9.1.7.4.6. Sedimentation, sea-level rise, and circulation 
A one-foot sea-level rise since 1850 may have resulted in a deepening of Florida Bay of about 
25% (to about 5 ft) with an accompanying increase in water exchange with the ocean and the 
Gulf. However, recent data indicate restricted rather than enhanced exchange with these 
adjacent water bodies. This project integrated existing and planned turbidity and sediment 
studies in order to develop a sediment budget and an evaluation of the effect of sea-level rise, 
storms, and sedimentation on circulation and nutrient supply in the Bay. 
9.1.7.4.7. Florida Bay ecosystem history 
Although considerable effort is going into understanding the nature of the observed stress on 
the ecosystem of Florida Bay, there is little knowledge of what conditions were like prior to 
anthropogenic influences and what, if any, natural ecosystem cycles existed in the past. This 
project compared modern, historic and prehistoric biotic assemblages in sediments beneath the 
Bay. Data on non-anthropogenic salinity distributions, algal blooms and red tides assisted in 
establishing goals for remediation efforts. 
9.1.7.5. Data base development 
Color infrared digital orthophoto maps will not only serve as a base-map source for the work of 
all Federal and Stage agencies engaged in Everglades restoration work, but will also greatly 
assist efforts to map vegetative cover. This project provided current and enhanced digital 
orthophoto format data to replace outdated topographic quadrangles. The digital format of the 
maps provided maximum flexibility to users. A 1:500,000 regional base map prepared from 
rectified satellite imagery will also be produced by this project. 
9.2. State of Florida 
9.2.1. Florida Department of Environmental Protection 
9.2.1.1. Florida Geological Survey 
The Florida Geological Survey (FGS), as part of its ongoing coring and auger drilling programs, 
is collecting lithologic samples that are utilized in geologic research projects such as aquifer 
studies and surface geologic mapping in the south Florida region. The FGS maintains these 
samples as well as those contributed from other sources such as the SFWMD, private water 
wells, and others, in a core library/repository in Tallahassee. Descriptions of these samples 
are entered into a computer database. The locations of the core or auger holes are spotted on 
Dept, of Transportation Highway maps. The FGS is currently conducting a geologic framework 
study of the lower Floridian aquifer system that utilizes this data base. The FGS also collects 
* 
and maintains a borehole geophysical log data base for wells in the South Florida Region. 
9.2.1.2. Bureau of Information Systems Geographic Information System Program 
The Bureau of Information Systems Geographic Information System (BIS GIS) program gathers 
and maintains data layers which are used across multiple programs in the agency. Currently, 
these are used primarily for environmental regulatory and assessment projects. Land use, 
soils, transportation, public land survey, boundaries, hydrography, surface water sheds, 
W. Schmidt. Florida Geoloaical Survey, 903 Tennessee St... Tallahassee, FL 32304-7795. 904 488 9380. 
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