Holocene coastal plains of Argentina: From the Rio de Ia Plata to Tierra del Fuego

Abstract

The Holocene sea-level fluctuation modified the coastal plains of Argentina with responses that differ.The responses were different in relation to the accmnmodation space, climate, tectonics and dominant processes. This coast spans from microtidal ranges in Buenos Aires, to tidal ranges of about 10 m in San Sebastian Bay, Tierra del Fuego.At the Rio de la Plata, beach ridges extended along the present coast, while plains of beach ridges andcheniers were deposited in relation to the growth of the Parana River delta, at the headlands of the Riode la Plata. The longshore drift from south to north along the Buenos Aires coastline delivered a plainof recurved spits at Punta Rasa. The touristic pressure to these beaches has increased the erosive trends caused by extra-tropical storms arriving from the south.