Weeki Wachee Springs Summary of Cave Exploration Matt Vinzant SWFWMD - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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Oct 23, 2022 37 likes •261 views

Weeki Wachee Springs Summary of Cave Exploration Matt Vinzant SWFWMD FARMS Project Manager Karst Underwater Research Director Karst Underwater Research KUR Mission Statement : Committed the preservation and protection of Karst aquifers and

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Weeki Wachee Springs

Summary of Cave Exploration

Matt Vinzant SWFWMD FARMS – Project Manager Karst Underwater Research – Director

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Karst Underwater Research

KUR Mission Statement: Committed the preservation and protection of Karst aquifers and the quality of their water by conducting relevant scientific research and documentation of surface features and corresponding underwater caverns and conduits.

▪ 501c3 Not For Profit Organization ▪ Committed to Exploration, Education, and Preservation ▪ Group of like minded individuals from diverse backgrounds ▪ Specialize in logistically challenging dives

– Deco Habitats – Deco Rebreathers – Radio Location – Survey – Long Range www.karstunderwater.com

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What is Karst?

Karst topography is a landscape formed

from the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone.

Mildly acidic water starts to break down

the surface of bedrock in joints.

Cavities become larger and a drainage

system may form.

It is observed that tannic water caves are

larger and there are large rooms near the coastline due to mixing waters.

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Weeki Wachee and Twin Dees

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1924 2014

1947 – Park Opened‐ First Mermaid Show
1959 ‐ ABC Purchased and Built Theater
1966 ‐ City of WeekiWachee incorporated
1982 – Buccaneer Bay Opens
2001 ‐ SWFWMD purchases land around springs
2007 – KUR Exploration Begins
2008 ‐WeekiWachee Becomes State Park

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Weeki Wachee

Extreme Flow
2007 Team
2011 Team

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Twin Dees (Little Spring)

Originally dove

in the 1970 and explored in the 1980’s.

KUR Divers

found a way on in 1996

KUR Divers

continue on CCR 2011‐ Present

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Exploration Continues

2016‐2019 Twin Dees Exploration Continues 2014 Weeki and Twin Dees Connected 2013 Twin Dees F‐Well Located 2012 Drought Allows Weeki Access 2011 Exploration

f Twin Dees

AlphTunnel 2009 Video Dive 2007 Headspring Exploration by KUR 3,600’ 2000 One Dive Conducted at Headspring 1996 Discovery

f Middle

Earth 350’x200’ 1990’s KUR Established to Map Weeki Wachee 1980’s Sheck Exley Entered Weeki Wachee Headspring 1970’s Twin Dees Initial Dives 1200’ explored

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It’s All Connected! ‐ 2014

Total length 2014: 17,825 feet Max depth: 407 ffw

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The Beleriand Passage – Twin Dees

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Sirion – Passage

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Mount Doom – Weeki Wachee

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Logistics: Small Opening to Big Cave

Absolutely a Team Effort
As dives grew, more

support was needed

All equipment must be

shuttled down a manhole size solution tube to 40’

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Seasonal Diving

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Seasonal rainfall

~55” Annually

High infiltration

soils

Does not flow year

round

Rainfall largest

contributing factor

Indicator of aquifer

health

Entrance Minimum Discharge Rate (cfs) Maximum Discharge Rate (cfs) Weeki Wachee Headspring None 100 Twin Dees (Little Spring) 125 175

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Caves and Wells

2013‐ Located F –Well
Surface activities directly effect

groundwater

High infiltration rates
Shallow karst and fractures (ponds)
Pollutants could move quickly
Rain or lack of plays a major role
Public supply, irrigation, and other

water use directly effect groundwater

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Map

Weeki Wachee / Twin Dees Cave System

Total Passage – 31,000 linear ft. Maximum Depth – 407 ft.

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