Geomorphologic trends in a glaciated coastal bay : a model for the Maine Coast

Related Titles

Series: Smithsonian contributions to the marine sciences, no. 25

By

Shipp, R. Craig.

Staples, Stephanie A.
Adey, Walter H

Type

Book

Material

Published material

Publication info

City of Washington, Smithsonian Institution Press, 1985

Notes

A detailed geomorphic study was conducted along the glaciated shoreline of Gouldsboro Bay, Maine. The purpose of this study was to classify and map the geomorphic features as a preliminary step in the investigation of the late Quaternary evolution of the area. The distribution of geomorphic features was determined by the interpretation of vertical and oblique aerial photographs and ground-truth maps.For easier descrimination, the dominant coastal geomorphic features are separated into high- and low-intertidal regions. The high-intertidal features are defined by a distinct combination of sediment/bedrock type, geometry, and size. The major feature in this intertidal region are pocket beach, linear fringing beach, marsh, and exposed bedrock. The low-intertidal features are distinguished by differences in sediment type and grain size. Mud flat, mud/rock flat, sand/rock flat, rock ledge, and mussel bar are the significant features in this intertidal region.The geomorphology of Gouldsboro Bay is a function of three components. First, the Paleozoic bedrock lithology and structure, modified by late Cenozoic dissection and erosion, is the major component determining the regional coastal geomorphology. Second, the distribution pattern of late Wisconsin glacial moraines controls the dispersion of sediment, which strongly influences the local shoreline geomorphology. Third, the physical factors of wave exposure and winter ice effects are important processes that modify shoreline geomorphology. In turn, the degree of influence by these two physical factors is a function of shoreline orientation and fetch. Based on the interaction of these three components, Gouldsboro Bay can be broken into three distinct geomorphic zones: an exposed, seaward zone, a semi-exposed, central zone, and a protected, landward zone. This geomorphic classification appears suitable for the remainder of coastal Maine, and may have a wide application in areas such as the interpretation of stratigraphic sequences and the distribution of biological communities.

Subjects

Glacial landforms , Gouldsboro Bay , Maine

Language

English

Identifiers

LCCN: https://lccn.loc.gov/84600278
OCLC: 11188356