The major deglacial-phase deposits of eastern Maine include stratified end moraines, single and amalgamated ice-margin delta complexes, extensive segmented esker systems that link with marine deltas and fans, and a fossiliferous glacial marine mud (the Presumpscot Formation) that is interbedded with, or drapes, the other deposits. Previous work has determined that deposition within the 40-km-wide swath, which is now the modern coastal zone, occurred between 13,500 and 12,500 B.P. Detailed mapping, measurement of stratigraphic sections and paleocurrents, and calculation of drainage basin area and volume of sediment bodies have led to a better understanding of lithofacies assemblages, depositional processes, sediment sources, and regional geometry of these deposits. The “stratified end moraines,” better described as assemblages of marine fans, measure as much as 15 m high, 100 m wide, and 16 km in length, and were deposited along ice lobe fronts. Proximal vertical sequences are dominated by 15- to 30-cm-thick beds of poorly sorted, pebble-to-cobble gravel locally interbedded with gravelly diamict. Well-sorted, matrix-less (“open-work”) pebble/cobble gravel occurs in channel forms that can be traced tens of meters laterally. Distal sequences consist of laminated beds of medium-to-fine sand capped by silt drapes; climbing ripple cross-stratification is uncommon, and some diamict beds are present. Lithofacies of the delta front, prodelta, and esker core (ice-tunnel deposits) are remarkably similar to those of the fans, differing only in greater degree of dip (deltas), and clast size (ice-tunnel deposits). Paleocurrents of fans show a large dispersion, in some instances indicating flow parallel to the inferred ice margin; proximal beds are deformed, indicating an active ice margin. The ice-margin fan and delta complexes have a combined area of 250 km 2 and total volume of nearly 5 billion m 3 , which strongly suggests that the 2,400-km-long ice-tunnel system (including tributaries) was active along its entire length in order to supply needed sediment. Ice-tunnel deposits filled the distal ends of tunnels as the active ice margin retreated. The geometry and volume of deltas, fans, and ice-tunnel deposits, together with the time constraints, indicate deposition into marine waters at the margin of a complex, multi-lobate, grounded, warm-based ice sheet.

Maine is under increasingly heavy pressure to permit development that may include deep-water ports and associated oil terminal and refining facilities, coastal and inland water-oriented recreational housing, and ski-related resorts. The state is 90 percent forested, sparsely populated, and historically penurious in acquisition of inventory data on natural resources. Wildlands of the Unorganized Towns, comprising 17,000 mi 2 , are almost entirely privately owned. Three major statutes control developments within the state: site selection, applied statewide to major developments of 20 acres or more; wildland zoning, applied to the Unorganized Towns; and shoreland zoning, applied to areas 250 ft from lakes, streams, and coastal waters. Physical data are frequently unavailable for preliminary assessments, but geomorphologists can derive much of the necessary information from aerial photographs, geologic maps, topographic maps, and field inspections. Quaternary events, including late Pleistocene glaciation, partial submergence, subsequent emergence, and dissection by four major river systems have established the landforms of Maine. Significant stratigraphic units are end- and ground-moraine complexes, the composition of which closely reflects bedrock character, ranging from sand with granitic boulders to fine-grained, plastic, bouldery clay; ice-contact features, including eskers, kames, kame terraces, and deltas; outwash, shore and beach deposits, and dune fields; and marine clays. These units, with their distinctive properties and limitations for building construction, roads, and waste disposal, are readily identified by the geomorphologist, whose information then provides the basis for first-level land-use decisions.