Abstract

Concept papers in the early 1990’s suggested that a pedological paradigm would be an appropriate approach for studying shallow, subaqueous soil environments. In the late 1990’s, research conducted by the University of Maryland showed that a pedological paradigm could be successfully applied to subaqueous habitats in Delaware. It was assumed that the concept of soils was valid in other subaqueous habitats and as a result, the USDA/NRCS changed its definition of soil to include subaqueous areas. This research follows suit by attempting to apply a pedological paradigm to subtropical, subaqueous areas of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Results indicate that some subaqueous soil properties (e.g. particle size and organic matter) are related to seagrasses (vegetation) and bathymetry (relief). Terrestrial soils erosion from barrier islands contributes to the subaqueous soil formation and the degree of deposition varies with position relative to the islands. Drowned Spodosols beneath contemporary subaqueous soils have been identified. Anthropogenic effects such as dredging are also apparent in the soil morphology. Soil morphology is predictable across the landscape when all these factors are considered. Soil forming processes that lead to soil/vegetation/landscape relationships exist in a subtropical, subaqueous environment.