Shoreline changes in Concón and Algarrobo bays, central Chile, using an adjustment model

adjustment models for both algarrobo and concón bays, central chile, are presented herein; the results show a nearly logarithmic spiral shape for the shore. spatial-temporal variations in the shorelines of both bays were found based on aerial photographs from different years. the results indicate important variations in the relative position of the concón bay shoreline between 1945 and 2006, with extreme oscillations (-368 to 123.8 m) only occurring in the proximal zone, where the aconcagua estuary is located. on the other hand, the spatial-temporal variations in the algarrobo bay shoreline between 1967 and 2006 are moderate (131 in the proximal and -73 in the distal zone). whereas concón bay exhibits a stable state of equilibrium for the past 60 years, if the estuary zone is excluded, algarrobo bay presents a stable state with a tendency for growth in the proximal zone and retreat in the distal zone. the results are discussed in terms of coastal changes associated with highly urbanized shorelines and applications for coastal area management that are derived from the models