Florida Geological Survey -
Geology Topics
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.
