Authors :
Michael L. Hackett; Ashwannie Harripersaud
Volume/Issue :
Volume 7 - 2022, Issue 9 - September
Google Scholar :
https://bit.ly/3IIfn9N
Scribd :
https://bit.ly/3E0Pza6
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7117851
Abstract :
Guyana’s flat coastal plain is interspersed
with large shore-parallel lines of well-compacted inland
sand dunes. These sand dunes are called ‘high sand
reefs’ in the local vernacular as these reefs are above
mean high tide level. It is believed that these reefs are of
coastal origin forming from ancient beaches that were
left behind when sea level fell in the geological past. Over
years of human occupancy of Guyana’s coast, some reefs
were used for habitation, agriculture, cemeteries and
sand-extraction, while others were left to flourish with
flora and fauna. Due to the paucity of studies on these
reefs, this research aims to uncover some aspects of their
origin and nature, to determine current and future uses
as a coastal resource and to suggest ways for further
investigation.
Analyses were done on samples of materials
collected from the sand reef located about 2 km inland of
the Rose Hall Town-Port Mourant shoreline to ascertain
their physical and chemical properties. Comparison was
made with materials collected and analyzed from the
tidal shore beaches in the area to compare with the sand
reef materials. The sand reef material was found to have
seashells and salinity and dissolved salts content similar
to materials from the tidal beaches, indicating their
coastal nature, though located on dry land 2 km behind
the shoreline.
Further research using radiometric dating could be
done to determine the age of the reef sand and deep-core
borings made to ascertain the soil profile of the reefs.
This work attempts to add to the knowledge pool of
Guyana’s coastal resources as the country moves into the
petroleum-extraction industry.
Keywords :
High sand reef; marine alluvium; salinity; pH; total dissolved solids; acidity-alkalinity.
Guyana’s flat coastal plain is interspersed
with large shore-parallel lines of well-compacted inland
sand dunes. These sand dunes are called ‘high sand
reefs’ in the local vernacular as these reefs are above
mean high tide level. It is believed that these reefs are of
coastal origin forming from ancient beaches that were
left behind when sea level fell in the geological past. Over
years of human occupancy of Guyana’s coast, some reefs
were used for habitation, agriculture, cemeteries and
sand-extraction, while others were left to flourish with
flora and fauna. Due to the paucity of studies on these
reefs, this research aims to uncover some aspects of their
origin and nature, to determine current and future uses
as a coastal resource and to suggest ways for further
investigation.
Analyses were done on samples of materials
collected from the sand reef located about 2 km inland of
the Rose Hall Town-Port Mourant shoreline to ascertain
their physical and chemical properties. Comparison was
made with materials collected and analyzed from the
tidal shore beaches in the area to compare with the sand
reef materials. The sand reef material was found to have
seashells and salinity and dissolved salts content similar
to materials from the tidal beaches, indicating their
coastal nature, though located on dry land 2 km behind
the shoreline.
Further research using radiometric dating could be
done to determine the age of the reef sand and deep-core
borings made to ascertain the soil profile of the reefs.
This work attempts to add to the knowledge pool of
Guyana’s coastal resources as the country moves into the
petroleum-extraction industry.
Keywords :
High sand reef; marine alluvium; salinity; pH; total dissolved solids; acidity-alkalinity.
