How does Florida's porous limestone bedrock impact contaminant mobility toward the coast?
Answer
Poor surface water filtration allows contaminants to be easily mobilized by rain.
The unique geology of Florida, characterized by low elevation and highly porous limestone bedrock, significantly compromises the natural filtration of surface water. Because contaminants are not effectively locked underground, heavy rainfall mobilizes them swiftly. This geology ensures that pollutants washed into the ground from surface runoff are quickly carried through the subsurface layers until they reach and enter the coastal waters, contributing to the bacterial load observed at recreational beaches.
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