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Holocene relative sea-level change along the tectonically active Chilean coast

April 23, 2020

We present a comprehensive relative sea-level (RSL) database for north, central, and south-central Chile (18.5°S – 43.6°S) using a consistent, systematic, and internationally comparable approach. Despite its latitudinal extent, this coastline has received little rigorous or systematic attention and details of its RSL history remain largely unexplored. To address this knowledge gap, we re-evaluate the geological context and age of previously published sea-level indicators, providing 78 index points and 84 marine or terrestrial limiting points spanning from 11 ka to the present day. Many data points were originally collected for research in other fields and have not previously been examined for the information they provide on sea-level change. Additionally, we describe new sea-level data from four sites located between the Gulf of Arauco and Valdivia. By compiling RSL histories for 11 different regions, we summarise current knowledge of Chilean RSL. These histories indicate mid Holocene sea levels above present in all regions, but at highly contrasting elevations from ∼30 m to

Publication Year 2020
Title Holocene relative sea-level change along the tectonically active Chilean coast
DOI 10.1016/j.quascirev.2020.106281
Authors Ed Garrett, Daniel Melnick, Tina Dura, Marco Cisternas, Lisa Ely, Robert Wesson, Julius Jara-Munoz, Pippa Whitehouse
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Quaternary Science Reviews
Index ID 70222959
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Geologic Hazards Science Center
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