Lagoons, a type of coastal landform, are shallow bodies of water that are separated from the sea by sand or coral reefs. These bodies of water have permanent access to the sea. Lagoons help the land by being a storage area for excess water, filtering water, protecting against coastal erosion, and providing a place for wildlife to populate. Found throughout the world, lagoons make up 13% of shorelines globally. They vary greatly in size.
Little Lagoon is approximately 8 miles long and 3/4 of a mile wide. It is found a half of a mile north of the Gulf of Mexico in Gulf Shores, AL. Little Lagoon is home to many species of fish, crabs, shrimps, mollusks, sea stars, jellyfish, and residential as well as migratory birds.
Lagoons are classified into 3 main types: leaky lagoons, choked lagoons, and restricted lagoons. Leaky lagoons have wide tidal channels with fast currents that are not restricted from water exchange. Choked lagoons occur along high energy coastlines and have one or more long narrow channels which restrict water exchange with the ocean. Circulation within this type of lagoon is dominated by wind patterns. Restricted lagoons have multiple channels, and tend to show the greatest exchange of water, especially when wind pushes large amounts of water inland.
To earn a smiley, go to the GPS coordinates listed for this Earth-cache and answer the following questions by email:
1. How far from the water are you standing? If you are standing in water, tell how deep it is.
2. Is this lagoon a leaky, a choked, or a restricted lagoon? Why do you think that?
3. Either peer under the bridge or walk to the gulf side of this park. What have humans done or are humans doing to ensure this inlet stays open?
4. Name some wildlife you spot while at Little Lagoon. If interested, there is a sign about wading birds found in the area. Taking a photo of the wildlife or you and your GPS are optional.
If an email with the questions answered does not appear within 24 hours of posting that you found it, your submission will be deleted.
Sources: www.sms.si.edu/irlspec/Whatsa_lagoon.htm, www.eoearth.org/view/article/151296/, and littlelagoon.org/inc/files/Eight%20Years%20of%20Research%20in%20Little%20Lagoon%20-%20LLPS%20April%202014.ppt