A PILOT STUDY ON THE LITTORAL ZONE OF NATTIKA BEACH, (DIST.), , RASHMA PRAKASH, S. JISHA, LISHA APPUKUTTAN PG Department of Zoology, Sree Narayana College, Nattika, Thrissur 680566, Kerala Correspondence to: [email protected] Abstract: Spatial and temporal patterns in the Sedimentology and Hydrology of the littoral zone of the Nattika beach at four stations were investigated during the premonsoon and monsoon season yielding significant results. The tidal ebb and wave action determined the sedimentological characteristics, especially the texture of the sediment, which in turn influenced this ecotone significantly. The higher percentage of sand (95.72%) indicated the highly percolative nature of the shifting substratum, making it suitable for habitation by suitably adapted taxonomic groups only. The content of organic matter, chloride, exchangeable calcium and magnesium in the sediment imply that this ecotone cannot support high species diversity. Hydrological parameters did not show much variation spatially, but significant temporal changes exhibited are attributable to the seasonal changes, brought about by the fluctuations in precipitation. Higher content of silt and clay during the monsoon contributed to the abundance and diversity of macro- and meiofauna. The sedimentological and hydrological parameters of the littoral zone of the Nattika beach have cast tremendous influence over each other, profoundly creating a sound, but distinct ecosystem to which the intertidal fauna have beautifully adapted. Key words: sandy beach, littoral zone, sediment texture, moisture content, organic matter, temperature