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Wonder
Alapaha Rise
In short
The largest single spring in the United States (competing with Silver Springs in Ocala), a rise of the nearby river water.
39.8%
GPS coordinates
Location, address
Alternate names
Type
Mean discharge
Map of the site
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In detail
Description
In the pristine Floridian forest near the picturesque Suwannee River hides one of the largest springs in the world – Alapaha Rise.
This First Magnitude spring is a roughly circular, 22 m deep, and 33 by 23 m large basin. All water comes up from a single vent. It does not create a visible upsurge but, nevertheless, the enormous amount of water forms a fast-flowing river that after some 200 m falls into Suwannee River.
vailable data shows that Alapaha Rise produces from 10 000 l/s to 28 000 l/s of water. The average flow in October 2012 – October 2016 was around 16 260 l/s (4.).
Around the spring rise up to 10 m high limestone cliffs. These cliffs belong to the Suwannee Limestone formation that formed in the Early Oligocene some 30 million years ago.
Contrary to the lucid water of artesian springs this giant spring has darkened, tannic water. This fact alone means that Alapaha Rise is not artesian water but a resurgence of nearby surface water.
And this is a fact: a large part of the Alapaha River stream flows through Alapaha Rise. The main riverbed of Alapaha River falls into Suwannee some 650 m below Alapaha Rise but for a large part of the year it is dry: all water has gone underground towards Alapaha Rise and also Holton Creek Rise – a smaller spring at Suwannee River several kilometers before Alapaha Rise.
References
- Karst Hydrology of the Upper Suwannee River Basin, Alapaha River Area Hamilton County, Florida, Southeastern Geological Society. Last visited on January 14, 2022.
- Alapaha River Rise, CaveAtlas.com. Last visited on January 14, 2022.
- Alapaha Rise Spring, Springsfever. Last visited on September 09, 2023.
- Alapaha Rise. Suwannee River Water Management District, Water Data Portal. Last accessed on 9th September 2023.
Linked articles
Springs
Powerful natural freshwater springs belong to the most fascinating monuments of nature. Even more exciting is the diversity of unusual springs – mineral springs, hot springs, submarine springs as well as the unusual black smokers. Especially beautiful are such natural rarities as travertine, silica, or salt terraces created by warm and hot springs and, especially, geysers.
Wonders of the United States
The United States of America is one of the largest countries in the world and offers a wide array of diverse attractions: many are unsurpassed in the world. Highlights of the United States are cliffs, canyons, and rock formations, several impressive downtowns of cities with numerous skyscrapers as well as a rich array of geothermal features, and the giant forest of California.
Wonders of Florida
Florida is the tropical paradise of the mainland United States. Over the last century, it has experienced fabulous changes, turning from a forgotten, swampy badland into a densely populated and rich land. Highlights of Florida include the architecture of the late 19th and 20th centuries as well as its giant springs and caves.
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Florida Natural Wonders: 101 Slices Of Heaven That You Can’t Miss When Visiting Florida
Are You Ready for a Breathtaking Experience Through the Heart of Florida, Exploring Its Most Famous Wonders and Attractions?
If you want a guide that will help you find the most beautiful spots in this gorgeous state, then keep reading because this is the book you were looking for!
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