Erra Matti Dibbalu: Coastal Red Sand Dunes of Visakhapatnam

Photo Courtesy: Author
Erra Matti Dibbalu were first reported in the year 1886 by William King, deputy superintendent of the Geological Survey of India.

Abstract: Picturesque and rare, the Late Quaternary Red Sand Dunes—Erra Matti Dibbalu is spread over 10 sq km between the coasts of Visakhapatnam and Beemunipatnam in Andhra Pradesh. Owing to its geological significance, the Geological Survey of India declared it as a National Geoheritage Site in 2014 while state government notified it as a Protected Area in 2016. Attempts are now underway to establish a Visakhapatnam Geopark by combining several geological and cultural sites in the region.

The authoris a former Professor of Geology, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam. drsreddy8@gmail.com.