Beach and Dune Geology Aerial Photographs

Read the photo explanation (pdf).

Tips for reading beach and dune photos.

List of ONLINE beach and dune photos

What is a sand dune?

Sand dune systems are sand and gravel deposits within a marine beach system, including, but not limited to beach berms, frontal dunes, dune ridges, back dunes, and other sand and gravel areas deposited by wave or wind action. Coastal sand dunes may extend into the coastal wetlands. The dune system includes areas which have been artificially covered by structures, lawns, roads, and fill.

Coastal Beach and Dune Geology Aerial Photos

These color photos provide detailed information about Maine's largest beaches and dune systems. The photos show frontal dunes, back dunes, and other geologic environments conforming to the Department of Environmental Protection's 2004 Coastal Sand Dune Rules. For more information, read the photo explanation (pdf) or link to our tips for reading coastal beach and dune geology photos.

Sand Dune Maps

The original Sand Dune Maps have been superseded by newer, more detailed Coastal Beach and Dune Geology Photos.

Uses of sand dune information

Permits are usually required for building projects located in Maine's coastal sand dune system. Such projects are described in the Coastal Sand Dune Rules of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. The rules are based on the location of the project within the sand dune system. These beach and dune geology photos delineate the dunes, beaches, channels, and wetlands that make up and border coastal sand dune environments. The boundaries shown on the photos provide guidance for interpreting the geology of the dune system with respect to the Coastal Sand Dune Rules. The location of the boundaries of the frontal dune (D1) and the back dune (D2) are especially important in the permit process.

How to obtain or view these maps

Our publications search allows you to search for maps and publications by geographic area or subject. The subject search is linked to the Bibliography of Maine Geology. Search results are linked to online maps and data and also to an online shopping cart. Although online ordering is not available at this time, the shopping cart order may be printed out and mailed or faxed to the Maine Geological Survey.

Use our online beach and dune geology photo list to link directly to the photo of your choice.

Last updated on October 6, 2005