2010-252A (17) - Laserfiche WebLink

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NATURAL RESOURCES In Indian River County and elsewhere, natural features and resources affect the land use pattern. Singly, or in combination, they may prohibit, limit or support various types of land uses. For example, agriculture, which is a major component of the local economy, is highly dependent on soil resources and climate. Tourism, on the other hand, is dependent on natural amenities such as beaches, waters and climate to provide the many recreational opportunities that attract residents and visitors to the county. The county's natural features and resources are described in detail in the Conservation, Coastal Mana eg ment, and Recreation and Open Space Elements. This section is intended to provide a summary and generalization of the natural features. Climate The climate of Indian River County is characterized by long, warm, humid summers and mild winters. Overall, the moderating influence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream on the maximum temperatures in summer and minimum temperatures in winter is strong along the coast, but diminishes inland. Because of this moderation, the climate is considered to be humid and subtropical. While the average county year-round temperature is 73.4 degrees F, the daily temperature ranges from 53 degrees to 73 degrees F in January and from 73 degrees to 90 degrees F in August. On average, yearly rainfall ranges from 50 to 55 inches. Generally, September has the most rainfall, with July, August, June, and October following next in order. The period of lowest rainfall usually occurs from November to April. Topo2raphY The general land form of Indian River County is coastal low land. This coastal low land form includes several ancient marine terraces which were once part of the ocean floor when the Atlantic Ocean stood much higher. Those terraces are the Palmico and Talbot terraces. The Palmico Terrace covers the area from the coast to the western edge of the St. Johns Marsh, a distance of approximately 24 miles. This terrace is marked by three distinct ridges: an offshore bar, the Atlantic Coastal Ridge and the Ten -Mile Ridge. Most of this area is less than 25 feet above sea level. Located on the mainland, the Atlantic Coastal Ridge is a remnant of an offshore bar which was formed in the Palmico Sea. Reaching elevations of 50 feet, this ridge is parallel to and west of US 1 and is commonly referred to as the Sand Ridge. West of the coastal ridge is a flat, trough - shaped area that is analogous to the present Indian River Lagoon. Adjacent to this is the Ten - Mile Ridge which is a less pronounced sand ridge located approximately 7 miles west of the coastal ridge. West of the Ten -Mile Ridge is the St. Johns Marsh, which has an elevation of approximately 25 feet. The Talbot Terrace adjoins the western edge of the St. Johns Marsh. That Future Land Use Element 45