WHAT DISCHARGES FROM FLORIDA SPRINGS?
MARTIN, J. B., Department of Geological Sciences, University of Florida, 241 Williamson Hall, P.O. Box 112120, Gainesville, FL, 32611-2120, jmartin@qeology.ufl.edu The chemistry of spring water is commonly used to characterize karst hydrogeology. For example, some springs show large variations in discharge, chemical composition, and temperature at time scales of both storm events and seasons. These variations have been suggested to reflect point sources of water flowing from conduits. In contrast, other springs have uniform discharge, chemical composition, and temperature through time. These springs are believed to have diffuse sources from micro-pores and fractures in the matrix rocks. The distinction between these two types of flow is important because it may control the extent of mixing between surface and ground water, as well as the length of time that surface water and associated pollutants remain in the subsurface following infiltration. Karst aquifers are particularly susceptib
