Geology of Burma

Burma's geography begins with the Indo-Burman Ranges, extending 2,000 km south to the Andamans, serving as a significant ethnographic, cultural, and political boundary. In northern Burma, other mountain ranges branch off from the eastern Himalayas, running south through the Shan Plateau to the Tenasserim Ranges, forming the Sino-Burman Ranges. Between these major chains lies the Chindwin-Irrawaddy Basin, the fertile heartland of Burma. Geologically, Burma is crucial for studying converging plates, with the S Tethys suture separating oceanic and continental crusts. This suture corresponds to the Indonesian-Andaman Trench, a foredeep formed by a subduction zone. Various geological features, including the Outer Arc and Inner Volcanic Arc, are present in the region. Geological research began in the early 19th century and intensified during British rule (1885-1948), but slowed after Burma's independence in 1948. Renewed interest in geological studies emerged around 1965 due to governmental initiatives. Despite numerous papers on its geology, much of Burma remains unexplored, particularly in the inaccessible western and eastern ranges. This synthesis aims to organize existing knowledge according to modern geological criteria, aiding geologists in understanding regional features and identifying gaps for future research. The authors, who worked in Burma from 1969 to 1982, express gratitude to their Burmese colleagues and a deep apprec