Some problems of Geomorphology and Continental Relationships in British Guiana

Abstract

Although our present knowledge of British Guiana— particularly in detail and in the southern part of the country—is far from complete, it appears timely to attempt a synthesis of some of the major facts that are known. The following account seeks to summarize some of the more pronounced features of form and structure; it raises the question of a large discontinuity or break from south to north along the course of the greatest river—the Essequibo; it seeks to interpret the meaning of the contrasted river-systems west and east of the Essequibo; it raises the question of subsidence in the Berbice Valley, and of the early Amazon drainage; and discusses the problem of continental drift from Africa in the light of du Toit's criteria.