Guide to the Geology of Southwestern Maine

Arthur M. Hussey II, PhD

This guide describes and interprets how the rocks and landscape of southwestern Maine came into being and how they evolved over half a billion years of geological time. The intended audience includes interested laypeople, public school teachers, and professional geologists who have an interest in the geology of southwestern Maine. This guide covers that part of Maine roughly bounded by the town of Kittery in the south, Pemaquid Point in the northeast, and the town of Brownfield in the northwest.

About the Author

Arthur M. Hussey, II was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1931. He obtained his BS in geology and mineralogy from the Pennsylvanian State University in 1954, and his PhD in geology from the University of Illinois in 1960. He took a year’s position at Purdue University as visiting Assistant Professor in 1960. In 1961 he accepted a Visiting Assistant Professorship at Bowdoin College. In 1962 he became Assistant Professor. He retired as Professor of Geology, Emeritus, in 2000 after thirty-nine years of teaching and research. Starting in 1958 he worked during summer months for the Maine Geological Survey doing detailed geological mapping in southwestern Maine, and assisted Survey personnel in compiling two editions of the Bedrock Geology of Maine (1965 and 1985). He has compiled numerous detailed maps published by the Maine Geological Survey for southwestern Maine and authored several articles on structure and stratigraphy of the area. During his tenure at Bowdoin College he was curator of the acclaimed Cleaveland Cabinet, Bowdoin’s collection of minerals, rocks, and fossils. He continues these curatorial duties today.

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