As stated in earlier posts, Chile exhibits a diversified landscape and climates as the land stretches in a latitudinal direction. In particular, the coastal landscapes can reveal not only the present conditions, but also offer clues to future transformations in the landscape. Currently, Chilean coasts vary in relation to their differing landscapes: Arid in the north, tropical in the central region, and glacial in the south. Below, the contrast can be seen in pictures. Though these portions of coast may look different in appearance, the entire coast shares an overall predicted destiny. As examined before, Chile lies along a convergent boundary which has resulted in the formation of volcanoes and the Cordillera de la Costa mountain range. This oceanic plate is currently converging with the continental plate. Over time, this boundary can be predicted to create more of a mountainous coastline as more mountains and volcanoes are formed. Due to Chile’s slim territory, thousands of years from now can result in Chile’s entire territory being engulfed with Mountains. Most of Chile’s population lives in a valley, with the Cordillera de la Costa mountain range to the west, outlining the coast, and the Andes mountains to the east, outlining the border shared with Argentina. The Atacama Desert will be isolated from the ocean’s influence by the mountain range that develops, and therefore may maintain its dry state. In the southern half, where most of the glaciers are found, the process of glaciers ablating (shrinking) and accumulating over time will continue. Since the Earth is currently in an ice age, the glaciers by the coast may ablate thousands of years from now as the ice age ends. As part of Chile’s territory, there is a myriad of islands off its coast, that with time, will eventually become a part of the mainland as the process of convergent brings the two tectonic plates together.
Southern Chilean Coast
Central Chilean Coast
Northern Chilean Coast
http://goodnature.nathab.com/protect-patagonia-eat-sustainable-wild-salmon/
p://www.destination360.com/south-america/chile/beaches
"World Tectonics."
National Geographic: Atlas of the World. 1999.
