Sky color, suspended solids in the water and the angle of the sun on the water affect the appearance of water color. USGS scientist collecting water samples from the relatively shallow waters of Buttonwood Sound. A USGS scientist exits the boat to locate a groundwater sampling well and collect samples. Shell Key Red mangroves and their root systems at the edge of Shell Key. Red mangroves grow arching and branching prop roots from trunks and drop roots from branches to anchor into the muck bay bottom.
Some scientists believe that the exposed roots allow the trees to take in oxygen.
Little Madeira Bay Looking south from Little Madeira Bay at a line of key islands in Florida Bay. Black Betsy Keys Looking from the Black Betsy Keys shore, onto waters of Florida Bay. On the horizon, key islands separate the green bay waters from the blue cloud-filled skies. A short walk through the shallow mangrove perimeter to the interior of Bob Allen Key affords this view of a mostly clear, shallow ponded area. As we were gassing up the boat for our return trip, an inquisitive great white heron flew near to investigate.