GROUNDWATER-LAND USE INTERACTIONS IN A COASTAL ENVIORNMENT: A CASE STUDY FROM KEY LARGO, FLORIDA

In coastal areas, submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) plays a crucial role in coastal environments. This research focuses on Sunset Cove in Florida Bay, aiming to map groundwater fluxes to explore relationships between groundwater discharge patterns and local land use practices. Using radon-222 as a tracer, we seek to create a detailed groundwater flux map to understand better how groundwater flows into Sunset Cove and how land use activities may impact these patterns. By analyzing radon activities in groundwater samples, we aim to identify discharge points that reveal potential connections between land use practices and SGD. Coastal areas like Sunset Cove are susceptible to the effects of land use, and SGD can be influenced by human activities, affecting both water quality and coastal land management practices. Understanding the dynamics of SGD and its relationship with land use is essential for developing strategies to manage and mitigate its impact on coastal environments. Using radon-222 as a tracer provides a precise, data-driven approach to examining these interactions, supporting more effective land use and groundwater management decisions. This research aims to close knowledge gaps in how land use influences SGD in Sunset Cove, ultimately enhancing management and conservation efforts in vulnerable coastal ecosystems.