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Wonder
Spring Creek Springs
In short
Most of the Spring Creek Springs – a group of 14 powerful springs – are below the level of the sea. Some decades ago this was considered to be the most powerful group of springs in the world, later measurements show a less impressive result.
34.8%
GPS coordinates
Location, address
Average discharge
Map of the site
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In detail
Description
Subaquatic springs
Along the Florida coast are numerous subaquatic springs – these springs appeared in times when the sea level during the last Ice Age was significantly lower than now. Wast areas of limestone were exposed, and numerous springs flew towards the sea.
Now, when the sea level is higher, these springs are below the sea level – but many of them continue to flow.
Springs Creek Springs – the most prominent undersea springs
Most likely, the most prominent group of such springs is Springs Creek Springs (yes, this sentence has many “springs” in it!).
These springs are located in a tidal marsh with Oligocene – Miocene limestone layers close to its surface.
In total in this group are known 14 large springs. Several springs are located at the mouth of Spring Creek, basically creating it, others are below the water of Spring Creek. Two more spring vents were discovered in the neighboring Stuart Cove in 1998. All springs are influenced by tides – at low tide (the level changes per some 0.3 – 0.9 m), most of them are well visible due to the powerful boil of the water.
Largest vents
The main vent (Spring Creek No.1.) is located at the boat pier and rises from some 9.1 m wide cavern, the depth of the creek here is 13.1 m. It is so powerful that a boat can not be sustained over it.
Of similar power are several more spring vents – Spring Creek Rise 2 – the uppermost spring in the village, Spring 8 in a smaller bay to the south, and, in fact, every other known spring vent in this group. Spring boils can be seen even in the satellite images in Google Maps.
Measurements of flow rate
U.S. Geological Survey first estimated the flow rates in these springs in May 1974. Then the total discharge of Spring Creek Springs was 56 600 liters per second (very approximate estimate) (1). This was a fantastic power and it was assumed to be the most powerful known spring in the world.
In 1996 the measured output of the Spring Creek was significantly less – 8 693 l/s (3).
Characteristic feature of Spring Creek Springs is their pulsating flow – the flow in the springs changes every few minutes. This could be caused by the complexities in the “plumbing” system of water passages leading towards these springs.
Fishing village
Next to these springs is a rustic fishing village – Spring Creek. The sea there, at the confluence of springwater and salty water of the Mexican Gulf, is an excellent location for fishing. Locals are proud of their catch considering the local fish to be the best anywhere.
References
- Springs of Florida, U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, May 1996. Last visited in January 28, 2022.
- First Magnitude Springs of Florida, Florida Geological Survey Open File Report No 85. Last visited in January 28, 2022.
- Hal Davis, Hydrogeologic Investigation and Simulation of Ground-Water Flow in the Upper Floridan Aquifer of North-Central Florida and Southwestern Georgia and Delineation of Contributing Areas for Selected City of Tallahassee, Florida, Water-Supply Wells, U.S. Geological Survey, Water-Resources Investigations Report. 1996. Last visited in January 28, 2022.
- Ed Lane, Spring Creek Submarine Springs Group, Wakulla County, Florida, Florida Geological Survey, Special Publication No. 47. 2001. Last visited in January 28, 2022.
Spring Creek Springs are included in the following article:
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.
Recommended books
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!
Backroads of Paradise: A Journey to Rediscover Old Florida
In the 1930s, the Federal Writers’ Project sent mostly anonymous writers, but also Zora Neale Hurston and Stetson Kennedy, into the depths of Florida to reveal its splendor to the world. The FWP and the State of Florida jointly published the results as Florida: A Guide to the Southernmost State, which included twenty-two driving tours of the state’s main roads. Eventually, after Eisenhower built the interstates, drivers bypassed the small towns that thrived along these roads in favor of making better time. Those main roads are now the state’s backroads—forgotten by all but local residents, a few commuters, and dedicated road-trippers. Retracing the original routes in the Guide, Cathy Salustri rekindles our notions of paradise by bringing a modern eye to the historic travelogues.
