Soils form in surficial geologic deposits.
In turn, soil properties influence the type and distribution of vegetation at a site. Numerous soil series and land types are represented. Soils that formed in deposits over limestone, coquina, or other alkaline material differ greatly in properties from those formed in sand. Not all of the Cape Canaveral-Merritt Island complex is of the same age. Soils on Cape Canaveral, False Cape, and the barrier island section on the east side of Mosquito Lagoon are younger than those of Merritt Island, and therefore have had less time to weather.