Location Geological History Level of Development Additional Facts Profile Data Pictures References

Location

The east-west trending Gooch’s Beach is a 1300m barrier (Nelson and Fink, 1980), located at the mouth of the Kennebunk River in Kennebunkport.  Oaks Neck forms the western boundary, while the spit terminates at Old Fort Point.  Both of these headlands are composed of bedrock.  An extensive marsh system and tidal flat make up the backbarrier environment of Gooch’s Beach.
 
 

Geological History

Prior to jetty construction, the ebb-tidal delta of the Kennebunk River Inlet was distinct.  However, little evidence exists of an ebb delta today.  This is most likely a result of the 400m length of the jetty, in addition to a relatively small sand supply.  Gooch’s Beach experienced accretion following jetty construction.  It is probable that some of the accretion is attributable to erosion of the ebb delta (FitzGerald, 1989).
 
 

Development Status

The western half of Gooch’s beach is more heavily developed than the eastern region.  A 10-foot seawall runs along the length of the beach, protecting the road and houses.   The seawall has failed in the past, making the landward areas dangerous during extreme storms.  Because parts of the beach are somewhat rocky, artificial nourishment may be the only solution to return sand to the area (Kelley et al., 1989).  More than a million dollars has been spent to maintain seawalls along the beaches in this area.
 
 

Additional Facts

During the summer of 1956, tree stumps were found on nearby Kennebunk Beach.  Radiocarbon dating of these stumps indicate that prior to approximately 3000 years ago, a lower sea level prevailed (Hussey, 1959).
 
 

Topographic Profiles
 
 

Profile 1 Monthly Data Greatest Change Profile 2 Monthly Data Greatest Change	Profile 3 Monthly Data Greatest Change Profile 4 Monthly Data Greatest Change

Pictures
 
 
 

References

Dickson, S.M., in press, Beach and Dune Geology, Goochs and Middle Beaches, Kennebunk, Maine, Maine Geological Survey Open-File Report (Photo 4-8)

Dickson, S.M., in press, Beach and Dune Geology, Goochs Beach, Kennebunk River, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, Maine, Maine Geological Survey Open-File Report (Photo 4-10)

FitzGerald, D.M., Lincoln, J.M., Fink, L.K, and Caldwell, D.W., 1989, Morphodynamics of tidal inlet systems in Maine, in:  Studies in Maine Geology, v.5, Quaternary Geology, R.D. Tucker and R.G. Marvinney (eds.), Maine Geological Survey, Augusta, ME, p. 67-96.

Hussey, A.M. II, 1959, Age of Intertidal Tree Stumps at Wells Beach and Kennebunk Beach, Maine, Journal of Sedimentary Petrology, vol. 29, no 3, pp 464-469.

Kelley, J.T., Kelley, A.R. and Pilkey, O.H., sr., 1989, Living with the Coast of Maine, Duke University Press, Durham, NC, 174 p.

Nelson, B.W. and Fink, L.K., Jr., 1980, Geological and Botanical Features of Sand Beach Systems in Maine: Maine Critical Areas Program, Maine State Planning Office Planning Report No. 54, 269 p.