Abstract

The aim of the present research is to investigate the seasonal impact on the status of heavy mineral distribution
along south west Tamil Nadu coast, India. A total of 10 samples have been collected to study distribution
pattern of minerals in respect of seasonal and height variation. Beaches between Rajakkamangalam and
Colachel have attained predominant transport rate in northern direction. Surface sediment samples have been
collected in each location for quantifying the heavy mineral weight percentage during the period of pre,
monsoon and post monsoon. Sediments have also been studied by EDAX analysis to evaluate the changes and
occurrence of heavy minerals in beach sands. The abundant heavy and light minerals such as quartz, calcite,
rutile, Kayonite, Montmorlinite, Calcite, Garnet, Illminite, Silliminaite and organic Carbon are identified from
the study. The present study showed that the heavy minerals associated with sediments indicate that they are
derived from metamorphic terrain dominated by Precambrian gneiss and quartzite of Indian Peninsular Shield.