Significant sea surge led to partial collapse of boundary wall of the Kursura Submarine Museum near Vishakapatnam in India fuelling speculation on the probable cause for the phenomena on Saturday.
Regular visitors going to the beach for a stroll and others were shocked to see the huge wall broken and the sea taking a forward march. Many were seen clicking photos on cell phones with the sea and broken wall in the background.
Sea erosion, change in beach morphology due to variety of factors and growth in concrete jungle syndrome violating restrictions imposed under Coastal Regulation Zone are said to be some of the reasons for sea surge. In the past, the seawater entered some hamlets near Mangamaripeta on Visakhapatnam-Bhimili beach road.
Scientist In-charge of National Institute of Oceanography (Visakhapatnam Regional Centre) V.S.N. Murthy told The Hindu that the sea surge was due to spring tide. High tide has occurred on the third day of new moon. Generally there could be low or high tide as fallout of new moon or full moon, when the current will be more. In the event of low tide, the sea takes a backward march, he said.
A VUDA official admitted that due to sea surge and strong waves part of the wall at the submarine museum maintained by them caved in.
A couple years ago, the sea took a backward march of up to 10 to 30 metres. Scientists say the phenomena will continue for a day or two.
During high tides, the tides attain a height of 1.5 to 1.9 metres at the local beaches. It is not good for those desiring to have fun with sand and sun on the shore.
NIO scientists took samples of beach sand and observed that the colour near YMCA and Rushikonda beaches changed to red due to entry of red sand dunes probably near Bhimili in the seawater.
Preliminary study ruled out the possibility of marine pollution due to release of industrial effluents.
Keywords: Kursura submarine museum, sea erosion, beach morphology, National Institute of Oceanography scientists.
2014, The Hindu