Ecosystem management.

Biogenic “oozes” are pelagic sediments that are composed of > 30% carbonate
microfossils and are estimated to cover about 50% of the ocean floor, which accounts for
about 67% of calcium carbonate in oceanic surface sediments worldwide. These deposits
exhibit diverse assemblages of planktonic microfossils and contribute significantly to the
overall sediment supply and function of Florida’s deep-water regions. However, the
composition and distribution of biogenic sediment deposits along these regions remains
poorly documented. Seafloor surface sediments have been collected in situ via Johnson-
Sea-Link I submersible along four of Florida’s deep-water regions during a joint research
cruise between Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) and Florida Atlantic
University (FAU). Sedimentological analyses of the taxonomy, species diversity, and
sedimentation dynamics reveal a complex interconnected development system of
Florida’s deep-water habitats.
Results disclose characteristic microfossil assemblages of planktonic foraminiferal
ooze off the South West Florida Shelf, a foraminiferal-pteropod ooze through the Straits of Florida, and pteropod ooze deposits off Florida’s east coast. The distribution of the
biogenic ooze deposits is attributed to factors such as oceanographic surface production,
surface and bottom currents, off-bank transport, and deep-water sediment drifts. The
application of micropaleontology, sedimentology, and oceanography facilitate in
characterizing the sediment supply to Florida’s deep-water regions.

A confounding factor for sea level rise (SLR) is that it has a slow, steady creep,
which provides a false sense for coastal communities. Stresses caused by SLR at today’s
rate are more pronounced in southeastern Florida and as the rate of SLR accelerates, the
exposure areas will increase to a point where nearly all the state’s coastal infrastructure
will be challenged.
The research was conducted to develop a method for measuring the impact of
SLR on the City of West Palm Beach (City), assess its impact on the stormwater system,
identify vulnerable areas in the City, provide an estimate of long-term costs of
improvements, and provide a toolbox or strategies to employ at the appropriate time. The
assessment was conducted by importing tidal, groundwater, topographic LiDAR and
infrastructure improvements into geographic modeling software and performing analysis
based on current data. The data revealed that over $400 million in current dollars might
be needed to address stormwater issues arising from SLR before 2100.