PRECHT, W. F., Reef Resources & Associates, Miami, FL, R. B. ARONSON, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, P. J. EDMUNDS, California State University, Northridge, CA, and D. R. LEVITAN, University of California, Davis, CA

ABSTRACT: Hurricane Andrew's Effect on the Florida Reef Tract

On August 24, 1992, Hurricane Andrew, a small and powerful category IV hurricane passed over southern Florida leaving behind an unmatched path of destruction and devastation, with the storm's eye moved rapidly (16 MPH) over the northern portion of the Florida reef tract. Sustained winds measured within the eyewall of the hurricane were measured in excess of 145 MPH. The damage to the reefs, however, was not commensurate with the extensive damage observed on land. The reefs that were most affected are located in Biscayne National Park, between the Carysfort Light to the south and the Fowey Rocks Light to the north. In fact, the major portion of the reef tract from the Key Largo Marine Sanctuary, south to the Dry Tortugas, sustained little or no damage.

Investigations of reefs within the Key Largo National Marine Sanctuary have revealed the following: (1) most physical damage to the reefs occurred in waters of less than 10 m depth; (2) branching coral, especially the acroporids sustained the most damage; (3) many head corals were displaced and overturned; and (4) large amounts of sediment were shifted both onto and off reef buttresses.

In conclusion, major reef damage was localized within a relatively narrow band, less than 30 mi in width. The actual damage sustained was minimal due to the path of Hurricane Andrew being located on the northern fringe of the reef tract, which put most of the major reefs on the favorable, south side of the storm.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90995©1993 AAPG Eastern Section Meeting, Williamsburg, Virginia, September 19-21, 1993.