The Coastal Marine Geology Section conducts research on the Maine Coast and provides technical information to other state agencies, local governments, businesses and the public involved in the coastal zone. Marine geologists conduct applied research and mapping on subjects such as beach and dune geology, nearshore nourishment sources, dredged material disposal sites, marine habitats, and strategic minerals. The Section also conducts coastal hazard studies related to sea-level rise and measures rates of beach erosion and bluff retreat.
Marine geologists evaluate shoreline types for sensitivity to marine oil spills.
Research is often collaborative with other state and univeristy scientists and uses geological and geophysical methods of sampling and surveying shoreline and underwater areas. Research results are regularly published in reports, maps and scientific journals as well as presented at public meetings. There are about 3500 islands included in the shoreline length. About half of this distance is made up of sandy beaches and the other half is made up of coarser gravel and boulder beaches. The latter category is commonly pocket beaches, of which there are over 200 pocket barrier beaches that front coastal wetlands.