Why are there so many small lakes in Florida?


Why are there so many small lakes in Florida? Many central Florida lakes were formed from sinkholes — areas where the erosion of underground limestone allowed depressions to form in the Earth. Some lakes are naturally connected to other water bodies, allowing water to move among lakes and between lakes and rivers.


Why does Florida have so many little lakes?

Florida averages about 100 feet above Sea level. There is very little natural drainage, and Florida gets many sub-tropical rainstorms. The result is that most low areas become lakes.


Why does Florida have so many ponds?

The main purpose of the retention ponds is to hold onto the storm runoff or any kind of runoff in general and release the water at various flow rates. The water is naturally processed without additional equipment when in a retention pond, and also improves the water quality.


Why is Florida lake water so dark?

The dark color occurs when high concentrations of phytoplankton (microscopic algae) or colored dissolved organic matter in the water absorb the blue light.


Are there alligators in Florida ponds?

Based on that number, alligators can be found anywhere there is water. That includes lakes, ponds, rivers, marshes, swamps and man-made canals. In fact, alligators are found in all 67 Florida counties, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says.


Can you live on a lake in Florida?

Most natural lake bodies in Florida also have a proper name. Most residents that live along a lakeshore live there to enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities on the lake. In most lakeshore areas, there is a natural, vegetative barrier between the residence and the open-water portion of the lake.


Are Florida lakes safe to swim in?

Swimming in a Florida lake is generally safe, but there definitely have been people attacked and killed by alligators in Florida. Alligators are very fond of eating small animals like dogs and cats. Small children should not swim alone or be left unattended on the shore of a large Florida lake.


What lives in Florida lakes?

Small mammals such as marsh rabbits, muskrats, otters, mice, etc. make their homes around our lakeshores. Our lakes are also home to a large variety of reptiles and amphibians ranging from the American alligator to the green tree frog.


How were a lot of the lakes formed in Florida?

Many lakes in Florida were formed by sinkhole activity and thus are called sinkhole lakes. Environmental scientists may classify lakes according to the state of water quality (this classification system is described in the section on water quality).