Natural Resources Canada
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CoastWeb
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Coastal evolution
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Sea level change
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The white line in these maps represents the modern coast, and the ages are radiocarbon years before present (BP).
13,000 BP
Relative sea levels were low on the continental shelf, resulting in a chain of islands from Grand Bank to the United States. At the same time, many other areas were flooded. Ice caps are still extensive at this time. They are not shown in this or the other reconstructions.
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12,000 BP
Georges Bank (bottom left) has almost completely emerged at this time. Grand Bank (right) has shrunk a little.
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11,000 BP
Now Georges Bank (bottom left) is connected to the mainland, and Grand Bank (right) is smaller than at 12,000 BP. Northumberland Strait is almost the same size as today.
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10,000 BP
Georges Bank (bottom left) is an island again, and Grand Bank (right) continues to shrink. Prince Edward Island is connected to the mainland.
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9,000 BP
Land exposed in Northumberland Strait and around the Magdalen Islands has reached its greatest extent.
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8,000 BP
The sea is now starting to encroach on Northumberland Strait and the area around the Magdalen Islands. Sable Island is approaching its modern size and shape.
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6,000 BP
Atlantic Canada is starting to assume the modern condition. Northumberland Strait is now flooded, so Prince Edward Island has become an island again.
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