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A new study says Florida is slowly sinking--but is it true? We take a look at the evidence.
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The Landscape of Florida
The Geography of Florida
Florida is a peninsula, bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and Georgia and Alabama to the north. It has a total area of about 65,755 square miles (170,304 square kilometers), making it the 22nd largest state in the United States. Florida is also one of the most populous states in the country, with a population of over 20 million people.
The vast majority of Florida’s landmass is relatively low-lying, with an average elevation of just 100 feet (30 meters). However, there are a few areas of higher ground, such as the Panhandle region in the northwest of the state, which has an average elevation of around 300 feet (91 meters).
One reason why Florida is so low-lying is that it was once part of an underwater coral reef system. Over time, as the earth’s climate changed and sea levels rose and fell, parts of this reef system were gradually exposed above water to become today’s Florida peninsula.
The History of Florida
The modern history of Florida can be traced back to the 16th century, when the first European explorers arrived. Florida was then a Spanish colony, and later became a British territory. In 1819, Florida was admitted as a US state.
Since then, Florida has undergone massive changes. The population has grown exponentially, and cities like Miami and Orlando have become world-renowned tourist destinations. As a result of all this development, Florida is now one of the most populous states in the US.
However, all this growth has come at a cost. The state’s natural landscape has been radically altered, and its once-pristine beaches are now crowded with tourists. In addition, Florida is sinking! The state is actually losing landmass at an alarming rate, due to sea level rise and other environmental factors.
Despite all these challenges, Florida remains a popular place to live and visit. It’s a unique state with a rich history and diverse culture. And who knows? With some luck and careful planning, it may be able to avoid sinking into the sea entirely!
The Science of Florida
As the Gulf of Mexico’s waters continue to rise, so does the concern that the state of Florida may eventually sink beneath the waves. But is this really a possibility? To answer this question, we must first understand the science behind it.
The Geology of Florida
The Sunshine State is known for its sandy beaches, clear waterways and warm weather, but did you know that Florida is also home to some of the world’s oldest rocks?
Florida’s geologic history began more than 100 million years ago when the state was covered by a shallow sea. Over time, the sea floor was covered by sediment that formed into limestone.
About 65 million years ago, a huge meteorite hit the earth, causing the sea level to drop and exposing the limestone to weathering and erosion. This process created Florida’s unique landscape of sinkholes, springs and rivers.
Florida’s geology is constantly changing. The state is still being shaped by the same forces that created it—wind, water and time.
The Hydrology of Florida
Florida is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Alabama to the northwest, Georgia to the north, and the Gulf of Mexico to the south and west. With a population of over 21 million people, it is the third most populous state in the country.
Florida is unique among U.S. states hydrologically because nearly all of its surface water is in close proximity to the ocean. In fact, only about 1% of Florida’s surface water is freshwater, making it one of the most saline states in the union.
The vast majority of Florida’s freshwater comes from two sources: rainfall and groundwater. Rainfall is by far the largest source of freshwater in Florida, providing more than 99% of allfreshwater that flows into rivers, lakes, and wetlands each year. Groundwater comes from aquifers—underground reservoirs of water—and provides about 30% of Florida’s potable (drinking) water.
Surface water flow in Florida is highly variable from year to year and from place to place within the state. In general, though, surface water flow increases from north to south as a result of differences in elevation (the land slopes gently downward from north to south), rainfall patterns (amounts are highest in central and southern Florida), and evaporation rates (which are higher in southern Florida).
Groundwater flow in Florida is also variable, but not as much so as surface water flow. This is because groundwater tends to move more slowly than surface water and because aquifers are often much larger than the areas they supply with water (so they don’t respond as quickly to changes in rainfall). Nevertheless, groundwater flow direction in Florida generally follows that of surface water flow: from north to south across most of the state, or east to west along the southern peninsula.
The People of Florida
The Population of Florida
Florida is the third most populous state in the United States. As of 2019, the population was 21,477,737. This makes Florida the 22nd most populous state in the country. The population of Florida has been growing steadily for years. In 2010, the population was 18,801,310. This means that the population has increased by nearly 2.7 million in just nine years.
The vast majority of Florida’s population growth is due to net migration from other states and countries. In fact, since 2000, net migration has been responsible for more than 80% of Florida’s population growth. This is not surprising when you consider that Florida is a popular destination for retirees and people looking to escape cold weather in other parts of the country.
The Culture of Florida
Florida is a unique state in the US, and its culture reflects its diverse population. From the early Native American tribes to the Spanish and British colonists, Florida has always been a melting pot of cultures. This diversity is reflected in the food, music, art, and lifestyle of the people of Florida.
The Seminole tribe is one of the most well-known Native American groups in Florida. The Seminoles are known for their intricate beadwork and bright clothing. They also have their own unique language, called Mikasuki, which is spoken by about 3,000 people today. The Seminole tribe has its own reservation in Florida, called the Seminole Tribe of Florida Reservation, which covers about 2.5 million acres (1 million hectares) of land.
Florida was also home to a large population of Spanish colonists. Many of these colonists came from Cuba, and they brought with them their culture and way of life. Cuban culture is still evident in many parts of Florida today, particularly in the Miami area. Cuban food, music, and art are all popular in Florida, and Cuban words and phrases can often be heard spoken by Floridians.
The British also had a presence in Florida, as evidenced by the many place names that have British origins. For example, the city of Jacksonville was named after King James II of England (“Jackson” being an alternate spelling of “James”), and the city of Orlando was named after Orlando Reeves, a British soldier who fought in the Second Seminole War. Many British customs and traditions have also been adopted by Floridians over the years, such as afternoon tea and cricket.
Today, Florida is home to people from all over the world. This diversity is one of the things that makes Florida such an interesting and unique place to live
The Future of Florida
The state of Florida is no stranger to natural disasters. From hurricanes to sinkholes, the Sunshine State has seen it all. But could it be that Florida is actually sinking? Scientists have been investigating this phenomenon for years, and the evidence is starting to stack up. Let’s take a look at what the experts say.
The Demographics of Florida
The demographics of Florida shows that the state is becoming increasingly diverse. In 2010, minorities made up 28.7% of the population, up from 25.2% in 2000. Hispanics and Latinos make up the largest minority group in Florida, comprising 22.6% of the population. African Americans are the second largest minority group, accounting for 14.0% of the state’s population. Other minority groups include Asians (3.0%), Native Americans (0.4%), and Pacific Islanders (0.1%).
As of 2018, Florida’s population was estimated at 21,299,325, an increase of 17.3% from 2010. This includes a natural increase since 2010 of 703,826 people (that is 1,596,371 births minus 892,545 deaths) and an increase due to net migration of 1,261,585 people into the state. Immigration from outside the United States resulted in a net increase of 123,145 people, and migration within the country produced a net increase of 1,138,440 people.
The Economy of Florida
The economy of Florida is a diverse sector economic state. The gross state product for 2012 was $748 billion, making it the fourth largest state economy in the United States behind California, Texas and New York. In that year Florida’s per capita personal income was $42,915, ranking 37th in the nation. The unemployment rate in September 2012 was 8.7%. Florida’s agriculture industry ranks third among all US states behind California and Texas; its sugarcane industry is the nation’s second largest behind Hawaii. Florida is home to the second largest number of cattle in America behind Texas; it leads all US states paradise fishing; and produces about 60% of commercial oranges grown each year in America – almost all from a section of central Florida near Orlando called `the I-4 corridor’.
