Photo by: Alexa
Elliott
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TO THE TOP
Porous limestone rock underlies all of the state of
Florida, occurring at various depths beneath the surface. As
acidic rainwater seeps through sandy soil and into the limestone,
it slowly begins to weaken and dissolve the rock. Over time, this
creates underwater caves. If the surface of one of these caves
collapses, and groundwater wells to the top, a spring is formed.
Geologists categorize these springs according to their associated
aquifer, temperature, water flow, water composition and shape of
their opening. Florida’s
springs vary little in temperature, with most of them measuring
a constant 72 degrees year-round.
Photo by: Alexa Elliott |
WET AND WILD
Florida’s
springs support a vast array of animal and plant life both above
and below the water. Reptiles like the American Alligator and the
Loggerhead Musk Turtle thrive in this habitat. The elusive White
Catfish lives in the dark recesses of many underwater caves and
only emerges at night to feed. Greater Sirens, the largest species
of salamanders found in the United States, are a unique underwater
resident of the springs.
West Indian Manatees seek refuge in several
of Florida’s
springs in the winter. When the oceans’ temperatures
drop, the slow-moving mammals depend on the springs’ constant
72 degree water for survival. The Bald Cypress tree, Spider
Lily flower, and Eel Grass are a few examples of plants found throughout
Florida’s springs.
Resources for this article
have been provided by United
States Geological Survey, Florida's
Springs and
the Florida Department
of Environmental Protection.
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