Why Maine’s Sandy Shorelines Turn Jagged

Core point

The coastlines of Maine exhibit stark contrasts due to differences in underlying bedrock and sediment distribution. The sandy beaches of southern Maine are primarily formed from sediment sourced from rivers, particularly the Saco River. In contrast, the rocky coastlines to the northeast are characterized by metamorphic bedrock and jagged shorelines. Coastal geologists attribute these differences to the effects of glacial activity during the last ice age.