Examine the Bahamas (at Lat \(23^{\circ} 58^{\prime} 40.98^{\prime \prime} \mathrm{N}\) Long \(\left.77^{\circ} 30^{\prime} 20.37^{\prime \prime} \mathrm{W}\right)\) with Google Earth \(^{T M} .\) Note that broad expanses of very shallow water surround the islands, that white-sand beaches occur along the coast of the islands, and that small reefs occur offshore. What does the sand consist of, and what rock will it become if it eventually becomes buried and lithified? Compare the area of shallow water in the Bahamas area with the area of Florida. The bedrock of Florida consists mostly of shallow-marine limestone. What does this observation suggest about the nature of the Florida peninsula in the past? Keep in mind that sea level on Earth changes over time and that most of the land surface of Florida lies at less than \(50 \mathrm{~m}\) above sea level.

Step by step solution

01

Investigate the Bahamas in Google Earth

Using Google Earth, examine the Bahamas at the given coordinates (Lat $23^{\circ} 58^{\prime} 40.98^{\prime \prime} \mathrm{N}\( Long \)\left.77^{\circ} 30^{\prime} 20.37^{\prime \prime} \mathrm{W}\right)$. Pay attention to the extensive shallow water areas, white-sand beaches, and the presence of small reefs offshore.

02

Identify the composition of the sand

The white-sand beaches in the Bahamas consist predominantly of calcium carbonate (\(CaCO_3\)) that was produced by marine organisms, such as coral reefs, shells of mollusks, and other microscopic sea creatures. The shallow waters and offshore reefs are also rich in calcium carbonate-producing organisms, further contributing to the sand composition.

03

Determine the future rock type

If the calcium carbonate sand becomes buried and lithified, it will eventually turn into limestone, a sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate. Limestone forms in shallow, warm marine environments and accumulates over time, along with other marine organisms and sediments.

04

Compare shallow water areas

Observe the differences between the shallow water areas in the Bahamas and the area of Florida. The Bahamas have a considerably larger region of shallow water compared to the Florida peninsula. This is due to the Bahamas' unique geological features, such as coral reefs and carbonate sand banks, which are different from the Florida coastline.

05

Analyze Florida's past nature

The fact that Florida's bedrock consists mostly of shallow-marine limestone suggests that the Florida peninsula was once a shallow, warm marine environment, similar to the current geological setting of the Bahamas. Given that sea levels on Earth change over time and most of the Florida land surface is less than \(50 \mathrm{~m}\) above sea level, this reinforces the idea that Florida was previously a part of a submerged marine environment. As sea levels changed over time, the Florida peninsula became exposed, allowing for the deposition and accumulation of limestone bedrock.

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