SOME ASPECTS OF THE SURFACE CONFIGURATION OF SINGAPORE ISLAND

Abstract

Soil erosion is of three, types: the destruction of the soil layer, the dissection of materialunder the soil layer and gullying. The last two types cover 0.7 square miles and the first type is more widespread than is thought. The drainage pattern is complex. There are more than 40 drainage basins, the average size being 4.78 square miles and the medium size being 2.46 square miles. The drainage is influenced by the underlying structure and is related to the sequences of the island's geologic evolution. At least two base levels at 50-55 feet and 100-110 feet are revealed by map data. Positive correlation is hampered by deep weathering and active erosion. Since 1819 men has become an important geomorphic agent, resulting in the near total destruction of the vegetation cover. Earthworks are equivalent to an excavation of 8.4 inches uniformly over the island. recognition. 27% of the drainage area has boen changed beyond recognition. Little consideration is given to physical factors in modern development. Thus, swamp reclamation is curtained, agricultural resettlement sites are in poor localities and waste land is created in rural and agricultural zones. There is a lack of a comprehensive land utilization policy.