Geotechnical Surveys Indicate Potential Offshore Port Facilities off Subarnarekha Outflow Sector, Orissa, India

Abstract

Deficiency in major port facilities off Orissa prompted the State Government to promote development of a port facility in the Subarnarekha river outflow sector utilizing the inland water network of Orissa coast canal and Contai canal. Marine and Coastal Surveys Division of Geological Survey of India carried out geotechnical feasibility surveys to explore possibilities of setting up a port facility in this sector. Bathymetry reveals smooth, parallel isobaths signifying gentle slopes with varying gradients. The East-West profile delineates a natural channel that could be dredged into a navigational channel. Sediments are dominantly sandy silt marginally varying either into silty sand or clayey silt. Geotechnical characteristics suggest a stable substratum ideal for developing the offshore port facility. Side-scan sonar surveys reveal a seafloor bereft of any hazardous rocks or reefs. The surveys espouse immense potential for developing this sector into an offshore port facility.

Keywords:

• bathymetric surveys
• geotechnical characteristics
• inland water network
• port facility
• river outflow sector
• side scan surveys

Acknowledgement

The Deputy Director General, Marine and Coastal Surveys Division, Geological Survey of India, Mangalore, is thanked for his kind encouragement and also for according permission to publish the paper.

Notes

L – Low, M – Medium, H – High UR – Unregistered ND – Not determined.