Will Florida sink into the ocean?
Quick Answer
Florida is not in any immediate risk of sinking into the ocean, but it does face long-term risks of substantial subsidence due to its geology. Florida receives a great deal of rain, and mostly sits atop salt and gypsum rocks, along with a substantial portion of limestone, both of which are soluble in water. The dissolution of rock, combined with the draining of Florida's swamps, creates large risks.
Continue Reading
Full Answer
Florida is has one of the lowest average elevations in the United States at 100 feet, and it is also the flattest state. This low, flat landscape does put it at risk when any overall subsidence or decrease in elevation occurs, according to the United States Geological Survey. Most of the subsidence in Florida so far has not been gradual and large-scale, but rather small and catastrophic in the form of sinkholes. These sudden collapses of relatively small areas are dangerous to people and structures, but do not significantly affect the overall elevation of the land.
The overall wetness of Florida is protective against large-scale subsidence because groundwater supplies are quickly replenished. This stands in contrast to dry places like the San Joaquin Valley in California, where the withdrawal of groundwater for farming has caused the land to sink by as much as 30 feet in places.
Learn more about The SouthRelated Questions
-
Q:
What details does a reference map of Florida show?
A: Details on a reference map of Florida include Interstates 95, 10 and 75, the St. Johns River and Lake Okeechobee. Tallahassee, the state capital, and major... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What county is Disney World in?
A: Walt Disney World is located in parts of Orange County and parts of Osceola County, Florida. The majority of the attractions and money-making ventures are ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How much does it typically cost to live in a Florida senior citizen mobile-home park?
A: Depending on the location and the size of the mobile home, the average rent for a mobile home in a senior community in Florida ranges from $300 to $1,000 p... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are some cities on Florida's Gulf Coast?
A: Some cities on Florida's Gulf Coast include Pensacola, Panama City, Gulf Breeze, Fort Walton Beach, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Fort Myers and Naple... Full Answer >Filed Under:
