Geology and Ecosystems
To understand the Everglades, one must first understand the
rock."
... from
The Everglades: River of Grass, by Marjory Stoneman
Douglas, 1947
A knowledge of Earth Systems is necessary to understand
how biological and non-biological components interact to
create and sustain ecosystems. The solid earth aspects of
earth systems are included in the science of geology, the
atmospheric components reside with meteorology, and
hydrogeology and hydrology cover the aqueous parts of our
physical earth system.
Basic geologic knowledge of the physical
characteristics of rocks and geologic processes has direct
relevance to ecosystems. Rocks are the ultimate source of
most nutrients in food chains. Weathering processes
break down rocks into their constituent minerals and
chemical components, forming soils and nutrients. Erosion
and sediment transport processes then make them available to
the biosphere. Most nutrients are then recycled many times
through an ecosystem before losing their usefulness to the
system.
The geologic structure of the
stratigraphic formations of an area's rocks is a major
factor in determining the landforms, or geomorphology, of
that area. The structure and stratigraphy also influence
surface and ground-water conditions, such as flow, recharge
and discharge areas, and location and depth of aquifers and
ambient water chemistry. Some geomorphic features can create
very localized microclimates and restricted ecosystems;
steephead ravines and sinkholes are two examples.
2012 State of Florida