Out in the Atlantic Ocean, 22 miles southeast of St. Augustine, Florida, the water boils. But it is a boiling created by pressure rather than heat. This weird thing boaters see 2.5 miles off Crescent Beach, Florida on a calm day is a fascinating quirk of nature where a freshwater submarine spring wells up through the salt water.
Found in various parts of the world, this boiling effect has intrigued scientists and visitors to Florida alike since the latter part of the 19th century. Looking more like an oil slick than anything, this large patch of calm surface area in the rippling ocean is the result of a strong column of fresh water gushing out of a hole 59 feet down.
Crescent Beach, Florida
For many years, people have speculated as to whether or not such coastal subterranean springs might be able to proide fresh water to nearby land areas. The conclussion has always been that the high cost of such ventures simply woudn’t allow them to happen. But as populations continue to increase and outstrip freshwater resources, such as in Florida, such an option may eventually become more viable.
A fun freak of nature for boaters to ride through, when it is visible, this weird thing in Florida’s waters is also a magnet to divers. For them, it’s a special thrill to explore an area where fresh and salt water collide in such a dynamic manner.
According to old tourist books from the late 1800’s, it appears that the freshwater flow isn’t quite as forceful as it used to be. Even so, 11,000 gallons rush upward through the sea every second. And although the ocean bottom there is at a depth of 59 feet, the actual spring vent itself is is 124 feet below the surface with a bottom trough diameter of 82 feet.
A Crescent Beach area resort
And so, if you’re visiting old St. Augustine one of these days, hop on down highway A1A south to Crescent Beach, rent a boat or hire a guide, and see for yourself, that weird thing in the ocean.
For further information
Crescent Beach Submarine Spring
Fresh water in the Atlantic Ocean?
Re-examining the Submarine Spring off Crescent Beach, Florida
Other weird things relating to St. Augustine, Florida
A Pirate’s Near-Death Experience: St. Augustine, FL
Haunted Lighthouse, St. Augustine, FL
Add Your Comment