Coastal zone is dynamic in nature and is subjected to multiple interactions from marine, terrestrial, atmosphere, biosphere, fluvial systems and tectonic processes besides human interventions. Each coast is unique to its geographical location and set of physical interactions between land and oceanic parameters. Understanding these interactions are challenging and complicated in perception of its sustainability. A central concept in developing such a holistic approach is to view the coast as discrete functional units termed as ‘Sediment Cells’ rather than viewing it as a single continuous stretch of land surface. Sediment cell approach will provide a better understanding of the interrelation between the functions of the short term coastal processes and long term response and recovery of the coast. Based on sediment cell approach, a study was undertaken to delineate discrete functional units along the west and east coasts of varying spatial scales with confined sediment movement. Long term morphological changes, short term coastal processes and sediment dynamics were considered for the delineation. A total of 26 primary cells with 10 on the west and 16 on the east were identified from the study. These primary cells were further sub divided into 58 sub cells with 21 on the west and 37 on the east based on the sediment interruption factors either natural or manmade. The identified coastal sediment cells can be used in Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) especially to deal with shoreline changes and in the preparation of Shoreline Management Plans (SMP). To be specific, the delineated coastal sediment cells from the study are being used for the preparation of ICZM plans for Odisha and West Bengal.

沿海地区自然是动态的，除了人为干预外，还受到海洋，陆地，大气，生物圈，河流系统和构造过程的多种相互作用。每个海岸对于其地理位置以及陆地和海洋参数之间的一系列物理相互作用都是独特的。在认识到这些相互作用的可持续性时，既充满挑战又复杂。开发这种整体方法的中心概念是将海岸视为离散的功能单元，称为“沉积池”，而不是将其视为单个连续的陆地表面。沉积物池方法将使人们更好地了解短期沿海过程的功能与海岸的长期响应和恢复之间的相互关系。基于沉淀池方法，进行了一项研究来描绘沿不同空间尺度的西海岸和东海岸的离散功能单元，并限制沉积物的运动。划定了长期的形态变化，短期的沿海过程和沉积物动力学。该研究共鉴定出26个原代细胞，其中西方10个，东方16个。根据自然或人为的沉积物干扰因素，将这些原电池进一步细分为58个子电池，其中西部为21个，东部为37个。识别出的沿海沉积物单元可用于综合海岸带管理（ICZM），特别是用于应对海岸线变化和准备海岸线管理计划（SMP）。再具体一点，