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Executive Summary
At the edge of Fillman's Bayou, a series of exsurgences, karst windows and swallets exist in close
proximity to each other just west of the westernmost Sun West query. This cluster of karst features is
located west of Old Dixie Highway and just north of the man-made canal that passes underneath Old
Dixie Highway.
These features are actually the various manifestations of one geologic feature: a significant,
discharging underground conduit system. While discharge is inversely related to the tidal stage, all of
the exsurgences discharge brackish water throughout out the tide cycle - even at peak high tides.
This system is characterized by 3 distinct horizontal sections:
- a shallow section, averaging 20 fsw with numerous karst window
- a mid-level section averaging 130 fsw
- a deep section, depths in excess of 280 fsw
Saline water from depths in excess of 280 fsw appears to be the primary source for the discharge in the
system. This water comes from the "final room" (see figure 5). This room also contains a trapped
pocket of cold, fresh water in the ceiling. The deep saltwater appears to be colliding with the
freshwater creating a mixing zone which is at the level where the mid-level section of the system
captures the "mixed" water and conveys the majority of the this water to the exsurgences. Near the
entrance, another deep tunnel was observed that goes deeper than 280 fsw and appears to siphon some
of the water being conveyed from the final room.
Further quantitative analysis of the water chemistry and empirical observation under various tidal
conditions will provide a more complete picture of this hydrologically complex system.
Access for Diving Exploration and Data Collection
Accessibility for cave divers to the underwater cave/conduit system was achieved through boat access
to the "final" westernmost exsurgence point. Based on the discharge rate and turbidity that increased
with lower tides, all dives were executed on or immediately around high tide.
The KUR team compiled information based on visual observations and preliminary survey (using line
laid) data.
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