Grade Six Social Studies
The Low Coastal Plain Hello Boys and Girls!
How was your week at school? I am sure you are doing very well and trying your best to adhere to all COVID-19 guidelines. Remember, you are very precious to our nation so you must ensure that you try your best at all times to be healthy and safe.
By now you should be well adjusted nicely to your new class. You are aware that this is a very important class, therefore you must dedicate your time and energies to reading, comprehending, and understanding new concepts. I strongly believe that you can excel at National Grade Six
Assessment (NGSA) and beyond. I encourage you boys and girls to stay focused on your education, remain steadfast in your pursuit of excellence, and always do the right thing.
In our first lesson, we discussed the Natural Regions of Guyana and we defined a Natural Region as a basic geographic unit. Usually, it is a region that is distinguished by its common natural features of geography, geology, and climate. This also means that the buildings, the vegetation, and the way of life of people may also be similar.
We said also that Guyana has four distinct Natural Regions. These are: 1) The Low Coastal Plain, 2) the Hilly Sand and Clay Area, 3) The Forested Highland Region and 4) The Interior Savannahs. We also had fun sketching the Map of Guyana locating the four natural regions. Lastly, we examined the basic features of EACH Natural Region under the following headings: Build, Soil, Vegetation, and Climate. It is very important that you reexamine what is taught to perfect your knowledge, understanding, and comprehension skills which are paramount to your success at NGSA.
In today’s lesson, we will continue to explore the topic of Natural Regions in Guyana with specific emphasis on The Low Coastal Plain. I encourage you to get your notebooks, pencils, and crayons as we investigate this region under the following headings:
• Brief description of The Low Coastal Plain • Soils
• Major Occupations
• Manufacturing Industries
• Important Places
How can we describe The Low Coastal Plain?
THE LOW COASTAL PLAIN
By Ulanie Prass-Akinde
The strip of land stretching from Point Playa to the Corentyne River – a seaboard of approximately 432 kilometres (270 miles) – is referred to as the Coastal Plain because it is located on the Atlantic Ocean. It varies in width from 16 to 64 kilometres (10 to 40 miles). It is extremely low and is about 2 to 4 metres (6 to 8 feet) below sea level. Most of the coastline is below sea level at high tide. To keep the tide out, concrete sea walls, dams, and groynes have been built along the coastline as far as possible.
Most of the population live on the Coastal Plain, earning their living on the sugar estates, in the rice fields, and working in other agricultural areas, or in towns and villages where they are employed as public servants, or in the private sector.
Let’s talk about the soil!
Why do you think the soil is important? The answer is simple, Soil puts food on our plates, purifies our water, protects us against flooding, and combats drought.
Science Tip: Plants derive water, oxygen from their roots, and essential nutrients from the soil.
Soils
There are THREE types of soil on the Coastal Plain
1. Pegasse soil is soft and spongy. Fruits and vegetables grow well in this type of soil. 2. Silty clay or mud forms our rice and sugar lands.
3. Sandy soils, called reef lands: where coconuts grow
Vegetation refers to plant growth and this is affected by soil, climate, and land formation.
Natural vegetation refers to plants and trees which grow naturally in an area. This is also referred to as the “flora” of an area. Most of the natural vegetation of the Coastal Plain has been cleared away to plant sugarcane, rice, and other agricultural crops. On the mudflats of the Essequibo, Demerara, and Berbice coasts, the original vegetation of mangroves and courida is still found. The roots of these trees hold the soil together and help to prevent erosion. Other natural vegetation includes the Troolic Palm, the Ete Palm, Manni, White Cedar, and some Crabwood.
Occupations
Have you ever heard the word occupation before? I’m sure you have. An occupation is simply the job or profession a person does.
Many jobs in the Coastal Plain are generated by agriculture, including rice and sugarcane cultivation, vegetable and fruit farming, livestock farming, as well as fishing.
Major occupations include:
Public Service: e.g., teachers, nurses and those who staff the various government ministries, and corporations.
Trading and shop-keeping
Banking and commerce
Manufacturing industries
Various manufacturing industries located in the Coastal Plain include: