Paper Title :Grain Size and Particle Shape Analysis Along the Coast of Ghana: Perspective from Cape Coast and Sekondi Coastline

Author :Ishmael Yaw Dadson, Kofi Adu-Boahen, John Amoah-Nuamah

Article Citation :Ishmael Yaw Dadson ,Kofi Adu-Boahen ,John Amoah-Nuamah , (2021 ) " Grain Size and Particle Shape Analysis Along the Coast of Ghana: Perspective from Cape Coast and Sekondi Coastline " , International Journal of Advances in Science, Engineering and Technology(IJASEAT) , pp. 16-28, Volume-9,Issue-1

Abstract : The study sought to examine the extent and intensity of sea erosion and beach sedimentation along the coast between Cape Coast and Sekondi through grain size and shape analyses. Three study sites, that is, Ekon/Cape Coast, Komenda and Sekondi were selected for the study. Samples of sediments were collected for laboratory analysis to determine the energy of the waves, extent of erosion and accretion, hence sedimentation along the coast of the study area. Pebbles were also measured for roundness and flatness. In addition, on-site information, mainly through observation was gathered for the study. The data analysis involved both quantitative and qualitative techniques. The Udden-Wentworth scheme of Grain Size Classification was used to analyse the sand particles while Cailleux indices was used to analyse the pebbles. The study discovered that deposition of sediments was progressive in Sekondi as heavier materials were deposited close to the sea. On the other hand, heavier materials were transported inland before they were deposited on the beaches of Ekon/Cape Coast and Komenda. Flatness and roundness values were also found to be higher in Sekondi sandstone around Komenda and Sekondi than metamorphosed schist in Cape Coast. It was realized that the variations in the intensity and extent of erosion and accretion, hence sedimentation among the three study sites was due to several factors such as coastal orientation, geology, and extent of anthropogenic activities among others. It is therefore recommended that human activities such as sand mining should be avoided. The coastal inhabitants should also desist from building their houses very close to the beach. As a matter of policy, it is important that, every activity undertaken at the beach should therefore be informed by expert advice. Keywords - Grain size; Sedimentation; Erosion; Accretion; Anthropogenic activities

Type : Research paper

Published : Volume-9,Issue-1

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