Anatomy of a Spring

This is a cross section of an aquifer. Florida's 600 natural springs are fed by the Floridan Aquifer. Springs are places where groundwater (in the aquifer) discharges to the surface. When rain falls from the clouds, CO2 is dissolved in the rain drops. The rainwater percolates through the sand and soil on its way to the limestone bedrock of Florida. Once the rainwater hits the limestone, the CO2 dissolves the limestone creating cracks. Over long periods of time, these cracks widen and eventually allow the water from the aquifer to escape to the surface, forming a spring. These springs provide a window into the aquifer.

 

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