Maine Coastal Erosion and
Hazards
Stephen M. Dickson, Ph.D.
State Marine Geologist
Maine Geological Survey
Department of Conservation
Augusta, Maine
October 2004
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Maine Coastal Erosion and Hazards: Long-Term and Short-Term Impacts, Summaries of Geology
This document, authored by Maine State Marine Geologist Stephen M. Dickson, provides an overview of coastal erosion and hazards in Maine. both long-term and short-term erosion, including rates of erosion, causes, and examples of significant storms. The document also includes data on coastal flooding and erosion events, as well as examples of erosion damage and redevelopment.
What you will learn
- How much property damage has coastal flooding and erosion caused in Maine?
- How fast is some Maine beaches eroding?
- What causes short-term beach erosion in Maine?
- What causes long-term beach erosion in Maine?
- What are some examples of significant coastal storms in Maine?
Typology: Summaries
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Maine Coastal Erosion and
Hazards
Stephen M. Dickson, Ph.D.
State Marine Geologist
Maine Geological Survey
Department of Conservation
Augusta, Maine
October 2004
Long-Term Beach Erosion
Erosion is a consequence of shoreline recession - the inland
migration of the shoreline. Not all Maine beaches are eroding.
Long-term erosion results from gradual changes in the local
beach sand budget and sea level.
Many beaches are eroding 1 foot per year.
Some beaches have eroded up to 3 feet per year.
S. M. Dickson, 1986
1978 Winter Storms
Coastal erosion, wave action, and flooding in January and
February blizzards cause $47M in Maine property damage.
Storm Surge at Portland
- 4.3 feet March 3, 1947
- 4.1 feet March 1, 1914
- 3.9 feet Dec. 14, 1917
- 3.6 feet Dec. 19, 1972
- 3.5 feet Oct. 30, 1991 (Perfect Storm)
- 3.5 feet Feb. 7, 1978 (Blizzard; 10-yr surge)
- 3.5 feet Nov. 26, 1950
- 3.3 feet Aug. 31, 1954 (Hurricane Carol)
- 3.2 feet Dec. 2, 1942
- 3.1 feet Mar. 16, 1956
Data courtesy of the National Weather Service.
Coastal Flooding & Erosion Events
Storm Rank by Surge Amount
Flood Height (feet above MTL)
Surge
Tide
Mean Sea Level
- MHW -
1978 Blizzard
1954 Hurricane Carol
S. M. Dickson, MGS
Coastal Erosion Damage - 1976
1976 beach erosion at Hunnewell Beach, Phippsburg
Erosion undermines homes at Hunnewell Beach, Phippsburg
J. T. Kelley, 1976
L. K. Fink, 1976
Erosion Damage – 1986 & 1990
Erosion undermines homes at Camp Ellis Beach in Saco
2 1
S. M. Dickson,
1
2
S. M. Dickson, 1990
Erosion Damage – Camp Ellis
Erosion destroyed a seawall and house at Camp Ellis
Beach in Saco (in the 1990s).
2
S. M. Dickson
Erosion Damage - 1991
This building was relocated landward in a frontal dune after seawall failure and storm damage.
S. M. Dickson, 1991
Erosion Damage – Popham 1983
Undermined and threatened by erosion, 2 homes retreat and elevate.
S. M. Dickson, 1989
J. T. Kelley, 1983