Kallakadal - UPSC

Kallakadal, meaning “sea thief” in Malayalam, is a sudden coastal flooding event caused by high, distant swell waves that hit the Indian coast unexpectedly, particularly during the pre-monsoon season.

Tags: {GS-1–Geography– Physical geography –Climatology-Volcanoes-Important Geophysical Phenomena}

Context: Swell waves ‘Kallakkadal” caused panic among Kerala’s coastal area.

Table of Contents

What is Kallakkadal?

Kallakkadal, known as coastal flooding, typically happens during the pre-monsoon season (April-May) due to swell waves on the southwest coast of India.
In Malayalam, “Kallan” translates to thief, and “Kadal” means sea, hence the term refers to the “ocean that arrives as a thief.”
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially adopted the term in 2012.
Kallakkadal occurs suddenly without any precursors or local wind activity, posing challenges for coastal residents to receive advance warnings.
Nevertheless, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has developed the Swell Surge Forecast System, which provides a seven-day warning in advance.

Formation of Kallakkadal

Kallakkadal is triggered by waves generated by an ocean swell, hence earning the name swells surge.
These ocean swells are not a result of local winds but are rather produced by distant storms, such as hurricanes or prolonged periods of intense gale winds.
During these storms, significant energy is transferred from the atmosphere to the ocean, resulting in the creation of exceptionally large waves.
These waves can travel vast distances, spanning thousands of kilometres from the centre of the storm until they crash onto the shoreline.

Kallakkadal versus Tsunami:

Cause of formation: Strong wind system| Earthquake tremors.
Wavelength: Meters | Thousands of Kilometres.
Disturbance: No noticeable change in local winds | Underwater turbulence.

Current episode:

A low-pressure system traversed the South Atlantic Ocean, generating robust winds that produced swell waves reaching heights of up to 11 meters.
The effects of this atmospheric disturbance are expected to impact Kerala and Lakshadweep for approximately a week before the intensity of the waves diminishes gradually.
Additionally, regions along the eastern coast of India, including Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, are also anticipated to be affected by these swell waves.

Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)

Established in 1999 as an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
Works as a unit of the Earth System Science Organization (Executive arm of MoES), New Delhi.
Location: Hyderabad.
Provides ocean information and advisory services and conducts ocean observations and research.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims:

Q 1. Consider the following statements: (2020)

Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.
Only some cyclones develop an eye.
The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10ºC less than that of the surroundings.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1 and 3 only

Ans: C

Q:2 At one of the places in India, if you stand on the seashore and watch the sea, you will find that the sea water recedes from the shore line a few kilometres and comes back to the shore, twice a day, and you can actually walk on the seafloor when the water recedes. This unique phenomenon is seen at (2017):

(a) Bhavnagar
(b) Bheemunipatnam
(c) Chandipur
(d) Nagapattinam

Ans: C

Source: (TH | IE)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where is Kallakadal located?

Kallakadal is a town located in the southern part of Tamil Nadu, India. It is part of the Tirunelveli district.

2. What is Kallakadal known for?

Kallakadal is known for being a major center for the production of salt. It is home to one of the largest salt factories in Asia. The town is also known for its beaches and its historical sites.

3. What is the history of Kallakadal?

The history of Kallakadal dates back to ancient times. The town was once an important center of trade and commerce. It was also a center of learning and culture.

4. What is the climate of Kallakadal?

Kallakadal has a tropical climate. The summers are hot and humid, while the winters are mild. The town receives rainfall during the monsoon season.

5. What are the people of Kallakadal like?

The people of Kallakadal are known for their hospitality and their friendly nature. They are also known for their strong work ethic.

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Kallakadal – UPSC