Slope, vegetation, and soil along the coastline: Are they linked?

Slope, vegetation, and soil along the coastline: Are they linked?

Vasudha Jalan
Class 11, Mallya Aditi International School, Bengaluru

The main aim of my study was to investigate the inter-relationships between soil, slope and vegetation along the coastal region of North Wandoor, Andaman Islands. This area was chosen due to many reasons, including the vast variety of vegetation that is found in the area, along with the mangrove plantations.

My hypothesis was that there is a clear link between the slope, soil and vegetation along the coastline as each of them depends on the other for its formation. To understand this correlation better I studied the types of landforms found along the coastal area, beach development, tried to identify the relationship between the slope of the beach with the distance from the sea, investigated how the vegetation cover changes with the distance from the sea, and tried to correlate the type of vegetation found with the soil type/structure of the soil.

Through the time I worked on my study, I learned many skills, including the skills of making and using different instruments such as a clinometer, transect, and quadrat. The process of making each instrument helped me understand how to use each one better, and I also learned new techniques of data collection through firsthand experience. I also tested soil samples found at the study are by using different instruments such as the pH meter.

Through my study, I learned to analyse my findings in depth, and I was also able to start making connections between what I learned in the classroom and what I found at the study area.