A century of coastal transformation: hardening and shrinking of Uruguay’s indented coast in the Southern Cone

Abstract

Since the beginning of the last century, anthropic interventions and activities have intensified on the Atlantic coast of Uruguay, generating important pressures, disturbances and negative impacts. It is the case of a coast characterized by extensive systems of mobile dunes that crossed beach arcs delimited by rocky extremities, lagoons and coastal marshes. From that moment on, a transformation process was triggered that involved the afforestation and fixation of the dunes and their subsequent urbanization and commercialization, which we call anthropogenic driver. With the passage of time, this driver has produced a hardening and shrinking of the coast that, ironically, affects anthropic urban infrastructures, mainly due to the erosive action of waves and the flooding of low-lying areas. This study analyzes the main causes of coastal system dysfunctions that have triggered various problems and conflicts at the socio-ecological level and that position the coast as a zone of environmental conflict. We examine the alterations in sediment recirculation caused by the fixation of dune systems, in particular the bypass between the rocky extremities of the beach arches, and make an estimate of the amount of sediment transported by wind and marine action, as a way to identify sediment inputs and outputs of the coastal system. We found that the erosive process currently observed can be explained by an important deficit of sediment in the aeolian transport from the dune systems. At present, almost all of the dune systems are already fixed and urbanized. Sediment inputs depend on what can be mobilized from the beach and foreshore by longshore littoral drift, where wave action and sea level are beginning to play an increasingly important role. It is expected that if current climatic and anthropic occupation trends continue, erosion will increase in several sectors of Uruguay's coast, with the process of anthropic forcing taking priority over sea level rise due to climatic changes, with significant environmental and therefore socioeconomic and cultural impacts. Future coastal zone management should focus on preserving areas that are exempt or underdeveloped in terms of urban infrastructure and provide space for coastal zone readjustment.

Keywords

Coastal hardening / Anthropogenic driver / Littoral active zone / Coastal impacts / Climate Change / Coastal management

References

[1] Angulo RJ, Lessa GC, de Souza MC. A critical review of mid- to late-Holocene sea-level fluctuations on the eastern Brazilian coastline. Quat Sci Rev, 2006, 25(5): 486-506

[2] Araujo O (1895) Nuestro País. Montevideo. http://archive.org/details/nuestro-pais-orestes-araujo-montevideo-1895

[3] Araújo O (1900) Diccionario Geográfico del Uruguay. Imprenta Artística, de Dornaleche y Reyes, calle del 18 de Julio, números 77 y 79. https://anaforas.fic.edu.uy/jspui/handle/123456789/92954

[4] Arctowski H (1901) Les dunes du Cap Polonio sur la Cote de l’Uruguay. In: Procès-Verbaux de la Societé Belge de Géologie, de Paléontologie et d’Hydrologie (Bruxelles). Tome XV (Deuxième série, tome V). Hayez Imprimeur des Académies Royales de Belgique.

[5] Aznarez C, Pacheco JP, Domínguez MC, Gadino I, Inda H, Castellarini F. Green Gentrification Drives Socio-Cultural Shifts from Provisioning to Cultural Valuation of Ecosystem Services. Ecosyst Serv, 2025, 73(June): 101731

[6] Barboza EG, Dillenburg SR, Ritter MdN et al (2021) Holocene Sea-Level Changes in Southern Brazil Based on High-Resolution Radar Stratigraphy. Geosciences 11(8):8. https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences11080326

[7] Barragán JM, de Andrés M. Analysis and trends of the World’s coastal cities and agglomerations. Ocean Coast Manage, 2015, 114: 11-20

[8] Brum L, de Álava D (2024) Splendid views. Postcards and seaside towns in the construction process of the coast. The case of Piriápolis, Uruguay. PASOS. Rev Turismo Patrimonio Cult 22 (4):793–807. https://doi.org/10.25145/j.pasos.2024.22.051

[9] Carmo A, Mendes L (2016) From CONTESTED _ CITIES to Global Urban Justice Stream 4 Article n ^o 4–011 STATE-LED GENTRIFICATION IN AN ERA OF. no. January.

[10] Carvalho V, Gonzalez L, Bueno C, Segura C, Bottezini SR, Leonhardt A, Diniz D, Dentzien-Dias P, Perez L, Evangelista H, Licínio MV (2024) Holocene organic matter composition in relation to relative sea level stands and associated morphometric changes of a lagoonal system. Mar Geol 469:107248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.margeo.2024.107248

[11] Castiñeira Latorre E, Fagúndez C, da Costa E, Canavero A. Composition and Vegetation Structure in a System of Coastal Dunes of the ‘de La Plata’ River, Uruguay: A Comparison with Legrand’s Descriptions (1959). Rev Bras Bot, 2013

[12] Choi KH, Kim Y, Jung PM (2013) Adverse Effect of Planting Pine on Coastal Dunes, Korea. J Coast Res. https://doi.org/10.2112/si65-177.1

[13] Dadon JR, Oldani JI. Interjurisdictional coastal management in metropolitan areas. Ocean Coast Manage, 2017, 148: 260-271

[14] de Álava D, Panario D (1996) La Costa Atlántica: Ecosistemas Perdidos y El Nacimiento de Un Monte de Pinos y Acacias. Almanaque Banco de Seguros del Estado. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.1.1015.0244

[15] de Álava D (2006) Interfase de conflictos: el sistema costero de Rocha (Uruguay). In: Menafra R, Rodríguez-Gallego L, Sacarabino F, Conde D (eds) Bases para la conservación y el manejo de la costa Uruguaya. Vida Silvestre, Uruguay.

[16] de Álava D (2007) Incidencia del proceso de Transformación Antrópico en el Sistema Costero La Paloma - Cabo Polonio, Rocha, Uruguay. Tesis, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República. https://biur.edu.uy/F/7D934BC6654DPFGSTHQ1QJYFH2UX1SRDHA7H37T4VKRR58SNIN-25144?func=item-global&doc_library=URE01&doc_number=000011383&year=&volume=&sub_library=FC

[17] Dillenburg SR, Barboza EG, Rosa MLCC, Caron F, Bitencourt VJB (2020) Changes in the Littoral Drift System of the Uruguayan Coast during the Holocene and its Influence in the Continuing Erosion in Southern Brazil. J Coast Res 95(sp1):453. https://doi.org/10.2112/SI95-088.1

[18] Ferreira JC, Silva L, Polette M (2009) The Coastal Artificialization Process. Impacts and Challenges for the Sustainable Management of the Coastal Cities of Santa Catarina (Brazil). J Coast Res, no. SPEC ISSUE 56:1209–1213

[19] Fryberger SG, Al-Sari AM, Clisham TJ, Rizvi SAR, Al-Hinai KG. Wind Sedimentation in the Jafurah Sand Sea, Saudi Arabia. Sedimentology, 1984, 31(3413-431

[20] Figueiredo SA, Calliari LJ, Machado AA. Modelling the effects of sea-level rise and sediment budget in coastal retreat at Hermenegildo Beach, Southern Brazil. Braz J Oceanogr, 2018, 66(2): 210-219

[21] Fryberger SG (1979) Dune Forms and Wind Regime. SciSpace - Paper, January 1. https://scispace.com/papers/dune-forms-and-wind-regime-4evbtklej6

[22] González Carreira L, Weschenfelder J, Inda H, Barboza-Pinzon EG, del Puerto L, Burone L, Perez L, Scarabino F, Coimbra JC, Blanco G, Bueno C, García-Rodríguez F (2025) Geomorphological evolution of a lagoon–barrier system during the Late Quaternary on the eastern coast of Uruguay: a regional comparison with southern Brazil. J S Am Earth Sci 163:105604. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsames.2025.105604

[23] Gutiérrez O, Panario D, Nagy GJ, Bidegain M, Montes C. Climate Teleconnections and Indicators of Coastal Systems Response. Ocean Coast Manag, 2016, 122(March): 64-76

[24] Gutiérrez O, Panario D (2006) Evolución de La Desembocadura Del Arroyo Pando (Canelones, Uruguay): ¿tendencias Naturales o Efectos Antrópicos? Bases Para La Conservación y El Manejo de La Costa Uruguaya, 391–400.

[25] Gutiérrez O, Panario D, Nagy GJ (2018) Relationships between the Sand Cycle and the Behaviour of Small River Mouths: A Neglected Process. J Sediment Environ 3(4):307–25. https://doi.org/10.12957/jse.2018.39307

[26] Hernández FM (2010) Asentamientos balnearios en las regiones costeras latinoamericanas: construcción, desigualdad y contraste. Rev Estud Marítimos Soc 3(3):7–92. https://estudiosmaritimossociales.org/ojs/index.php/rems/article/view/252.

[27] Heron SF, Mark Eakin C, Douvere F, et al.. Impacts of Climate Change on World Heritage Coral Reefs: A First Global Scientific Assessment, 2017, Paris, UNESCO World Heritage Centre

[28] Hugo IF, del Puerto L (2019) A Basin-Wide Assessment of Natural Dynamics and Modern Human Impacts on the Visibility and Conservation of Coastal Archaeological Sites in the Atlantic Coast of Uruguay. In: Inda Ferrero H, Rodríguez FG (eds) Advances in Coastal Geoarchaeology in Latin America. Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-17828-4_2

[29] IDE, Infraestructura de Datos Espaciales de Uruguay (2024) IDE - Catálogo de Datos Abiertos. https://catalogodatos.gub.uy/organization/ide

[30] Inda H, García-Rodríguez F, del Puerto L et al (2016) Discriminating between Natural and Human-Induced Shifts in a Shallow Coastal Lagoon: A Multidisciplinary Approach. Anthropocene 16:1–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ancene.2016.09.003

[31] Inda H (2016) El Antropoceno En El Sudeste Del Uruguay: Causas, Indicadores y Consecuencias. Universidad de la República.

[32] IPCC (2023) Climate Change 2022 – Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability: Working Group II Contribution to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. 1st ed. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009325844

[33] Lorenz RD, Zimbelman JR. How windblown sand shapes planetary landscapes, 2014, Heidelberg New York Dordrecht London, Springer

[34] Luijendijk A, Hagenaars G, Ranasinghe R, Baart F, Donchyts G, Aarninkhof S. The State of the World’s Beaches. Sci Rep, 2018, 8(1): 1-11

[35] Luisa MM, Hesp PA, Gallego-Fernández JB (2013) Coastal Dunes: Human Impact and Need for Restoration. In: Martínez ML, Gallego-Fernández JB, Hesp PA (eds) Restoration of Coastal Dunes. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-33445-0_1

[36] McGwynne L, McLachlan A (1992) Ecology and Management of Sandy Coasts. Institute for Coastal Research, Research Report No. 30. 84 pp. U.P.E. South Africa ISBN: 978-0-86988-491-1

[37] Nagy GJ, Verocai J, Capurro L et al (2023) Climate Risks and Reasons for Concern along the Uruguayan Coast of the Rio de La Plata Estuary. In: Estuary Research - Recent Advances [Working Title]. IntechOpen. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.110504

[38] Nel R, Campbell EE, Harris L et al (2014) The Status of Sandy Beach Science: Past Trends, Progress, and Possible Futures. Estuar Coast Shelf Sci 150(PA):1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2014.07.016

[39] Nordstrom KF, Lotstein EL. Perspectives on resource use of dynamic coastal dunes. Geogr Rev, 1989, 79(1): 1-12

[40] Oliveira UR de, Koerner KF, Simões RS, Gautério BC (2018) Histórico de antropização e supressão das dunas no balneário Hermenegildo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. R. S.

[41] Oliveira Costa J (2009) Sitios Del Patrimonio Natural de Brasil. Apuntes: Rev Estud Sobre Patrimonio Cult - J Cult Herit Stud.

[42] Orlando L, Ortega L, Defeo O. Multi-Decadal Variability in Sandy Beach Area and the Role of Climate Forcing. Estuar Coast Shelf Sci, 2018, 218: 197-203

[43] Panario D, Gutiérrez O (2006) Dinámica y fuentes de sedimentos de las playas uruguayas. In: Menafra R et al (ed) Bases para la conservación y el manejo de la costa uruguaya. Vida Silvestre Uruguay.

[44] Panario D, Piñeiro G. Dinámica sedimentaria y geomorfológica de dunas y playas de Cabo Polonio, 1993, Rocha, Informe Técnico. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República

[45] Panario D, Pineiro G. Vulnerability of Oceanic Dune Systems under Wind Pattern Change Scenarios in Uruguay. Climate Res, 1997, 09(1–2): 67-72

[46] Panario D, Piñeiro G. Vulnerability of oceanic dune systems under wind pattern change scenarios in Uruguay. Clim Res, 1997, 9: 67-72

[47] QGIS Development Team (2025) QGIS Geographic Information System. QGIS Association, released. https://www.qgis.org

[48] Ramesh R, Chen Z, Cummins V, et al.. Land–Ocean Interactions in the Coastal Zone: Past, Present & Future. Anthropocene, 2015, 12(December): 85-98

[49] Leal Renato Amabile, Barboza Eduardo Guimarães, Bitencourt Volney Junior Borges. Interdecadal climate variability identified in aeolian deposits in southern Santa Catarina, Brazil. Journal of South American Earth Sciences, 2022, 113: 103636

[50] Solari S, Alonso R, Teixeira L. Analysis of coastal vulnerability along the Uruguayan coasts. J Coast Res, 2018, 85(May): 1536-1540

[51] Stutz ML, Pilkey OH. Open-Ocean Barrier Islands: Global Influence of Climatic, Oceanographic, and Depositional Settings. J Coastal Res, 2011, 272(March207-222

[52] Tinley KL (1985) Coastal Dunes of South Africa. In: SANSP Report 109. Pretoria, South Africa.

[53] Villegas Suárez E (1942) Pinos y Pinares del Uruguay. http://archive.org/details/ErnestoVillegasSuarez1942PinosYPinaresDelUruguay

[54] Vallega A. The coastal cultural heritage facing coastal management. J Cult Heritage, 2003, 4(1): 5-24

[55] Verocai JE, Nagy G, Bidegain M (2016) Sea-Level Trends along Freshwater and Seawater Mixing in the Uruguayan Rio de La Plata Estuary and Atlantic Ocean Coast. Int J Mar Sci, ahead of print. https://doi.org/10.5376/ijms.2016.06.0007

[56] Vitousek S, Barnard PL, Limber P. Can beaches survive climate change?. J Geophys Res Earth Surf, 2017, 122(4): 1060-1067

[57] Watanabe DSZ, Barboza-Pinzon EG, Hesp PA, Schossler V, Salgado ET (2025) Evolution of coastal transgressive aeolian sand sheets over 75 years (1948-2023) at Concheiros Barrier - Southern Brazilian coast. Geomorphology 470:109520. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2024.109520

[58] Zhu Q, Wang YP, Gao S, et al.. Modeling Morphological Change in Anthropogenically Controlled Estuaries. Anthropocene, 2017, 17(March): 70-83

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

The Author(s)