Eastern Tennessee’s unique geology makes it prone to ground instability. The area sits on karst terrain, shaped by water dissolving limestone over time. This creates underground cavities that can collapse under stress. Studies show mining operations increase subsidence risks. In 2023, a major ground collapse was linked to limestone excavation by Bruening Rock Products in […]
The unique geology of central Tennessee makes it prone to ground collapse. Karst terrain is common here, with bedrock that dissolves over time. State surveys show this area formed about 450 million years ago. Recent studies found 29 big depressions in the area. These match clay deposits shown in USDA soil surveys. But unstable limestone […]
Eastern Tennessee’s landscape has a hidden story beneath its surface. It sits on a karst formation, a terrain shaped by dissolving bedrock. Limestone layers meet acidic groundwater, creating underground voids that collapse into depressions over time. Recent USGS analysis found 664 significant land depressions in this area. High-resolution LiDAR surveys from 2023 confirmed 1,618 distinct […]
Karst landscapes are common in Hamilton County, making ground collapses more likely. The area’s limestone bedrock dissolves, creating underground spaces that can collapse suddenly. A recent sinkhole on Old Hixson Pike showed the ongoing dangers, causing damage to the road. The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is working to replace culverts in risky areas. They […]
Central Tennessee’s unique geology shapes its most striking natural features. A karst landscape covers nearly 25% of the state. It’s known for soluble bedrock that creates underground drainage systems. This explains why some areas have frequent ground collapses. Recent surveys found 27 verified depressions in one Middle Tennessee area. Limestone dissolution is the main cause. […]
Tennessee’s landscape hides complex processes beneath its surface. The area’s karst topography is shaped by soluble rocks like limestone. This creates perfect conditions for ground instability. Water dissolves these rocks, forming cavities that can collapse suddenly. Maps show only one officially recorded collapse in recent decades. Yet, many small soil shifts and depressions go unnoticed. […]
Jackson County’s ground is prone to sinkholes because of its soluble bedrock. Limestone, shaped by water over time, is common here. This leads to underground voids that can weaken the surface. Seasonal rains make these risks worse. They flow through the bedrock, dissolving it and stressing buildings. Records show many failures in drainage systems, like […]
Tennessee’s karst landscape is full of unique formations because of its limestone-rich areas. Humphreys County is part of this area, where Mississippian and Ordovician bedrock covers almost 90% of the state. This ancient limestone foundation leads to sinkholes forming naturally. Recent surveys found 40 verified sinkholes in Humphreys County. A 2013 study found 12 deep […]
Tennessee’s karst terrain poses unique geological risks, like in Grundy County. This area is in a fragile limestone corridor. Water erosion and bedrock composition lead to frequent sinkholes. A 2013 digital elevation study found 36 major depressions in the county. Three of these were over 100 feet deep. They were linked to underground voids formed […]