T H E G E O L O G I C A L S O C I E T Y O F A M E R I C A , INC.

SPECIAL P A P E R 8 4 , I 9 6 5

High Stands of Quaternary Sea Level

Along the Chilean Coast
HUMBERTO FUENZALIDA V.

Dept. of Geology, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile

RONALD COOKE

Dept. of Geography, University College, London, England

ROLAND PASKOFF

Bordeaux Université, Bordeaux, France

KENNETH SEGERSTROM

U. S. Geological Survey, Denver, Colorado

WOLFGANG WEISCHET

Dept. of Geography, Freiburg Universität, Freiburg, Germany

Abstract
M a r i n e terraces p a r t l y c u t in b e d r o c k a n d p a r t l y filled or v e n e e r e d w i t h clastic deposits
e x t e n d a l o n g m u c h of the C h i l e a n coast, p a r t i c u l a r l y b e t w e e n the 23rd a n d 40th
parallels. T h e highest terrace, a b o u t 250-400 m a b o v e present sea level i n c e n t r a l
a n d n o r t h e r n C h i l e , a n d 170-200 m a b o v e the sea in southern C h i l e , is p r o b a b l y
Pliocene. O t h e r terraces, a t 150-240 m , 8 0 - 1 3 0 m , 30-40 m in c e n t r a l a n d n o r t h e r n
C h i l e , a n d at 70 m , 2 0 - 3 8 m , 8 - 1 0 m in southern C h i l e , are Pleistocene. T h e most
extensive a n d best preserved terrace is the o n e at 8 0 - 1 3 0 m . T h e r e are several l o w e r
terraces of R e c e n t a g e .
Eustatic sea-level c h a n g e s h a v e b e e n strongly m o d i f i e d b y t e c t o n i c m o v e m e n t s .
D u r i n g the Q u a t e r n a r y , epeirogenetic uplift has b e e n d o m i n a n t n o r t h of t h e 40th
parallel, w h e r e a s s i n k i n g of the coast has g e n e r a l l y p r e v a i l e d farther south. L a t e
m o v e m e n t of fault blocks has displaced terraces as m u c h as 4 0 - 5 0 m l o c a l l y .

Resumen. T e r r a z a s m a r i n a s q u e en p a r t e son c o r t a d a s en r o c a f u n d a m e n t a l y en
parte son rellenadas o revestidas p o r depósitos clásticos se e x t i e n d e n sobre u n l a r g o
t r a m o d e la costa c h i l e n a . L a t e r r a z a más alta, q u e tiene alrededor d e 250 a 400 m
sobre el n i v e l del m a r a c t u a l en el c e n t r o y el n o r t e d e C h i l e , y 170 a 200 m sobre el
m a r en el sur, p r o b a b l e m e n t e es d e l P l i o c e n o . O t r a s terrazas, a elevaciones d e 1 5 0 -
240 m , 8 0 - 1 3 0 m , 3 0 - 4 0 m , en el sur d e C h i l e son del Pleistoceno. L a terraza l a más
474 I N T E R N A T I O N A L STUDIES ON THE QUATERNARY

extensa y de mejor conservación es la que tiene 8o a 130 m . H a y varias terrazas más

bajas que son del Holoceno.
Los cambios eustáticos del nivel del m a r h a n sido fuertemente modificados por
movimientos tectónicos. D u r a n t e el Cuaternario, el solevantamiento epirogénico ha
sido dominante al norte del Paralelo 40, mientras en general el hundimiento de la
costa h a prevalecido más al sur. Localmente, algunas terrazas han sido desplazadas
hasta 40 o 50 m por movimientos tardíos de bloques fallados.

Co^epacaHHe. PaccMaTpHBaiOTCH MopcKHe Teppacbi B ^IHJIH, npocTHpaiomHecH

noSepescta, B OCOSCHHOCTH M e a c f l y 23-eñ H 40-OH n a -
BFLOJIT 6 o j i i > m e ñ I A C T H e e
pajrjiejiHMH K)5KHOH i i m p o T b i . Teppacw HacTBK) Bpe3aHti B KopeHHyio nopofly,
H HaCTtK) 3anOJIHeHbI HJIH IIOKpblTbl TOHKHM CJIOeM OTJIOJKeHHÍI OSJIOMOIHLIX
nopofl. CaMaH BbicoKan T e p p a e a flOCTiiraeT n p H M e p H O 250-400 M BBICOTBI Hafl
coBpeMeHHWM ypoBHeM Mopa B iieHTpajibHoií H ceBepHoñ lacTHx ^HJIH H 170-
2 0 0 M B e e KIJKHOH L A C T H , H, n o B c e ñ B e p o H T H o e T H , OTHOCHTCH K i u r a o i j e H y . flpy-
rue Teppacbi BBICOTOIO B 150-240 M, 80-130 M, 30-40 M B iieHTpajibHoíi H ceBep-
HOH l a c r a x , H 70 M, 20-38 M, 8-10 M B K J K H O Í Í l a c r a ^ H J I H OTHOCHTCH K RUIEFICTO-
IIEHY. T e p p a e a B Í I C O T O K » B 80-130 M HBjiaeTCH H a n G o j i e e BMTHHyToii H 6 o J i e e
Bcero coxpaHHBineñcH. HMeeTCH HecKOJitKO Sojiee H H 3 K H X Teppac, npnHafljieaca-
D(HX K c 0 B p e M e H H 0 M y n e p H O f l y .

TeKTOHHieCKHeflBHMCeHHHCHJIBHO nOBJIHHJIH Ha 3BCTaTHleCKHe H3MeHeHHH

ypoBHH Mopa. B Teneime leTBepraiHoro nepaofla BepTHKajitHoe noflHHTHe KOH-
THHeHTajiBHtix miomafleñ 6I>IJIO pacnpocTpaHeHo K ceBepy OT copoKOBOH napaji-
j i e j i H , B TO B P E M H KaK onycKaHHe 6epera B o6meM npeoQjiaflajio 6ojn>iiie K rory.
B pe3yjitTaTe HeflaBHHXflBHJKeHHñcSpocoBtix rjn>i6 Teppacii nepeMecTHjiHct
B HeKQTopbix MecTax no 40-50 M.

Contents
Introduction 475
Part 1. Coastal terraces in southern Chile Wolfgang Weischet 475
Abstract 475
Former terraces at 1.5 m above sea level 477
Terraces above the former 1.5-m level 477
Part 2. Preliminary results of investigations of the Q u a t e r n a r y geology of the
C h i l e a n coast between lat. 30° and 33° S Roland Paskoff 480
Abstract 480
G e n e r a l statement 480
H i g h terrace 481
M i d d l e terrace 481
L o w terrace or C a c h a g u a level 481
R e c e n t sea-level changes 481
Part 3. Evidence of changing sea level between lat. 28° and 30° S. d u r i n g
Q u a t e r n a r y time Ronald Cooke 482
Abstract 482
Phases of sea-level movement 482
Evidence of former sea levels 483
D a t i n g of Q u a t e r n a r y land forms 486
Interpretation of the shore-line sequence 488
Acknowledgments 489
 FUENZALIDA AND OTHERS Q U A T E R N A R Y SEA L E V E L , CHILE 475

Part 4. Evidence and interpretations for high stands of the sea along the
Chilean coast between lat. 27 0 and 27°45' S. . . Kenneth Segerstrom 489
Abstract 489
General statement 489
H i g h terraces 491
Principal terrace 4g 1
L o w terraces 492
Conclusions 492
Part 5. S u m m a r y Humberto Fuenzalida V. 493
References cited 496

1. I n d e x m a p of Chile 476
2. I n d e x m a p of V a l d i v i a area, C h i l e 478
3. Schematic sections through terraces at Mehuin, near V a l d i v i a , and on the
B a y of Hueicolla, Chile 479
4. Index m a p of L a Serena-Vallenar area, Chile 483
5. G e o m o r p h i c m a p of part of Huasco Bay, Chile, showing reconstructed shore
lines, salient morphological features, and m a j o r fossil localities 485
6. Height-range d i a g r a m of marine surfaces around L a Serena Bay, Chile . . 487
7. M a p of coastal area between C a l d e r a and Bahia Salado, Chile, showing distri-
bution of marine terrace deposits 490
8. Sections through terraces in the C a l d e r a - R i o C o p i a p o area, Chile 494

PLATE FOLLOWING
1. Indurated and notched sea cliffs, Chile
2. T h i n section of b e a c h rock f r o m the Cordon El Espinazo, Chile
3. Unconformities on the C h i l e a n coast 488
4. R i o C o p i a p o area, Chile

TABLE
i . S u m m a r y of sea-level data, Chile 495

Introduction
T h e five a u t h o r s of t h i s p a p e r a r e scientists w i t h f i e l d e x p e r i e n c e i n C h i l e .
D i s c u s s i o n of t h e s e p a r a t e a r e a s of s t u d y a r e a r r a n g e d f r o m s o u t h t o n o r t h
(Fig. 1): Ancud-Puerto Saavedra (Weischet), Río La Ligua-Río Elqui
(Pascoff), L a Serena-Rio H u a s c o (Cooke), and Bahia Salado-Caldera (Seger-
strom) .

Part 1. Coastal Terraces in Southern Chile

Wolfgang Weischet

ABSTRACT

Subsidence of 1.4-1.6 m took place along the C h i l e a n coast between lat. 38° and
42 0 S. during the earthquake of M a y 22, i960. A pre-existing terrace at 1 . 2 - 1 . 5 m
476 INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ON T H E QUATERNARY

Figure i. Index m a p of Chile (except for Aysén and Magallanes)

 FUENZALIDA AND OTHERS QUATERNARY SEA LEVEL, CHILE 477
a b o v e sea l e v e l w a s i n u n d a t e d . L o c a l d i s c o n t i n u o u s m a r i n e t e r r a c e s exist i n t h e s a m e
region at 8 - 1 0 m , 20-25 m> 35_3^ m i 7° m> a n d 1 7 0 - 2 0 0 m a b o v e p r e s e n t sea l e v e l .

FORMER T E R R A C E S A T 1 . 5 M A B O V E SEA L E V E L

D u r i n g the earthquake of M a y 22, i960, a tectonic depression 1.4 to 1.6 m

along the coast line of southern Chile developed (Weischet, 1963a). T h i s
surprising observation w a s m a d e at three widely separated places: near
Puerto Saavedra, in M e h u i n , a n d in the b a y of A n c u d (see Fig. 2).
Just north of Puerto Saavedra, on the l a n d w a r d side of a shallow lagoon
that resulted from the M a y 1960 subsidence, the m e a n high tide washes over
the surface of a layer of sediments cemented to a depth of about 10 c m b y
iron and manganese oxides (PL 1, fig. 1). T h i s cemented zone is a result of a
formerly higher water table. I t is situated 1.5 m above the water table that
existed prior to depression of the land.
A n abrasion platform a b o u t 40 m wide cut in nearly vertical crystalline
slates at the northern end of M e h u i n B a y existed before the earthquake.
T h e platform was a b o u t 1.2 m above m e a n high tide at its seaward end and
a b o u t 1.5 m at its l a n d w a r d end, as shown by the upper limit of the marine
f a u n a that litters it. A f t e r the M a y 1960 subsidence the same abrasion plat-
f o r m had sunk to the level of m e a n high tide.
I n the southern part of A n c u d B a y a wave-excavated cave and a w a v e - c u t
notch h a v e been developed at the bottom of a cliff. Prior to the land depres-
sion in M a y 1960 both forms were situated well above the level of m e a n high
tide. N o w , however, both notch a n d cave are flooded at high tide (Pl. 1,
fig- 2).
Before the recent land sinking a broad " v e g a t e r r a c e " w a s situated near the
m o u t h of every river and brook in the region a b o u t 1.2 m above the level of
m e a n high tide. T h e soil of the terrace was developed on coastal marine sedi-
ments. A f t e r subsidence in i960 this terrace w a s flooded.
I n the following contribution b y Paskoff, geomorphic consequences of a
former sea level about 1.2 m higher than the present one are related to a
post-Pleistocene Dunkirkian transgression for central Chile. T h e very recent
c h a n g e of level b y means of tectonic processes in southern Chile reminds us to
be cautious about correlating terrace levels w i t h glacio-eustatic changes of
sea level. O n the other h a n d , there is good conformity of terrace remnants
found at different places along the coast of southern Chile above the 1.5-m
level.

T E R R A C E S A B O V E THE FORMER I . 5 - M L E V E L

A 20-m level exists in the b a y of M e h u i n , first in a remnant of wave-cut

b e n c h in a cliff (Fig. 3, top diagram), and second on n e a r b y Playa C h i c a ,
w h e r e a broad plain of gray sand has been formed. T h e 20-m level also is
evident in eroded platforms o n interfluvial slopes in the vicinity of O u e l e .
478 INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ON T H E QUATERNARY

73°

O 5,0 W}0

K I L O M E T E R S

F i g u r e 2. I n d e x m a p of V a l d i v i a area, Chile
 FUENZALIDA AND OTHERS Q U A T E R N A R Y SEA L E V E L , CHILE 479

Figure 3. Schematic sections through terraces at Mehuin, near Valdivia, and on the
B a y of Hueicolla, Chile. In the middle diagram, canagua refers to cemented volcanic
ash with intercalated sediments; the high terrace is underlain by deeply weathered
crystalline slate.

Earlier reports (Briiggen, 1950; Weischet, 1959; lilies, i960) h a v e de-

scribed t h e striking terraces of a c c u m u l a t i o n a t 10 a n d 20 m a b o v e sea level in
t h e b a y n e a r Corral a n d n e a r Valdivia, a b o u t 15 k m u p s t r e a m (Fig. 3, m i d d l e
d i a g r a m ) . T h e terrace deposits consist mostly of " c a n c a g u a , " a c e m e n t e d
volcanic ash with intercalated layers of brackish-water a n d m a r i n e sediments.
T h e deposition surface of t h e c a n c a g u a in t h e Basin of Valdivia h a d b e e n
first deeply dissected, a n d t h e n y o u n g sediments h a d a c c u m u l a t e d on it
(Weischet, 1963b). F r o m the vega terrace (1.5 m a b o v e sea level before t h e
e a r t h q u a k e , now a t sea level) d o w n t o 30 m below sea level, only tidal-flat
480 I N T E R N A T I O N A L STUDIES ON T H E QUATERNARY

s e d i m e n t s h a v e b e e n f o u n d b y m e a n s of d r i l l i n g (lilies, i 9 6 0 ) . A s e q u e n c e of
e v e n t s t h a t s e e m s t o fit t h e s e o b s e r v a t i o n s is as follows: (1) f o r m a t i o n of t e r -
r a c e s a t i o m a n d 2 0 - 2 2 m d u r i n g t h e last i n t e r g l a c i a l p e r i o d , (2) dissection b y
rivers as a c o n s e q u e n c e of t h e l o w e r e d sea level in t h e last glacial e p o c h , (3)
refilling w i t h tidal-flat s e d i m e n t s u p t o t h e h i g h e s t sea level (plus 1.5 m ) i n t h e
postglacial p e r i o d ( v e g a - t e r r a c e ) , (4) n e w slight dissection of t h e v e g a , a n d
(5) t e c t o n i c d e p r e s s i o n of t h e e n t i r e s e q u e n c e 1.5 m in M a y i 9 6 0 . I n t h e s a m e
a r e a , a t a b o u t 200 m a b o v e sea level, t h e r e a r e n u m e r o u s r e m n a n t s of a h i g h
t e r r a c e w i t h p u r e q u a r t z g r a i n s u p o n d e e p l y w e a t h e r e d crystalline slate.
T h i s " p e n e p l a i n " m u s t h a v e h a d its origin n e a r t h e e n d of t h e T e r t i a r y
period.
L a n d w a r d f r o m t h e d r e d g e d m o u t h of t h e B a y of H u e i c o l l a (Fig. 3, l o w e r
d i a g r a m ) , a n 8 - t o 10-m level stretches in a c r e s c e n t for a m a x i m u m d i s t a n c e
of 250 m . T h i s t e r r a c e is a n a c c u m u l a t i o n of loose s e d i m e n t s . O n a slope
t o w a r d t h e i n l a n d m o u n t a i n s , a r e a s similar t o p l a t f o r m s c a n b e n o t i c e d a t
levels of 25, 3 5 - 3 8 , a n d 70 m all a r o u n d t h e b a y . A n e x p o s u r e in t h e 2 5 - m
t e r r a c e shows w a v e - f o r m e d r o u n d e d p e b b l e s of q u a r t z - p h y l l i t e . O n t h e 3 5 - m
t e r r a c e a slate c o n g l o m e r a t e 3 m thick is r h y t h m i c a l l y b e d d e d w i t h yellow
s a n d . T h i s d e p o s i t is sufficiently c o n s o l i d a t e d t o s t a n d o n v e r t i c a l slopes.
N e i t h e r c o n g l o m e r a t e n o r s a n d s t o n e shows m u c h w e a t h e r i n g . A t t h e 7 0 - m
level, h o w e v e r , o n l y p u r e q u a r t z gravels a r e f o u n d .
I n M a i c o l p e B a y t h e r e m a i n s of a n a b r a s i o n p l a t f o r m a t a n a l t i t u d e of
7 - 8 m exist. I n a cliff b e h i n d t h e p l a t f o r m , 2 m of m a r i n e c o n g l o m e r a t e is
exposed.

Part 2. Preliminary Results of Investigations of the

Quaternary Geology of the Chilean Coast
Between Lat. 30° and 33° S.
Roland Paskoff

ABSTRACT

W e l l - p r e s e r v e d g r a d e d t e r r a c e s e x i s t a l o n g t h e C h i l e a n c o a s t b e t w e e n l a t . 30° a n d
3 3 ° S . a t 5 - 7 m , 3 5 - 4 0 m , a n d 1 0 0 - 3 0 0 m a b o v e p r e s e n t sea l e v e l . P r o b a b l e a g e s of
these t e r r a c e s a r e W i i r m I / I I i n t e r s t a d i a l , m i d d l e Q u a t e r n a r y , a n d e a r l y Q u a t e r n a r y ,
r e s p e c t i v e l y . T e r r a c e s a t 4 - 5 m a n d 1.2 m t h a t a r e less w e l l d e f i n e d t h a n t h e h i g h e r
t e r r a c e s a r e o f p o s s i b l e C a l a i s i a n a n d D u n k e r q u i a n a g e . O r i g i n of t h e t w o h i g h e s t
t e r r a c e s is n o t c l e a r , b u t t h e l o w e r t e r r a c e s a r e p r o b a b l y o f g l a c i o - e u s t a t i c o r i g i n .

G E N E R A L STATEMENT

F r o m a s t u d y n o w i n p r o g r e s s of t h e C h i l e a n coast b e t w e e n lat. 30° a n d

33 0 S., a few p r e l i m i n a r y results m a y b e a n n o u n c e d . I n t h e m i d s t of a r e a s
 F U E N Z A L I D A A N D OTHERS Q U A T E R N A R Y SEA L E V E L , C H I L E 481

strongly affected by late tectonic m o v e m e n t s , t h e r e a r e portions t h a t seem

to h a v e b e e n m o r e stable since early Q u a t e r n a r y time. T h e s e portions record
t h e morphological changes d u r i n g t h e Pleistocene a n d R e c e n t t h a t h a v e
n o t resulted f r o m tectonic m o v e m e n t s . T h r e e g r a d e d terraces i m p l y t h r e e
long periods of high sea level. I n a d d i t i o n , t h e r e is evidence of m o r e r e c e n t
a n d less p r o n o u n c e d strand lines. T h e influence of climatic c h a n g e s is also
apparent.

HIGH TERRACE

A t widely separated places ( m o u t h of the R í o Elqui, lat. 30 o S.; Q u e b r a d a

d e la Ballena, lat. 32° 17' S., a n d t h e R í o L a L i g u a , lat. 32 o 27' S.), t h e ex-
istence of a n old shore line a b o u t 100-300 m a b o v e sea level is i n d i c a t e d by a
high terrace in a good state of preservation. T h e terrace occurs a l o n g t h e
base of a m o u n t a i n slope a n d is p a r t l y covered with late alluvial fans. Its
m a r i n e origin is u n m i s t a k a b l e : its surface is littered w i t h pebbles h a v i n g
flattish shapes characteristic of shingle beaches. M o r e o v e r , t h e r e is a resistant
c o q u i n a in places. T h e m a r i n e terrace grades u p w a r d to one of c o n t i n e n t a l
origin, as described by the a u t h o r (1963a) for t h e lower course of t h e R i o L a
Ligua. T h e c o n t i n e n t a l terrace deposit consists of coarse torrential a c c u m u l a -
tions resulting f r o m t h e last g r e a t l a n d uplift a n d erosion u n d e r semiarid
climatic conditions with well-defined w e t a n d d r y seasons.
As a result of malacological s t u d y of t h e c o q u i n a , t h e highest t e r r a c e is
assigned to t h e early Q u a t e r n a r y .

MIDDLE T E R R A C E

A lower terrace, separated f r o m t h e h i g h t e r r a c e by a n e s c a r p m e n t , is

conspicuously well preserved. T h e pebbles a n d c o q u i n a t h a t cover t h e second
t e r r a c e a r e evidence of t h e w a v e action t h a t took place w h e n sea level w a s
3 5 - 4 0 m h i g h e r t h a n a t present. T h e t o p o g r a p h i c position of this t e r r a c e
tentatively implies a n a g e of m i d d l e Q u a t e r n a r y .

L O W TERRACE OR CACHAGUA LEVEL

T h e latest m a r i n e p l a t f o r m is evidence of long stability of t h e shore line a t

5 - 7 m a b o v e present sea level. T h e terrace is b o r d e r e d b y a sea cliff t h a t is
r e m a r k a b l e for its u n i f o r m height a n d its persistence. T h e t e r r a c e is correlated
with t h e l o w - M o n a s t e r i a n level of E u r o p e of late Q u a t e r n a r y a g e — e i t h e r
Riss-Wiirm Interglacial or, m o r e p r o b a b l y , W ü r m I / I I i n t e r s t a d i a l (Paskoff,
1963b; 1963c).

RECENT SEA-LEVEL CHANGES

Archeological r e m a i n s a n d shore deposits b e y o n d r e a c h of present ocean

waves provide evidence for t w o p r o b a b l e postglacial shore lines slightly
482 INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ON THE QUATERNARY

a b o v e t h e p r e s e n t level of t h e sea (Paskoff, 1963c): (1) a 4 - 5 - m level (Calais-

i a n ? ) t h a t c o u l d b e c o n t e m p o r a r y w i t h t h e Postglacial C l i m a t i c O p t i m u m ;
(2) a 1 - 2 - m level ( D u n k e r q u i a n ? ) t h a t m a y d a t e b a c k t o t h e b e g i n n i n g of t h e
Christian Era.
I n t e r p r e t a t i o n of these t e r r a c e s is p a r t of t h e g e n e r a l p r o b l e m of l o w e r i n g
of t h e o c e a n s d u r i n g t h e Q u a t e r n a r y . T h e glacio-eustatic e x p l a n a t i o n seems
s u i t a b l e f o r t h e l o w e r levels, i n c l u d i n g t h e C a c h a g u a level. T h e discussion is
still o p e n c o n c e r n i n g t h e m i d d l e a n d h i g h e r t e r r a c e s — w e r e t h e y p r o d u c e d b y
c o n t i n e n t a l u p l i f t , b y ocean-level d e s c e n t r e l a t e d t o i n c o m p l e t e d e g l a c i a t i o n s ,
o r b y t h e o p e n i n g of n e w o c e a n i c t r e n c h e s ?

Part 3. Evidence of Changing Sea Level

Between Lat. 28° and 30° S. During Quaternary Time
Ronald Cooke

ABSTRACT

T h r e e m a j o r p h a s e s of s e a - l e v e l m o v e m e n t a r e r e c o g n i z e d a l o n g t h e c o a s t o f t h e
s o u t h e r n A t a c a m a desert. E a c h p h a s e is a s s o c i a t e d w i t h a d i s t i n c t g r o u p o f m a r i n e
a n d fluviatile l a n d f o r m s t h a t a r e b r i e f l y d e s c r i b e d i n f o u r a r e a s . P r o b l e m s o f d a t i n g ,
correlating, a n d e x p l a i n i n g sea-level m o v e m e n t s are discussed.

P H A S E S OF S E A - L E V E L MOVEMENT

T h r e e i m p o r t a n t p h a s e s of sea-level m o v e m e n t a r e r e c o g n i z e d i n t h e a r e a
( B r ü g g e n , 1950, p . 191; C o o k e , 1964). A fall of sea level f r o m a t least 500
m t o b e l o w its p r e s e n t h e i g h t a c c o m p a n i e d t h e first a n d b y f a r t h e l o n g e s t
p e r i o d of l a n d - f o r m e v o l u t i o n . S o m e r a i s e d - b e a c h r e m n a n t s o n t h e h i g h
cliffs a n d several a c c o r d a n t s u m m i t levels i n t h e w e s t e r n f r i n g e s of t h e coastal
m o u n t a i n s i n d i c a t e t h e i n t e r m i t t e n t n a t u r e of t h i s fall. T h e m a j o r rivers
flowed t h r o u g h o u t t h e p h a s e , a n d f r a g m e n t s of r i v e r t e r r a c e s , valley p e d i -
m e n t s , a n d p i e d m o n t d e p o s i t s r e c o r d stages i n t h e d e v e l o p m e n t of t h e i r
b a s i n s . B y t h e e n d of t h e p h a s e , t h e r i v e r s flowed t o a sea level b e l o w t h a t of
the present.
D u r i n g p h a s e 2, t h e sea t r a n s g r e s s e d u p o n t h e p h a s e 1 t o p o g r a p h y to a
h e i g h t of 110 m a b o v e p r e s e n t sea level. T h e transgression w a s a c c o m p a n i e d
b y t h e d e p o s i t i o n of fossiliferous m a r i n e s a n d a n d g r a v e l a l o n g t h e coast.
C o n t e m p o r a n e o u s l y , t h e valleys w e r e a g g r a d e d b y a n efflux of fluviatile d e -
b r i s f r o m t h e A n d e s . T h e p h a s e c u l m i n a t e d w i t h t h e f o r m a t i o n of a n ex-
t e n s i v e a g g r a d a t i o n s u r f a c e or, locally, a n a b r a s i o n p l a t f o r m r e l a t e d t o t h e
110-m s h o r e line. T h i s stage h a s b e e n i d e n t i f i e d a t C a r r i z a l B a j o , H u a s c o ,
C a r r i z a l i l l o , a n d L a S e r e n a (Fig. 4).
S e a level fell t o its p r e s e n t h e i g h t i n p h a s e 3, l e a v i n g s h o r e lines, a b r a s i o n
p l a t f o r m s , a n d fossiliferous deposits. T h e erosion of p l a t f o r m s w a s m o s t
 F U E N Z A L I D A A N D OTHERS Q U A T E R N A R Y SEA L E V E L , CHILE 483

effective in t h e unconsolidated a c c u m u l a t i o n of t h e previous phase. P l a t f o r m s

a r e extensively a n d clearly preserved, for e x a m p l e in t h e deposits a r o u n d t h e
b a y s of L a Serena a n d C o q u i m b o . W h e r e t h e phase 2 succession h a s b e e n
r e m o v e d a n d the p h a s e 1 t o p o g r a p h y e x h u m e d , as at H u a s c o a n d Garrizal
Bajo, regression stages a r e generally m o r e n u m e r o u s , b u t n a r r o w e r a n d less
distinct. M a j o r streams were r e j u v e n a t e d a t this time a n d cut r e m a r k a b l e
fluviatile terraces w i t h i n the w e a t h e r e d valley fill of phase 2. T h e terraces a r e
thinly b u t completely veneered with u n w e a t h e r e d river gravels.

EVIDENCE OF FORMER SEA LEVELS

I m p o r t a n t evidence of sea-level fluctuations exists on t h e southern side

of H u a s c o Bay (Fig. 5). T h e r e terraces above 110 m were f o r m e d d u r i n g t h e
484 I N T E R N A T I O N A L STUDIES ON T H E QUATERNARY

first m a j o r period of sea-level fall (phase i ) . Several platforms a n d t w o shore

lines of this p h a s e occur on t h e C o r d ó n El Espinazo. T h e surfaces, generally
less t h a n 20 m wide, were eroded in agglomerates, andesites, a n d diorites.
T h e y were best developed on t h e western side of t h e r a n g e , which w a s m o r e
exposed to d o m i n a n t wave attack f r o m t h e southwest. Shore lines occur a t
125 m a n d 115 m (a a n d b respectively in Fig. 5). T h e y a r e distinguished by a
s h a r p b r e a k of slope b e t w e e n cliff a n d p l a t f o r m a t constant heights a n d by
a few patches of fossiliferous b e a c h rock on t h e a d j a c e n t surfaces. Beach
rock f r o m t h e C o r d ó n El Espinazo contains a f a u n a t h a t m a y be useful in
d a t i n g the surfaces (PI. 2).
T h e most extensive morphological f e a t u r e in H u a s c o Bay is a composite
erosion surface t h a t extends f r o m 85 m to a b o u t 11 o m . M i n o r pauses in sea-
level m o v e m e n t s d u r i n g its f o r m a t i o n a r e identified b y shore lines a n d beach-
rock deposits a t 100 m (c) a n d 95 m (d). T h e great extent of t h e p l a t f o r m ,
c o m p a r e d w i t h all other surfaces, suggests t h a t sea level was within this r a n g e
of a l t i t u d e for a considerable time. Deposits on the surface a r e largely confined
to generally unfossiliferous b e a c h rocks. I t is p e r h a p s surprising t h a t a few
scattered p e b b l e s a r e t h e only relicts of t h e abrasion tools t h a t m u s t h a v e
p r o d u c e d t h e surface.
Shore lines of t h e phase 3 regression a t 80 m (e), 60 m (h), 54 m (i), a n d
43 m ( j ) a r e f o u n d a r o u n d a b r o a d e m b a y m e n t southeast of Q u e b r a d a M
(Fig. 5). T h e y a r e associated w i t h cliffs u p to 5 m h i g h a n d w i t h surfaces t h a t
a r e thinly covered n e a r t h e shore lines w i t h i n d u r a t e d sand a n d shell beds.
Between t h e C o r d ó n El Espinazo a n d t h e Alto spur, shore lines a t 80 m
(e), 75 m (f), 71 m (g), a n d 43 m (j) m a r k successive stages in the d e v e l o p m e n t
of H u a s c o Bay, whose outline h a s b e c o m e progressively smaller a n d m o r e
r e g u l a r (Fig. 5). T h e only sound criterion for recognizing these shore lines is
t h e s h a r p h o r i z o n t a l break of slope b e t w e e n platform a n d cliff. F e w signs of
m a r i n e erosion exist. However, t h e cliffs a r e u n d o u b t e d l y erosional: their
local linearity suggests faulting, b u t they actually coincide with a system of
r o u g h l y parallel, resistant diorite dikes, w h e r e a s t h e platforms occur in m o r e
easily eroded schists a n d phyllites.
A t 30 m (m), a b a d l y preserved b u t i m p o r t a n t shore line is associated with
several fossiliferous deposits u p to 10 m thick. T h i s is t h e only shore line t h a t
m i g h t h a v e b e e n p r o d u c e d after a m i n o r transgression d u r i n g t h e over-all
regression of p h a s e 3. F u r t h e r m o r e , it is t h e only shore line t h a t is confidently
correlated w i t h a fiuviatile t e r r a c e by t o p o g r a p h i c continuity in t h e field.
Aerial p h o t o g r a p h s covering t h e coastal areas n o r t h a n d south of H u a s c o
Bay reveal t h a t t h e steep a n d h i g h cliff is a fairly persistent feature, its crest
d e m a r c a t i n g direct d r a i n a g e t o w a r d t h e sea f r o m t h e intricate a n d d e e p l y in-
cised q u e b r a d a systems of t h e coastal cordillera. T h e cliff is flanked b y a zone
of m a r i n e terraces, in places m o r e t h a n 3 k m wide. T h e best preserved terrace
FUENZALIDA AND OTHERS Q U A T E R N A R Y SEA L E V E L , CHILE
486 I N T E R N A T I O N A L STUDIES ON T H E QUATERNARY

was formed at the end of phase 2. Below it are several other terraces and some
exceptionally well-defined cliffs. In one locality, a b o u t 10 k m north of
Huasco, a series of at least five terraces occurs. T h e elevations of shore lines
h a v e yet to be determined in the field. M u c h of this coastal zone, especially
south of Huasco, is masked b y wind-blown sand.
Briiggen (1950, p. 188) recognizes a dissected marine surface in the C a r -
rizalillo area at a b o u t 500 m , another at about 250 m that he dates as
Pliocene, and a third between 220 m and 160 m that is more than 5 k m w i d e
and is backed b y a pronounced cliff. A l l belong to phase 1. T h e most exten-
sive surface, produced at the end of phase 2, slopes from a shore line at a b o u t
11 o m to the present cliffs of Carrizalillo B a y . H i g h e r portions of the surface
are associated w i t h an indurated shelly limestone that contains an a b u n d a n t
molluscan fauna. T h i s deposit overlies w i t h apparent conformity a thick suc-
cession of coarse, current-bedded yellow sands that contain some thin fos-
siliferous horizons. Stages in the modification of the surface related to the
110-m shore line during phase 3 are singularly scarce, although m a n y
remnants of shore platforms are evident in the rocky peninsulas to the north
a n d south. T h e b a y is fringed by a shore line at 3 - 4 m above sea level.
M a r i n e sediments deposited during the transgression of phase 2 are well
preserved in L a Serena B a y , w h e r e they are called the C o q u i m b o Formation.
Stages in deposition are represented b y shell banks at frequent intervals. For
example, on the south side of Q u e b r a d a R o m e r a l , a short distance north of L a
Serena, fossiliferous horizons occur at 35 m , 36 m , 38 m , 40 m , and 48 m
above sea level. A broad aggradation surface at a b o u t 100 m marks the
culmination of this phase.
R e m n a n t s of surfaces formed during the regression of the sea in phase 3
h a v e been plotted approximately on a height-range d i a g r a m (Fig. 6). T h e y
occur extensively and almost exclusively within the phase 2 deposits, al-
t h o u g h some small phase 3 platforms are found in the rocky peninsula of
P u n t a Teatinos. T h e m a i n surfaces are located at 8 7 - 7 5 nl > 80-40 m (with
local developments at 70-63 m , 53-48 m , a n d 50-20 m ) , 3 5 - 1 5 m , 1 8 - 1 5 m ,
a n d below 10 m . I t is difficult to locate old sea levels at the backs of these sur-
faces because some h a v e been obscured b y slopewash and others h a v e been
masked by wind-blown debris.

DATING OF Q U A T E R N A R Y LAND FORMS

W h e r e a s the relative chronology of coastal evolution in the region is clear,

it must be admitted that no part of the sequence of shore-line changes has been
accurately dated. A l t h o u g h several attempts h a v e been m a d e to date land
forms and deposits, none of them is based on unquestionable evidence. For
example, several paleontological studies of the C o q u i m b o Formation h a v e
been m a d e , but its age is disputed. D a r w i n (1896, p. 247) attributes the f a u n a
FUENZALIDA AND OTHERS Q U A T E R N A R Y SEA L E V E L , CHILE 487
488 I N T E R N A T I O N A L STUDIES ON T H E QUATERNARY

to the early T e r t i a r y , Steinmann's (1896, p. 535) detailed analysis leads him

to ascribe a N e o g e n e age to the deposits, and Willis (1929, p. 101) concludes
that the succession belongs to both the Pliocene a n d the early Pleistocene. A
further example concerns phase 3. A shore line between 5 and 7 m occurs at
several localities along the Chilean littoral and corresponds in altitude with
the Normannien shore line in western France. Paskoff (1963a, p. 191) be-
lieves that the two shore lines are contemporaneous. R e c e n t archeological
investigations b y Julio M o n t a n e (Personal communication, 1964), however,
suggest that such long-distance correlation m a y b e inaccurate. M o n t a n e be-
lieves that the 5—7-m shore line was probably formed about 6000 years a g o
(Written communication, N o v e m b e r 1964). Further work is essential before
shore lines of the Norte C h i c o c a n be correlated confidently w i t h those in
other areas. Moreover, until the absolute ages of deposits are k n o w n beyond
doubt, interpretations of the processes that caused sea-level movements will
remain speculative.

INTERPRETATION OF THE SHORE-LINE SEQUENCE

T h e intermittent fall of sea-level during phase 1 was so great that it was

almost certainly the result of major earth movements. A n intermittent
epeirogenic uplift of the continent following the m a i n A n d e a n orogeny seems
the most reasonable explanation. Examination of the phase 2 deposits sug-
gests that the marine transgression at this time was a continuous phenomenon
that could be explained either b y a continental submergence, as both Willis
and Briiggen maintain, or b y a major glacio-eustatic change of sea level.
Phase 3 poses greater problems. Some authors believe that glacio-eustatic
processes were responsible for sea-level changes, others consider intermittent
tectonic activity the most important process of rejuvenation. If the phase be-
longs even in part to the Q u a t e r n a r y , w h i c h seems likely, there must h a v e
been some glacio-eustatic control of sea-level movement. A s m a n y authors
have pointed out, on the other hand, it is certain that some recent changes of
sea level along the Chilean coast have been the result of tectonic m o v e m e n t
(e.g. W r i g h t , 1961). S u c h movements m a y h a v e occurred throughout
Q u a t e r n a r y time. For example, epeirogenic uplift could h a v e begun in phase
1, been interrupted by the transgression of phase 2, and continued into phase
3. T h e final solution to this problem will probably b e a compromise be-
tween the opposing views.
T w o further problems are associated with the interpretation of phase 3
land forms:
(1) T h e condition of sea level at times w h e n abrasion platforms were
formed is unknown. W e r e platforms cut during minor transgressions in the
over-all regression? If this were so, platform erosion p r o b a b l y occurred during
interglacial or interstadial rises of sea level. Alternatively, were platforms cut
during pauses in the regression? If this were the case, then intermittent
 F i g u r e 1. P a r t of section i n d u r a t e d w i t h iron a n d m a n g a n e s e oxides, Puerto
Saavedra

F i g u r e 2. N o t c h in cliff a t low tide, s o u t h e r n p a r t of A n c u d B a y . B e f o r e e a r t h -

q u a k e , t h e s a m e f e a t u r e w a s 1.5 m a b o v e high tide. Scale s h o w n b y ice a x e n e a r
c e n t e r of p h o t o

I N D U R A T E D A N D N O T C H E D SEA CLIFFS, CHILE

FUENZALIDA AND OTHERS, PLATE 1

Geological Society of A m e r i c a Special P a p e r 84
 T H I N SECTION OF BEACH ROCK FROM T H E
CORDON EL ESPINAZO, CHILE
Magnification 6 X - Larger fragments are derived principally from lamellibranchs
a n d g a s t r o p o d s . A few particles of grit, q u a r t z , diorite, a n d u n a l t e r e d plagioclase
occur. F e w f r a g m e n t s are in c o n t a c t . T h e y a r e set in a m a t r i x of c a l c i u m c a r b o n a t e .

FUENZALIDA AND OTHERS, PLATE 2

Geological S o c i e t y of A m e r i c a Special P a p e r 84
 F i g u r e 1. U n c o n f o r m i t y b e t w e e n l a t e T e r t i a r y silt a n d over-
lying fossiliferous Q u a t e r n a r y g r a v e l , n o r t h w e s t e r n p a r t of
Llano de Caldera

F i g u r e 2. Sea cliff s o u t h of m o u t h of R i o C o p i a p o , s h o w i n g
c o n t a c t between Q u a t e r n a r y m a r i n e b e d s a n d u n d e r l y i n g
g r a n i t i c rocks

UNCONFORMITIES ON THE CHILEAN COAST

FUENZALIDA AND OTHERS, PLATE 3

Geological Society of A m e r i c a Special P a p e r 84
 F i g u r e 1. Vertical aerial p h o t o g r a p h of M o r r o d e C o p i a p ó (black a r e a )
a n d a d j a c e n t p a r t of L l a n o d e C a l d e r a , s h o w i n g n o r t h - n o r t h e a s t f a u l t .
P h o t o t a k e n b y H Y C O N C o m p a n y in 1955

F i g u r e 2. G r a n i t e gorge c u t by t h e R i o C o p i a p ó in b e d r o c k ridge b u r i e d
b y t h e L l a n o d e C a l d e r a t e r r a c e d e p o s i t s w e s t of M a r i a Isabel

RÍO COPIAPÓ AREA, CHILE

FUENZALIDA AND OTHERS, PLATE 4

Geological S o c i e t y of A m e r i c a Special P a p e r 84
 FUENZALIDA AND OTHERS Q U A T E R N A R Y SEA L E V E L , CHILE 489

epeirogenic uplift m a y have b e e n the cause. Unfortunately, the limited evi-

dence of deposits and platform morphology is inadequate to answer these
questions conclusively.
(2) S o m e shore lines occur at uniform altitudes for great distances along
the coast. T h e 110-m, 1 5 - 1 8 - m , and 5 - 7 - m shore lines, for example, are ap-
parently horizontal between Carrizal B a j o and L a Serena. N o differential
tectonic movements h a v e occurred in this area since the end of phase 2. T h e
inferred changes of sea level w e r e not necessarily induced by glacio-eustatic
changes, however. A n alternative explanation is possible. T h e Chilean coast
closely parallels the m a i n longitudinal axes of A n d e a n orogeny. If epeirogenic
uplift followed the orogeny, it almost certainly would h a v e been parallel to
those axes and uniform longitudinally. Epeirogenic uplift might reasonably be
expected to h a v e been uniform for m a n y miles along the coast.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

T h e author is most grateful to Prof. S. E. Hollingworth for his invaluable

advice given during the progress of this work. H e also wishes to acknowledge
the help of Prof. H . Fuenzalida, H . M o n t a n é , and D . J . Robinson. T h e
D e p t . of Scientific and Industrial Research, England, and the Central R e -
search F u n d of the University of L o n d o n gave generous financial assistance,
a n d the Instituto de Investigaciones Geológicas helped in numerous ways.

Part 4. Evidence and Interpretation for High Stands

of the Sea Along the Chilean Coast
Between Lat. 27° and 27°45' S.
Kenneth Segerstrom

ABSTRACT

A b r o a d t e r r a c e p a r t l y c u t i n b e d r o c k a n d p a r t l y filled o r v e n e e r e d w i t h c l a s t i c d e -
posits e x t e n d s a l o n g t h e P a c i f i c c o a s t s o u t h o f C a l d e r a , C h i l e , f o r a d i s t a n c e of 60
k m . W h e r e it h a s n o t b e e n e r o d e d a t t h e e d g e b y r u n n i n g w a t e r o r d e f l a t e d in a c e n t r a l
p o r t i o n b y e o l i a n a c t i o n t h e t e r r a c e r a n g e s f r o m a b o u t 9 5 t o 1 3 7 m a b o v e p r e s e n t sea
l e v e l . T h r e e h i g h e r t e r r a c e s , of w h i c h r e l a t i v e l y n a r r o w r e m n a n t s r e m a i n , f o r m sea-
w a r d - f a c i n g e s c a r p m e n t s a t 1 5 0 - 1 7 5 m , 208 m , a n d 238 m . T h e t e r r a c e s result f r o m
m a r i n e e m b a y m e n t of the l o w e r R í o C o p i a p ó valley a n d a d j a c e n t areas a n d f r o m
s u b s e q u e n t w i t h d r a w a l of t h e s e a . M o s t t e r r a c e l e v e l s r e p r e s e n t p a u s e s i n the g e n e r a l
m a r i n e regression.

G E N E R A L STATEMENT

M a r i n e terraces and elevated beaches south and southeast of Caldera, con-

sisting principally of gravel, are as high as 268 m above sea level. T h e m a r i n e
deposits contain a b u n d a n t mollusks and some sharks' teeth, most of w h i c h are
521 I N T E R N A T I O N A L STUDIES ON T H E QUATERNARY

Figure 7. M a p of coastal area between Caldera and Bahia Salado,

Chile, showing distribution of marine terrace deposits

morphologically indistinguishable from the remains that litter modern

beaches (Segerstrom, 1963). A n Isignomon collected a t about 100 m above sea
level near Q u e b r a d a Seca (Fig. 7) is probably larger than modern forms and
possibly is a w a r m - w a t e r species (José C o r v a l à n , oral communication, J u n e
1962). I t is believed that terrace and beach materials were deposited during
 FUENZALIDA AND OTHERS Q U A T E R N A R Y SEA L E V E L , C H I L E 491

periods of extensive Pleistocene e m b a y m e n t of the lower R i o C o p i a p o valley

and adjacent parts of the coast.
Well-bedded gravel, sand, and (locally) shells were deposited on late
T e r t i a r y (?) subaerial silt (PI. 3, fig. 1) and on late Paleozoic(?) phyllitic
quartzite a n d y o u n g e r granitic rocks (PI. 3, fig. 2). A t one place, silicified
tree trunks occur on a surface of weathered diorite that w a s buried by the
Q u a t e r n a r y m a r i n e deposits and recently e x h u m e d (at A in Fig. 7). T h e pre-
Q u a t e r n a r y surface w a s very rugged along the coast, and some of the hills of
resistant crystalline rock were not covered by the marine deposits ( M o r r o de
C o p i a p o , C e r r o L o m a s ) . Q u a t e r n a r y marine deposits range in thickness from
a veneer of less than 1 m to a well-bedded accumulation of over 60 m . T h e
deposits are horizontal or nearly so, except for basal beds that rest on the pre-
existing topography, where steep initial dips locally occur, and near a fault,
where the dip of d r a g g e d beds m a y exceed 30°.

HIGH TERRACES

T h e highest beaches are v e r y narrow, discontinuous, and partly covered

with m o d e r n fans and colluvium. T h e i r top altitudes are higher than those of
major marine terraces. T h e most elevated one, 268 m above sea level, is
strewn w i t h mollusks a n d rounded pebbles and cobbles (at B in Fig. 7).
Another terrace, at 238 m, is the uppermost one of a series of three narrow
platforms veneered w i t h fossiliferous gravel that rise above an extensive ter-
race, w i t h intermediate " s t e p s " at 208 m and 150 m (at C in Fig. 7). A t 243
m above sea level, or about 100 m below the highest point of M o r r o de
C o p i a p o (at D in Fig. 7, or the white spot in the black area of PI. 4, fig. 1), an
area about 450 m long in a saddle is veneered with shell-bearing m a r i n e
deposits; the M o r r o is bordered by a fault that has dropped the southeast side.
T h e R i o C o p i a p o valley above M a r i a Isabel is lined w i t h remnants of
a marine gravel terrace for nearly 20 km. Immediately north of M a r i a Isabel,
the terrace is bordered by a prominent seaward-facing escarpment at 175
m above sea level ( E in Fig. 7). F r o m there the terrace gradually rises east-
w a r d to about 230 m , j u s t east of M o n t e A m a r g o , where it is faulted 40-50 m
d o w n w a r d to the east. F r o m the fault the terrace continues at about 180 m
above sea level to a little beyond Caseron, where it disappears (at F i n Fig. 7).

PRINCIPAL TERRACE

T h e vast L l a n o de Caldera terrace, w h i c h covers most of the stippled area

of Figure 7, extends almost unbrokenly for 60 k m from C a l d e r a to Bahia
Salado. M o s t of the terrace is floored with marine gravel and sand, b u t in
places (at G, for example) it is a planed bedrock surface littered w i t h fossil
mollusks. A r c u a t e gravel ridges not over a few meters high corrugate the sur-
face in places. T h e R i o C o p i a p o cuts a narrow gorge as m u c h as 62 m d e e p
 INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ON T H E QUATERNARY
49 2

(just south of A in Fig. 7) through the terrace deposits and a buried bedrock
ridge (PI. 4, fig. 2). F r o m the foot of the escarpment north of M a r i a Isabel at
137 m, the terrace gradually descends seaward to an altitude of a b o u t 95 m
in a distance of 16 k m . A depression formed by eolian action lies a b o u t 8 km
north of the river gorge (at H in Fig. 7); there the terrace surface has been
lowered by deflation to the water table, at 83 m above sea level.

L O W TERRACES

Immediately bordering the coast there is a narrow zone of lower terrace

levels and sea cliffs. Except for an area near Caldera, this zone is too narrow
to b e shown a t the scale of Figure 7. T h e b o u n d a r y between the L l a n o de
C a l d e r a terrace and the lower terrace is marked b y a scarp a b o u t 10 k m
south of C a l d e r a (at J\ near there, the most extensive one of the lower ter-
races is approximately 40 m above sea level). A t the m o u t h of the R i o
C o p i a p o there are narrow steplike platforms at 31, 28, and about 17 m above
sea level.

CONCLUSIONS

Observations that have been m a d e of the terraces and related features lead
to the following interpretations:
(1) T h e r e is evidence of a principal marine transgression that extended u p
the valley of R i o C o p i a p o farther than Caseron, about 35 k m east of the pres-
ent coast line. D u r i n g a long pause in the withdrawal that followed, the
broad L l a n o d e Caldera platform was cut in sediments deposited during the
transgression and planed on bedrock. T h e transgression w a s probably eustatic
and represents an early interglacial or interstadial episode of the Pleistocene
epoch.
(2) T h e arcuate gravel ridges on the L l a n o de C a l d e r a terrace represent
strand lines of a receding sea.
(3) Altitudes of terraces and beaches have been locally influenced by
tectonic movements. D e p e n d i n g on the a m o u n t of vertical displacement along
the nearby fault, the high marine deposit immediately northeast of the M o r r o
de C o p i a p o m a y possibly b e correlated w i t h the L l a n o d e C a l d e r a t e r r a c e or
w i t h the higher level farther east.
(4) Sea cliffs in the region are highly localized p h e n o m e n a , and they d o not
result from significant stillstands in the regression of the sea as does the more
inland scarp at 1 5 0 - 1 7 5 m . Well-cemented shell beds are more resistant to
erosion than relatively unconsolidated gravel and sand, so that reduction of
the L l a n o de C a l d e r a terrace along its outer edge tends to proceed b y steps,
w i t h each step capped by a shell bed. I n some places where w a v e action has
been particularly effective, the lowest " s t e p " is at the contact between
diorite and overlying sediments.
 FUENZALIDA AND OTHERS Q U A T E R N A R Y SEA L E V E L , CHILE 493

Part 5. Summary
Humberto Fuenzalida V.

A l o n g the Chilean coast, terraces are c o m m o n l y present, but are unevenly

distributed. I n the southern part minor remains at 10-20 m above present
sea level have been assigned to late-glacial time. Perhaps the poor preserva-
tion of southern terraces c a n b e ascribed to vigorous w a v e action in this belt
of strong west winds. I n central a n d northern Chile, w h e r e marine terraces
are better preserved, three or four levels persistently occur (Brüggen, 1929,
p. 403-440). Paskoff suggests that, in addition to the levels recognized b y
Brüggen, there are others a t 4 - 5 m and 1.2 m that are postglacial. N i n e
terraces of marine abrasion h a v e been recognized between Valparaiso and
Q u i n t a r y (Alvarez, 1964). A coastal plain underlain by Pliocene sediments is
well preserved in the following areas: Planicie de A r a u c o , lower course of the
R i o R a p e l , and Carrizalillo (Brüggen, 1950, p. 1 8 8 - 1 9 1 ) . I n northern Chile
terraces are found on the Peninsula of Mejillones and between the m o u t h of
the R í o L o a and the town of I q u i q u e (Fig. 1). A t Mejillones a principal
terrace is cut in bedrock and coquina, and several steplike lower terraces
occur. M a n y recent faults m a k e interpretations difficult in this part of the
country.
F o r a long time, Brüggen's ideas have dominated theories on instability of
the Chilean coast since Pliocene time. W e b e r (1938) assumed that the ter-
races result from stillstands of the continent in its general uplift during
Pleistocene. Paskoff thinks that this uplift is not universal along the C h i l e a n
coast, that stable sectors exist where correlations w i t h terraces of other con-
tinents c a n be m a d e , a n d / o r that in late Pleistocene time the rate of uplift has
decreased. H e believes that the tripartite arrangement of the terraces favors a
eustatic explanation.
C o o k e and Segerstrom believe that most of the terraces are results of a
single transgression and a single withdrawal, with different pauses in the
general regression that followed the transgression. Weischet and Cooke
accept the idea that during the Q u a t e r n a r y various minor advances and re-
treats took p l a c e — p e r h a p s in connection w i t h change in volume of water in
ocean basins.
W e cannot deny that fluctuations of sea level h a v e resulted from melting
of continental ice. E w i n g and others (i960) have pointed out that these
fluctuations were stronger than w a s believed before ice-depth surveys of
A n t a r c t i c a were m a d e during the International Geophysical Y e a r . If the
fluctuations have not left traces along the Chilean coast, it is because con-
temporary movement of tectonic or epeirogenic origin h a v e compensated for
the rise or fall of sea level. O n the other h a n d , in a country like Chile w e can
494 I N T E R N A T I O N A L STUDIES ON T H E QUATERNARY

J3
u

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o.
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 FUENZALIDA AND OTHERS QUATERNARY SEA L E V E L , CHILE 495

b e sure that tectonic movements, both epeirogenic and warping, h a v e taken

place throughout the epoch. T h e r e f o r e it is reasonable to assume that both
eustatic a n d tectonic movements h a v e influenced sea-level changes.
Segerstrom shows that marine deposits in the Caldera-Bahia Salado area
are older than marine-terrace cutting. Goquina sediments were deposited on
a drowned coast, perhaps in early Pleistocene time. Sometime later, a still-
stand during m a r i n e regression resulted in the cutting of a m a i n terrace,
Llanos de Galdera, 9 5 - 1 3 0 m higher than present sea level. Segerstrom's data,
as compiled in Figure 8, reveal three levels separated by sea cliffs.

TABLE I. SUMMARY OF SEA-LEVEL DATA, CHILE

Sector Southern Chile Central and northern Chile

Brüggen
Weischet Paskoff Cooke in C o o k e Segerstrom
Sea levels Valdivia Hueicolla Huasco Carriz alito Caldera

Pliocene level 200 170 ? 250 268

H i g h level 70 160-220 150-240
M e d i u m level 20 25-(35-38) 100-130 85-110 80-1 IO 95"'37
L o w e r level IO 8-10 35-40 30 30 40
M i n o r levels 5-7 5-7
1-5 1.2

D a t a shown in T a b l e 1 for northern and central Chile are fairly consistent,

b u t they d o not agree w i t h those for the southern part of the country. T e r -
races are well developed and are characterized by m a j o r steps of similar
character as far south as C o b q u e c u r a (lat. 36° 08' S.; Fig. 1). Farther south,
a general sinking has occurred during Q u a t e r n a r y time, so that south of
lat. 41° S. the m a i n geomorphic units are drowned by the sea. D a t a provided
b y Weischet strongly suggest that this m o v e m e n t c o m m e n c e d in early
Pleistocene; the minor vertical distances between terraces i m p l y that is has
been fairly continuous. Parts of central Chile (Valparaiso, Q u e b r a d a
A m o l a n a s ; Fig. 1) h a v e been strongly uplifted.
Studies of terraces along the Chilean coast generally reveal that one level
is outstandingly well developed as compared w i t h the others. Segerstrom,
Cooke, and Paskoff recognize that the 8 5 - 1 1 0 - m level is dominant in their
areas of study. A l o n g the R í o C o p i a p ó this level is 16 k m wide. O n H u a s c o
B a y it is the most extensive morphological feature in the area. I n the San
Antonio-Cartagena area (lat. 33° 32' S.), the 100-140-m terrace is the upper-
most one and is at least 8 k m wide, as compared w i t h 1 or 2 k m for the others.
Correlation of this terrace with terraces at comparable altitudes in northern
496 INTERNATIONAL STUDIES O N T H E QUATERNARY

Chile that also h a p p e n to b e the best developed ones suggests that they are all
related to a single, exceptionally long stillstand of the sea.

References Cited
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de Inv. Geol., Bull. 16, p. 27-46
BRÜGGEN, JUAN, 1929, T e x t o de geologia: Santiago, Imprenta El Globo, 460 p.
1950, Fundamentos de la geologia de Chile: Santiago, Inst. Geog. Militär, 374 p.
COOKE, R . U . , 1964, Les niveaux marins des baies de L a Serena et de l'Huasco: Assoc.
Geog. Français Bull. 320, p. 19-32
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