Florida has more springs than any other state and most other countries. This is due to the state's geology, weather, and subsurface water flow. Florida is underlain by an extensive series of geologic formations which contain very porous marine limestone near the land surface where Florida's aquifer systems occur. All of Florida's larger springs discharge ground water from this Floridan aquifer system. Less porous limestones are found in other spring areas of the United States. Because limestone formations in Florida are more porous than in many other areas, they can hold and transport more water, making the regional Floridan aquifer system one of the most productive freshwater aquifer systems in the world.
Weather is another factor responsible for Florida's many springs. Florida receives between 30 and 100 inches of rain per year. Rainfall becomes slightly acidic through interactions with gases in the atmosphere and soils, and over millions of years, this slightly acidic rainfall has percolated downward into the subsurface and has slowly dissolved underground limestone. Joints and fractures left behind in the limestone can eventually enlarge into water-filled caverns and tunnels that can form subterranean drainage systems in the Floridan aquifer. Also, sinkholes can form due to dissolving of the limestone and create an opening and direct connection between the land surface and the Floridan aquifer. Springs occur when subsurface pressures force water up through an opening to land surface. The combination of highly porous limestones that can hold vast quantities of water combined with relatively high rainfall amounts and subsurface water flow, are responsible for the occurrence of so many springs in Florida.
Less than a mile from Tampa's most noted springs, Sulphur Springs, is the little Purity Springs. This spring is situated between a housing development and North River Shore Drive. The spring pool is small, but the waters are still a deep aquamarine blue. It is perhaps one of the most accessible springs in Tampa. Originally Purity Springs was tapped and bottled as Purity Springs Water Company. Now the area has been turned into a city park.
There is parking alongside North River Shore Drive. You will need to bring a thermometer with you to check the temperature of the springs.
Pictures are encouraged, but not necessary.
Email your answers to the address above. If you don't want to answer the questions, please do not log a find for this earth cache.
1. In your own words, describe the flow of the springs.
2. What is the temperature of the springs where it comes out of the ground.
3. Estimate the width and depth of the "pool" area at the springs.
4. Estimate the distance the springs flow before entering the river.
5. What is the name of the tributary the springs flow into.
http://www.floridasprings.org/
http://tampaniatampa.blogspot.com/2013/02/purity-springs.html
http://studiohourglass.blogspot.com/2013/03/tampas-historic-urban-springs.html