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| Figure 1. Satellite image of Tampa Bay indicating demonstration study sites near the Alafia River and Terra Ceia area. Colors are near natural; healthy plants are green, agricultural fields are pink or beige. |
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Introduction
To analyze the effects of historical alteration to the environment in Tampa Bay, it is important that we understand the prehistorical conditions and natural variations in the environment of the bay. A record of these variations can be found in the sediments that have accumulated in and around the entire bay.
One objective of the project demonstration phase was to document the natural variations in Tampa Bay prehistoric environment. This task includes describing wetlands change (evolution) and identifying the anthropogenic effects against natural background conditions.
The prehistory record provides a baseline to compare and evaluate the magnitude and effects of sea-level and climate, biological, geochemical, and anthropogenic change. These data are also valuable in planning and executing restoration projects, as they provide a window into the past conditions that restoration projects seek to achieve. In a similar context, the data provide a basis for determining success criteria in restoration and in efforts to improve the bay health.
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