Gulf of Maine Geology

Guiding Principle:  Dynamic geological processes created the Gulf of Maine and underpin the ecological processes that make the GOM so unique and exciting

Performance Objectives:
1.  Bedrock Geology
2.  Glacial Geology
3.  Watershed concept
4.  Geology à Ecology

The Gulf of Maine – A Sea within a Sea

 

Underwater banks offshore form a boundary between the Gulf of Maine and the rest of the North Atlantic.  Georges and Browns banks form underwater hills that rise up from the deep sea  These along with the tides create a nearly enclosed system that is incredibly productive and unique. 

 

Gulf of Maine International Watershed

The Gulf of Maine is an international watershed.  A Large number of rivers and estuaries empty into the Gulf of Maine that originate from Canada and the United States.   Maine, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, Nova Scotia, Massachusetts, and Quebec all have waters that flow into the Gulf of Maine.  Only Maine is located entirely within the watershed.  The interstate and international nature of the watershed makes conservation efforts incredibly complex.