Abstract
The knowledge of the seabed engineering parameters is a pre-requisite for any meaningful attempt to evolve plans and strategies for port developments. The close track spacing (50-100 m) of data sets on bathymetry, sub-bottom profiling, seafloor mapping ( similar to 406 line km) along with surficial sediment samples and the environmental data has helped in generating geoscientific information required for a port being developed by M/s Madras Refinery Limited off Nagore, East Coast of India. Results of the integrated surveys revealed smooth surficial topography upto 10 m and the undulations to the order of > 3 m beyond 10 m isobath. The seismic data reveal that the acoustic basement occurs at 30-35 m. The seabed configuration, hazardous obstructions, the nature of surficial seabed clay, and sub-seabed geological information yielded from the studies were utilized to assess the viability of the port development and to locate and design operational facilities.