Most People Have No Idea That Maine’s Volcanoes Were The Biggest In The World
Maine has lots of rocky coastline and gorgeous coastal islands. But, would you ever guess that some of the land we love is actually the result of volcanoes? It seems hard to believe, but the truth is that Maine was the site of some seriously large eruptions! Eruptions of this size haven’t been seen in a very long time. In fact, the most famous example was 2.5 million years ago (that’s actually considered “recent”!) and it blew up an entire island in Indonesia. To think that Maine experienced this type of seismic activity is pretty crazy!
Maine's volcanic activity took place about 420 million years ago.
Cranberry Island also shows signs of volcanic activity in the form of a 2,300-foot-thick layer of "welded tuff," which is a rock formed from volcanic ash.
Scientists believe all of Maine’s super-eruptions took place around 424 million to 419 million years ago. Thanks, specifically, to geoscientist Sheila Seaman, who originally spoke on this topic at the Geological Society of America’s annual meeting in 2013.
Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
