Tennessee’s karst terrain poses unique geological risks, seen in Hardin County. Over 20 years, this area has seen 54 verified sinkholes. These sinkholes are found in the state’s active karst corridor, where soluble bedrock causes underground erosion. Statewide, sinkholes average 1,284 per quadrangle in high-risk zones. But, local patterns vary. Sinkhole maps show high concentrations […]
East Tennessee’s karst terrain is perfect for sinkholes. It has soluble limestone bedrock that dissolves, creating underground systems. This area is part of the Appalachian karst belt, from Alabama to Virginia. A 1973 USGS geological survey by Larry Harris mapped these rocks. His work showed a lot of limestone under Knox and Anderson counties. Today, […]
Eastern Tennessee is known for its dynamic landscapes. The Hawkins County sinkhole cluster is a prime example. It has 1,919 documented depressions, with over 40% being more than 3 meters deep, as of 2023. Limestone bedrock dissolves over time due to groundwater. This creates underground voids that collapse, forming visible depressions. The karst features database […]
East Tennessee’s unique geology makes it perfect for sinkholes. The Cumberland Plateau’s limestone bedrock, shaped by water over time, creates karst landscapes that can collapse. About 20% of U.S. land is like this, but East Tennessee’s activity is unique. Recent studies found 1,491 documented surface depressions in the area. Of these, 517 are over 10 […]
Eastern Tennessee’s karst terrain is perfect for sinkholes. The porous limestone bedrock has been dissolving for millennia. A 2013 digital elevation model (DEM) found 1,418 confirmed depressions in one area alone. This shows patterns that traditional maps can’t see. This region has nearly 25% of Tennessee’s documented sinkholes. Anderson County has 625 visible collapses nearby. […]
Tennessee’s karst geology creates some of the most unique landscapes in the southeastern United States. Giles County is a key area for studying sinkholes. It has 195 verified sinkholes, part of Tennessee’s over 54,000 documented depressions. USGS uses photogrammetric surveys and digital elevation models (DEM) to measure these formations. Giles County’s sinkholes are quite deep, […]
Eastern Tennessee is known for its unique karst terrain. This area has over 340 depressions, shaped by limestone bedrock. 20% of these are over 100 feet deep, like Siam Sink and Sinking Creek. USGS surveys and 2013 models show a pattern. They found a 64% match between surface and underground caves. The Valley region has […]
Tennessee’s karst landscapes hide a complex underground world. This is shaped by water and limestone. In Campbell County, this shows up in 752 documented sinkholes, like the 120-foot-deep Bailey Sink. These sinkholes form as acidic groundwater dissolves the limestone bedrock. This creates voids that collapse under surface pressure. Recent LiDAR surveys show the exact size […]
Tennessee’s karst landscape is known for its unique geological formations. It has uneven terrain and karst features shaped by erosion. Over 760 depressions have been documented, showing activity in certain areas. The Good Hope sinkhole is the deepest, reaching 118 feet. It’s deeper than most nearby formations. A 2013 study found 393 similar features, each […]