Tracing the Unseen: My Journey into Groundwater in Florida Bay
When we think about water, we picture rivers, lakes, rain, or even the ocean tide. But what about the water that moves silently beneath our feet?
That’s one out of many questions that drew me into my research: identifying critical groundwater discharge zones in Florida Bay.
At first glance, Florida Bay looks like a vibrant, tropical estuary full of mangroves, wildlife, and sparkling blue water. But beneath the surface lies a quiet system of groundwater pathways, influencing everything from water quality to nutrient flow to coastal resilience. And for many years, those hidden flows have been overlooked.
So, I started asking:
Where is the groundwater coming from? What is it carrying? And what is it telling us about coastal change?
Using geochemical tracers like Radon-222 and advanced GIS spatial mapping, I’ve been tracking groundwater discharge points in the bay, trying to pinpoint locations where freshwater meets saltwater beneath the surface.
Each data point is a puzzle piece. Each map I create is a window into something invisible but powerful.
But this research isn’t just about science.
It’s about protection.
Florida Bay has faced growing pressure from nutrient pollution, saltwater intrusion, and sea-level rise. Understanding how and where groundwater enters the bay is key to protecting its ecosystems, restoring balance, and strengthening the region’s climate resilience efforts.
What I love most is how this work blends field data, environmental modeling, and local impact. It’s technical, yes-but it’s deeply rooted in the future of real places and people.
And the more I listen to the land and the water, the more I realize:
Not everything that matters in science is visible.
Sometimes the most important flows are the ones you can't see.
Are you working in hydrology, water quality, coastal restoration, or spatial mapping?
Or have you visited Florida Bay and wondered how it’s changing?
Drop a comment, share your story, or let’s collaborate.
Until next time,
– Oluwatunmise Akanmu
Environmental Scientist | Geologist
