The Rise and Fall of the Maine Coast

Discover how 450 million years of Earth's history shaped Maine's iconic coastline and what its future holds as climate change transforms our shores.

From its legendary rocky cliffs to its sweeping beaches, Maine's coast tells a dramatic story of colliding continents, massive glaciers, and rising seas. In this groundbreaking work, marine geologists Joseph and Alice Kelley unravel the complex forces that created one of North America's most spectacular shorelines, while revealing urgent insights about its future in the face of accelerating climate change.

Readers will explore:

• How ancient mountain-building episodes and ice ages sculpted Maine's famous peninsulas and bays
• Why Maine's coast responds differently to rising sea levels than other Atlantic shores
• What prehistoric changes tell us about the coast's future amid climate change
• How coastal communities can prepare for coming transformations in the shoreline

Drawing from decades of research along Maine's shore, the Kelleys present the first comprehensive guide to understanding both the vulnerability and resilience of this beloved coast, essential reading for anyone who cares about the future of Maine's maritime heritage.