Florida Nature Photos

The Earth is estimated to be more than 4.5 billion years old. The Florida plateau, which is the geological structure upon which Florida is built, was formed about 530 million years ago by a combination of volcanic activity and marine sedimentation. At that time the Florida plateau was part of the super continent, Pangaea. Movement of the continental tectonic plates eventually caused Pangaea to split up into separate land masses. These separate land masses form the familiar shape of the geography of the Earth as we observe it today. However, Florida was submerged as part of the continental shelf for most of it's geological history. The Florida plateau is one of the youngest areas geologically, in the continental United States. Portions of the peninsula have been above and below the sea many times in the last two million years. As glaciers of ice to the north expanded and melted, the Florida peninsula rose and submerged in step. As the waters receded at the end of the last ice age, around 11,700 years ago, something resembling the present geography and climate emerged.

The Florida subtropical climate, with its’ abundant supply of water, is well suited for a vast diversity of life. A variety of habitats, each distinct in their own character, provide for thousands of species of animal and plant life.

Many species of birds, animals and migratory birds live along Florida’s coastal beaches, dunes and barrier islands. Salt marshes, mangrove swamps, freshwater swamps, rivers, lakes, prairies and wooded higher ground are among the varied habitats in the state.

The images on this site, are just a sampling of the life forms that exist within the 58,500 square miles, and a little bit beyond. The ocean is a whole other story, but it plays an essential part in the total picture of Florida’s natural environment.