MSc in Earth and Climate Sciences - Marine/Coastal Geology and Sedimentary Processes in Orono United States | University of Maine

For decades, near-shore marine geology has prioritized studying how shorelines and coastal communities respond to rising sea levels and related coastal dynamics. The dramatic increase in coastal populations—particularly in vulnerable areas like barrier islands, deltas, and unstable cliffs—has intensified the demand for precise measurements and predictive models. These tools help track past, present, and future shoreline transformations driven by sea-level rise and storm impacts. Sea-level fluctuations stem from glacial cycles and land elevation shifts caused by ice sheet dynamics, connecting marine geology to broader climate and geodynamic systems. As shorelines shift, wave, wind, and tidal forces have reshaped both submerged and terrestrial landscapes, including lakebeds. Over the past 20,000 years, our team has developed innovative methods to document sea-level variations, analyzing both submerged and exposed regions through seafloor and lakebed mapping. We collaborate with state entities like the Maine Geological Survey and Department of Marine Resources, as well as federal partners such as the U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service. Our research informs state and national strategies for coastal hazard mitigation, prevention, and sustainable shoreline development. Explore some of our initiatives and field expeditions below.