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Cyclone and Storm Surge - Iczmpwb.org

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2.8<br />

the two regions is rather different. Further, the nature of the action of cyclonic storm surge depends<br />

upon the geophysical characteristics of the coastline or the estuarine bank-line.<br />

Figure 2-5. Coastline of West Bengal showing the different Blocks touching Bay of Bengal<br />

Physiographically, the coastal plain of West Bengal may be said to consist of the following five<br />

different types of features: (i) Beaches, spits <strong>and</strong> barriers; (ii) Coastal s<strong>and</strong> dunes; (iii) Coastal<br />

wetl<strong>and</strong>s; (iv) Coastal lowl<strong>and</strong>s; <strong>and</strong> (v) Coastal plains, estuaries, tidal inlets <strong>and</strong> lagoons (Paul<br />

2002). Each of the physiographic regions is characterized by several morphological features evolved<br />

under the impact of coastal hydrodynamics, available sediment supply <strong>and</strong> transportation paths, selfcompaction<br />

of sediments, sub aerial processes, changes in relative level of l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> sea, etc.<br />

According to Chakrabarti (2006), in West Bengal two contrasting coastal environments are present:<br />

(a) the Macrotidal Hooghly estuary <strong>and</strong> (b) the Mesotidal Midnapore coastal plain in the east <strong>and</strong><br />

west respectively of the River Hooghly:<br />

• Macrotidal (tidal range > 4m) Hooghly estuary — the bell or funnel shaped Hooghly river<br />

mouth characterized by a group of isl<strong>and</strong>s set in a labyrinth of tidal creeks marking their<br />

outlines. This macrotidal domain with bidirectional tidal currents is marked by the presence of<br />

'sickle-shaped' near offshore configuration with partially or totally emerged linear tidal shoals

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