Geomorphology of present day estuaries

PERILLO G.M.E.

Bariloche

Congreso; IV Congreso Latinoamericano de Sedimentología; 2006

Asociación Argentina de Sedimentología

Estuaries are difficult features to differentiate in the geological/stratigraphic record. Normally, they have a relatively small spatial distribution and migrate with mean sea level. Furthermore, their primary sedimentary structures could be confused with those produced by fluvial flows. A definition and morphogenetic classification of estuaries (Perillo, 1995) are presented as a base to show the large geomorphologic variability of estuaries observed in the present day coastal zone, which does not correspond with the classical wave/tide dominated estuarine classification (Dalrymple et al., 1992) widely employed today to define fossil estuaries. A description of estuarine environments, especially intertidal ones, is provided. The latter are seldom mentioned in stratigraphic literature, meaning that their recognition is still a serious problem.