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Falmouth Spring
In short
Frequently Falmouth Spring is called “the shortest river in the world”. This is not a true spring, but a collapsed, 137 m long cave section – karst window.
30.3%
GPS coordinates
Location, address
Average discharge
Map of the site
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In detail
Sometimes Falmouth Spring is called the shortest river in the world by the local tourist industry. This, to some extent, characterizes this unusual natural landmark. Falmouth Spring is a karst window – a collapsed section of a cave, with a cave river in it.
This visible river section is 137 m long. It is a picturesque area surrounded by Florida swamp forest (image does not do favor to it – it is taken at low water), this place is like a a small, charming wonder in pristine nature. Limestone ledges surround the small lake-river-spring.
Water continuously comes up in one side and disappears underground in the other end. In the middle part at higher water is shallower part that is lined with white sand.
Spring pool is some 27 by 25 m large. Depth of the spring vent is around 12 m – this is a conical funnel that is covered with sand, some limestone is seen (2.).
In the other end is siphon. From the surface it may seem calm. Nevertheless, this is a dangerous place for divers who might get sucked into it with little chance to get out. This is one of entrances into an underwater cave – the enormous Cathedral-Falmouth system. This giant underwater cave is 18 893.7 m long and up to 130.8 m deep.
Unfortunately, similar to many other springs in Florida, Falmouth Spring is rather polluted with nitrates from the agricultural runoff and, as a result, lots of algae grow in it.
References
- Falmouth Springs. Suwannee River Water Management District, Water Data Portal. Last accessed on 9th September 2023.
- First Magnitude Springs of Florida, Florida Geological Survey Open File Report No. 85. 2002. Last accessed on 22nd September 2023.
Linked articles
Springs
Powerful natural freshwater springs belong to the most fascinating monuments of nature. Even more exciting is the diversity of unusual springs – mineral springs, hot springs, submarine springs as well as the unusual black smokers. Especially beautiful are such natural rarities as travertine, silica, or salt terraces created by warm and hot springs and, especially, geysers.
Wonders of the United States
The United States of America is one of the largest countries in the world and offers a wide array of diverse attractions: many are unsurpassed in the world. Highlights of the United States are cliffs, canyons, and rock formations, several impressive downtowns of cities with numerous skyscrapers as well as a rich array of geothermal features, and the giant forest of California.
Wonders of Florida
Florida is the tropical paradise of the mainland United States. Over the last century, it has experienced fabulous changes, turning from a forgotten, swampy badland into a densely populated and rich land. Highlights of Florida include the architecture of the late 19th and 20th centuries as well as its giant springs and caves.
Recommended books
Florida Natural Wonders: 101 Slices Of Heaven That You Can’t Miss When Visiting Florida
Are You Ready for a Breathtaking Experience Through the Heart of Florida, Exploring Its Most Famous Wonders and Attractions?
If you want a guide that will help you find the most beautiful spots in this gorgeous state, then keep reading because this is the book you were looking for!
FLORIDA SPRINGS FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Your Guide to the Best of Florida’s Springs, Parks and Recreations
The author started gathering information for this unique guidebook of Florida Springs over 40 years ago. In 1973 Robert F. Burgess began diving and photographing the underwater caves associated with Florida’s labyrinthine freshwater springs long before scuba divers had such things as depth gauges, personal flotation devices, or cave divers training programs. He attributes his survival in what has been called “the world’s most dangerous sport” to the fact that he always stayed within sight of the way out of these underwater sites.