Recent Geological History and Modern Sedimentary Processes of the Pasco, Hernando and Citrus County Coastline: West Central Florida

摘要

The west-central coast of Florida extending from Pasco County to the south to Wakulla County on the north is a sediment-starved, low wave energy, open-marine marsh coast that is poorly understood in scientific terms. The non-barrier island, marshy coastlines constitute 32% of the State's shoreline and are now being seen as an important economic resource. The primary geological processes that have interacted to produce the highly digitate, irregularly-shaped coast are described. The most important geologic resources are the various natural environments such as Juncus roemerianus marsh, mangrove swamp, oyster reef, freshwater spring, tidal creek, and marsh hammock. Careful consideration should be given to the geologic and biologic and biologic systems if human exploitation occurs.