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Title: How Sinkholes Develop in West-Central Florida: The impacts of freeze protection irrigation
Author: Naomi Baez Abstract: Sinkholes are a common occurrence in the Florida area due to its geology and climate. Recent acceleration in the frequency of sinkhole development has revealed that human actions encourage sinkholes to form. The area of west-central Florida, managed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, seems to have a cluster of sinkholes in its northern and central regions. Human actions found to promote sinkhole development include ground water pumping and construction practices. In Dover, Florida, rapid sinkholes form during freezing temperatures. During these times excessive ground water pumping by strawberry farmers lowers the ground water level and induces sinkhole development. Flooding, ground water contamination, damage to infrastructure, and safety hazards are some of the unpleasant effects of sinkhole development. This study will summarize both natural and unnatural factors that have contributed to Florida being the leading in state in the amount of reported sinkholes. It will focus on west-central Florida, specifically on the area of Dover, and will include examinations of possible solutions to the problems associated with sinkholes. Key References: Bengtsson T.O. (1989). The Hydrologic Effects of Intense Groundwater Pumpage in East-Central Hillsborough County, Florida, U.S.A. Environmental Geology and Water Sciences 14, 1(Jan/Feb): 43-51. Tihansky A.B. (1999) Sinkholes, in West-Central Florida. In Galloway, Jones, and Ingebritsen (Eds.), Land Subsidence in the United States (pp 121-140). Reston, Virginia:U.S. Geological Survey Ciricular 1182 Sinclaire W.C., Stewart J.W., Knutilla, R.L., Gilboy A.E., Miller R.L. Types, Feature, and Occurrence of Sinkholes in the Karst of West-Central Florida. U.S. Geological Survey Water Resources Investingation Report 85-4126
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Date: May 2003
Student: nbaez@willamette.edu
ENVR 327: Water Resources
Instructor: Dr. Karen Arabas
http://www.willamette.edu/~karabas/courses/envr327w