsoons, from the surface sediments of the Alleppey mudbanks along Kerala coast. ANOVA test was performed on diatoms and palynofacies to assess their significance during both monsoonal periods. The study provides a significant insight into the monsoon-controlled palynofacies distribution behaviour pattern that attests to the concept of precipitation-induced high run-off during SW monsoon being the governing factor in the formation of mudbanks in this region.