Figure 2. Maine's local relative sea-level curve for the past 14,000 years. We know from other studies, involving radiocarbon dating that world-wide (eustatic) sea level was some 110 meters (360 ft.) below present about 14,000 years before present (BP). However, since the weight of local ice sheets over 1000 m (3300 ft) thick had bowed down the Earth's crust, the level of Maine's coast was actually below the local sea level. Eustatic sea level was low, but rising at this time. Thus, Figure 2 shows relative sea level 70 m (230 ft.) above present.

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Last updated on October 6, 2005

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