Sinkholes in Hernando County Florida Photos taken by

Sinkholes in Hernando County, Florida Photos taken by Tom Scott, Florida Geographic Survey http: //www. dep. state. fl. us/geology/geologictopics/jacksonsink. htm Brett Buff GIS in Water Resources November 25, 2008

Objective • Investigate the relationship between sinkholes and water Project Location Hernando County, Florida

Sinkholes • Sinkholes are common in Florida • Hydrogeology is an important factor in their formation • Formed from erosion processes associated with acidic water and limestone • Can form when water table changes drastically • Can create underground drainage systems

Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD)

Future Work • Create Sinkhole Probability Map • Analyze DEM from Hernando County using Arc. Hydro 9 Tools

Conclusion • Sinkholes are more likely occur where water tables fluctuate more frequently and rapidly then normal • Increase in development => Increase in groundwater removal => Increase sinkhole formation

Data Sources • USGS • Southwest Florida Water Management District • Florida Department of Environmental Protection • Florida Geological Survey

Eagle’s Nest Sinkhole Located in Northwest Hernando County

330 -Foot-Deep Sinkhole In Guatemala City

Questions? ? ? Some more pictures of sinkholes in Florida