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Floridan and Biscayne Aquifers

Sinkhole-formed lakes near Winter Haven, FL. These sinkholes, which often are filled with permeable surficial sands, provide more direct avenues for water from the surficial aquifer system to recharge the underlying Upper Floridan aquifer. (from Spechler and Kroening, 2006)
Loss of water from the Peace River through underlying conduit during low-flow period, May 2004. The Peace River in this area is characterized by shallow, sometimes exposed carbonate units, with karst features that vary in type and size and include sinkholes, subsidence depressions, dissolution pipes, and enlarged fractures. (from Spechler and Kroening, 2006)
Sinkholes from subsidence event, Florida, February 1998. Over 700 sinkholes formed over a 20-acre area in response to well drilling. A well had been drilled about 20 feet into a cavity, when air-lift well-development methods began being used. Immediately after, small sinkholes started appearing in the surrounding area. Subsidence continued for several hours, with sinkholes closest to the well expanding to become the largest in the area. (Photo by Ann Tihansky)

Photos of Karst Features

Karst produces distinctive topographic features that can be prominent and distinctive. There are photographs available of the following karst features in the Floridan and Biscayne aquifers:

  • Sinkholes
  • In-Stream Sinkholes

... view photos


Featured Publications

  • Reese, R.S., and Richardson, Emily (2008) Synthesis of the hydrogeologic framework of the Floridan Aquifer system and delineation of a major Avon Park permeable zone in central and southern Florida: USGS Scientific Investigations Report 2007-5207, 60 p.
  • Spechler, R.M., and Kroening, S.E. (2006) Hydrology of Polk County, Florida: USGS Scientific Investigations Report 2006-5320, 114 p.

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URL: http://water.usgs.gov/ogw/karst/aquifers/floridan/index
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Page Last Modified: Nov 8 2009