In Florida, the wet season (or rainy season) usually begins
in May and ends the end of November. In this time, the stare receives most of
its rainfall during that year (approximately 60in) with multiple storms
happening during the summer. Along with the dry season, the wet season is very
crucial to the ecosystems that rely on the timely rainfall and specific water
levels required for these areas to thrive.
For example, freshwater fish in the mangroves become more
prevalent during the wet season and certain algae species depend heavily the
seasonal salinity. In the Everglades, the wet season gives rise to the annual
flooding that occurs, which is crucial to certain bird species that live there.
In addition, the wet season helps decrease the acidity in the water to maintain
its nearly pure freshwater. If the rain (especially in the wet season) is well
distributed through the grasslands, it can lead to tropical forests forming.
Yesterday, a rainstorm came through, trenched our clothes, cut our beach cleanup short, and spoiled a couple of plans (aside from some tarpon feeding). Now while this was very unexpected and left a couple of us
feeling temporarily miserable, it could’ve actually been worse.
If the rain came of the day Group 2 arrived in Florida, luggage
would’ve been unpacked from the van between hale-like raindrops. The Everglades
would have been more difficult to spot any wildlife with the storm let alone if
they were to take cover.
Say the storm was to come during our trip through the
Florida Keys. Shopping and site seeing wouldn’t have been that much fun either
as one would have to walk through through rain with
strong winds as well. The time at the beach after shopping is now driving back
to the hotel in this alternate reality.
Shark tagging would’ve been canceled if the storm arrived
right before boarding. Any later during the middle or near end, shark tagging would
either continue without any swim breaks in between, have it weighted out while
on the water, or they just cancel and bring everybody back while they get to
continue tagging. The same thing would most likely happen with the snorkeling and scuba
trips for both day and night.
So while the prospect of getting drenched isn’t pleasant,
it’s still very crucial to the thriving ecosystems in Florida’s tropical
climate.
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