Bimini Day 2: Groundwater and Sunburns

Today, after a strong week and a half preparing for our Bahamian excursion, we put our skills to the test in the clear sandy shores. Cody, Mike, and I are working together with Ruth and Dr. Bokuniewicz to test submarine groundwater discharge. “SGD” is the fresh groundwater and recirculated seawater that leaks out through the sand-water interface. SGD is driven by the hydraulic gradient due by an elevated fresh water lens created by rain that soaks into the land.
SGD is possibly important to island ecosystems as it can result in excess nutrients in the ocean, leading to algal blooms and subsequently fish kills from lack of oxygen. We are studying the volume of SGD and ratio of fresh/seawater, hoping to discover where this water is coming from.



We’re starting with taking measurements just outside the resort (we’re in a really nice location). So, to most, it just looks like a full day at the beach, which…it is. We were collecting samples every hour, but even that just means snorkeling down and around a ways in the clear blue water. Spending a whole tide cycle has its advantages. We saw a variety of fish swim by including some giant southern stingrays, observed some snails, and “got our tan on”.



While I’m really not one to go to the beach just to tan, it would have its advantages…it builds up a nice resistance for what I got today. SPF 50 sunscreen and a long-sleeve rash guard wasn’t enough to stop the sun from turning me into a red raspberry.
But it’s all worth it, a little aloe and we’re all back in the field tomorrow. Bottom’s up!