Landforms and soils in eastern Surinam (South America)

Quaternary geogenesis in eastern Surinam was studied by field methods and sedimentary-petrographic research. The development of the river valleys was explained in terms of changes in sea level, tectonic movements and changes in climate. A preliminary stratigraphy was established.Eight soil profiles were selected for a detailed study of pedogenesis. For this purpose the field data were combined with the results of thin-section analysis and chemical research, including X-ray microprobe analysis. To interpret the mechanical data, a rectangular diagram after Doeglas was used. The chemical data were recalculated into the normative mineralogical composition according to van der Plas & van Schuylenborgh and Burri. Thus bioturbation, clay migration, ferrallization, plinthization, podzolization and the genesis of arable soils were studied.27 soil profiles were classified by the American, the French, and the Brazilian system