The Atlantic and Pacific Types of Coast
Year: 1912
Type: article
Abstract: drawn attention to apparent contradictions in Prof. Suess' definitions of the two main types of coast exhibited on the globe, and the result of his inquiry is that, according to him, the original definitions should be modified.Taking the coast-lines of the world one by one and examining their history and position, it would appear that Prof. Suess' definitions explain so much and are so illuminating that it seems a pity to discredit them by bringing to bear on the question, which is one of broad outline, details which confuse the issue.According to Prof. Suess, the Atlantic is bordered by folded mountain chains which run out to sea and are cut off by the coast-line; the Pacific by folded mountain chains which run parallel to the coast-line.In addition, the folds of the Atlantic expose their backs to the ocean, and those of the Pacific their fronts; in other words, if the range is composed of Archaaan, Palaeozoic, and Mesozoic strata, the old Archasan base is exposed on the Atlantic side and the youngest strata on the Pacific side.A good example of this latter fact is represented by New Zealand and South Africa.In South island in New Zealand the folded ranges come from the north-east and meet on the south-west in a knot or Scliaarung with the folds which come from the south-east.In the embrace of the folds lies a plateau of Mesozoic strata corresponding to the Karroo beds of South Africa, whereas on the side of the island facing the mainland?thatis, Australia?theArchaean base is exposed.In South Africa the exact reverse is repre?sented ; the Karroo beds lying in the angle of the Schaarung are inland, and the Archaean base of the coastal mountains faces the open ocean.There is, however, water between New Zealand and Australia; that is, the true continental border of the western side of the Pacific is partly
Source: Geographical Journal
DOI: 10.2307/1778946
Author: E. H. L. Schwarz
Institution: Rhodes University
Language: English
Subfield: Geology
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2317156363