Coastal Geomorphology of the Comau Fjord

The Comau Fjord lies between the eastern side of the Huequi peninsula and the western continental coast, representing a 46 kilometer long extension of the sea varying in width from 1 to 3 kilometers. It runs predominantly from South to North, turning towards the West at its connection with the Gulf of Ancud through the Comau channel.

The average depth of the fjord is in excess of 250 meters, with a maximum of 490 meters in its center. At the mouth of the fjord, depths decrease to those characteristic of the adjacent Gulf of Ancud.

Apart from those at the mouth of the Comau channel, there are no islands throughout the interior of the fjord. Furthermore reefs or banks do not exist on the interior of the fjord, even close to the coast. In general, the above water coastline of this estuary rapidly increases in altitudes in excess of 1900 meters. This bathymetry is continued underwater, with steep walls that rapidly increase in depth. The constant cliffs lining the fjord are occasionally interrupted by ravines or valleys with a small cove produced by the outflow from a stream or fast-flowing river.