Its flat surface and seasonal rains …
makes the swamp susceptible to both flood and drought.
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| This map shows a flooding and fire frequency in Big Cypress National Preserve. The image of fire was adapted from a recent USGS Report on the History of Fire in Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve by Smith et al, 2015 (view report). |
Early fall is peak flooding season.
April and May are when deep drought strikes most.
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| This calendar chart shows a history of drought in Big Cypress National Preserve. Major wildfires are annotated to the chart. Can you see how wildfires coincide with peak drought season? April and May may turn orange and red if timely spring rains do not arrive. |
We are not in deep drought yet but getting there.
