Formation of Florida Springs

Formation of Florida Springs

Karst Geology

• Central Florida is part of a region with karst topography, which is characterized by limestone bedrock.
• Over time, rainwater, which is slightly acidic due to dissolved carbon dioxide, seeps into the ground and dissolves the limestone, forming a network of underground caverns and aquifers.

Spring Formation

• Springs occur where groundwater from the aquifer flows to the surface through natural openings in the limestone.
• The pressure forcing the water upward is often due to elevation differences or hydrostatic pressure within the aquifer.

Floridan Aquifer

• The springs in Central Florida are primarily fed by the Floridan Aquifer, one of the largest and most productive aquifers in the world.
• This aquifer holds vast amounts of freshwater, replenished by rainfall and permeation through porous rock and soil.

Types of Springs

First-Magnitude Springs

• Florida has more first-magnitude springs (flowing over 100 cubic feet per second) than anywhere else in the world.
• Examples in Central Florida include Silver Springs, Wekiwa Springs, and Blue Spring.

Spring Runs

• Springs often create spring runs, which are clear rivers or streams flowing from the spring to nearby larger water bodies.