My name is Jordyn Lind, and I will be transferring to UF in the Fall to finish my B.S. in wildlife ecology and conservation. I'm interested in doing research because I want to be able to preserve nature and help our environment, and to do that, one has to understand it first.
ABSTRACT: Discharge of Wekiva and Rock Springs has decreased significantly in the last 50 years, likely as a result of groundwater pumping of the Floridan Aquifer System. The six springs in this study (Miami, Palm, Rock, Sanlando, Starbuck, and Wekiva) are vital to local aquatic ecosystems. Overpumping of the aquifer and (or) a decline in rainfall to replenish the aquifer can reduce spring discharge and cause deterioration of water quality, negatively impacting aquatic habitats and our enjoyment of these areas. This study aims to investigate the effects of rainfall and human impact on spring discharge in the Central Florida area. Monthly rainfall and spring discharge data were downloaded from the US Geological Survey, St. Johns River Water Management District, and FSU for trend analysis for the period of record from 1968 to 2020. Monthly spring discharge, annual median discharge, and dry and wet season were plotted with rainfall and analyzed for temporal trends. Four out of the six springs showed a significant decrease in discharge for all trend analyses even as annual rainfall slightly increased. Therefore, we conclude that the pumping of the aquifer for human consumption is probably affecting groundwater levels and causing the decrease in spring discharge.
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James Adamski
Professor of Earth Science
East Campus
jadamski1@valenciacollege.edu