OPEN FILE REPORT NO. 85


I


I
/


r-,..oa *....O..I-- l | --"**.-- a


*z I
 S, .. .....' .,


 Figure 4 Native American artifacts (from the Coastal Plains Institute collection).


 Florida's springs are time capsules that contain valuable information about our cultur-
al past. Prehistoric Floridians valued our state's spring resources and now modern
Floridians are the stewards of a tradition that has lasted for more than 12,000 years. As
our state continues to grow, more and more people will be putting demands on our natural
resources. It is our modern culture's responsibility to see that Florida's springs be preserved
in their natural beauty and ecological health for future generations.

 HYDROGEOLOGY OF FLORIDA SPRINGS

 Florida enjoys a humid, subtropical climate throughout much of the state (Henry, 1998).
Rainfall, in the area of the major springs, ranges from 50 inches (127 cm) to 60 inches (152
cm) per year. As a result of this climate and the geologic framework of the state, Florida has
an abundance of fresh groundwater. Scott (2001) estimated that more than 2.2 quadrillion
gallons of fresh water are contained within the Floridan aquifer system (FAS).

 The Florida peninsula is the exposed portion of the broad Florida Platform. The Florida
Platform, as measured between the two hundred meter below sea level contour (approxi-
mately 600 ft), is more than 300 miles (483 km) wide. It extends more than 150 miles (241
km) under the Gulf of Mexico off shore from Crystal River and more than 70 miles (113 km)
under the Atlantic Ocean from Fernandina Beach. The Florida peninsula is less than one
half of the total platform.


cnB

I3~


r L I- ill