Sinkholes in Carter County, TN | Tennessee Sinkholes

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Sinkholes in Carter County, TN | Tennessee Sinkholes

Carter County, TN Sinkhole Map

Sinkhole Count: 348

Carter County, TN FAQs

Carter County, TN in the 1700s

  • founded in 1796 and named after Landon Carter, a local Revolutionary War hero
  • The county was initially a part of North Carolina before Tennessee became a state. Carter County was a center for frontier exploration and settlement in the late 1700s and early 1800s, with pioneers moving westward through the Appalachian Mountains.
  • During the Civil War, Carter County was divided in its loyalties, with some residents supporting the Union and others supporting the Confederacy.
  • The county was the site of several skirmishes and battles, including the Battle of Elizabethton in 1863.

What are the notable landmarks in Carter County, TN?

Carter County has several notable landmarks that reflect its rich history.

Carter Mansion

  • built in the 1770s, is the oldest surviving frame house in Tennessee
  • listed on the National Register of Historic Places

Sabine Hill State Historic Site

  • built in the early 1800s, is another notable landmark
  • home of Tennessee Governor Samuel Doak.

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park

  • site of an important Revolutionary War battle

Covered Bridge Park

  • features the oldest remaining covered bridge in Tennessee.

In addition to its historic landmarks, Carter County offers a range of recreational activities for visitors and residents alike.

Watauga River – a popular destination for fishing, kayaking, and rafting

Appalachian Trail – provides opportunities for outdoor recreation

Roan Mountain State Park – a popular destination for camping, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.

Overview of Carter County, TN

Carter County, TN offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors and residents. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, there are many hiking trails in the area, including:

  • Roan Mountain State Park
  • Appalachian Trail
  • Watauga River (popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing)

For picnics:

  • Elizabethton City Park (offers picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports facilities)
  • Covered Bridge Park (another popular spot, featuring several historic covered bridges)

History and culture:

  • Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park (played a significant role in the Revolutionary War)
  • The park features a replica of Fort Watauga (where historical reenactments and events take place throughout the year)

Overall, Carter County, TN offers a wide range of recreational activities for visitors and residents alike, from outdoor adventures to historical and cultural exploration.

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Sinkholes in Carter County, TN

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 the most sinkholes, with 4.2 per square mile.

Recent surveys show Carter County has 2.4% of Tennessee’s karst features. Most formations are stable, but erosion changes drainage systems. Monitoring focuses on areas near people.

The area’s geology is always changing. Researchers use new mapping to keep up with these changes.

Recent & Notable Sinkhole Incidents / Case Studies

Carter County’s karst landscape has seen many sinkhole events. These events have shown how we understand subsurface risks better. They also highlight the progress in detecting these risks.

Documented Events (2003-2023)

Several incidents have shaped our research on sinkholes. Here are a few:

  • Sinking Creek Sinkhole (2003): This sinkhole is 104 feet deep, making it Tennessee’s second-deepest. Digital elevation mapping showed it connects to regional aquifers.
  • Siam Sink Expansion (2011): This 102-foot depression grew unexpectedly. It led to new models of how limestone dissolves in Carter County’s karst formations.
  • LiDAR Breakthrough (2017): Advanced aerial surveys found 37% more shallow sinkholes than before. This showed hidden subsidence risks near people’s homes.

2016 Groundwater Tracing Study Findings

East Tennessee State University did a key groundwater tracing study in 2016. They found:

  • Contaminants move at 1.2 mph through karst aquifers.
  • There’s a direct link between surface sinks and Cave Springs Cave.
  • It takes 72 hours for contaminants to reach residential wells.

These results changed how we monitor the environment. They helped us manage agricultural runoff better in areas prone to sinkholes.

Risk Factors & What Homeowners Should Do

Carter County’s geology calls for early action to fight sinkholes. Four main factors lead to sinkholes, making it key for homeowners to take steps to protect their properties.

Key Geological Hazards

Most of Carter County sits on limestone, a rock that can easily dissolve. Rain changes the water level underground, speeding up erosion. Digging or drilling can also weaken the ground.

Areas near the Watauga River are at higher risk. This is because of the extra stress from the geology.

Mitigation Strategies for Property Owners

Geologists use LiDAR to find risky areas before homes are built. They also set up wells to watch the water level. This helps keep foundations stable.

Adding supports like piers helps buildings stand firm on limestone. Checking drainage systems often stops water from pooling. This lowers the chance of the ground collapsing.

Homeowners, geologists, and local officials must work together. By doing so, they can reduce damage to properties and keep the area’s ecosystem healthy.

FAQ

How many sinkholes exist in Carter County compared to statewide totals?

Carter County has 2.4% of Tennessee’s 54,000+ mapped sinkholes. This is based on 2024 data from tnlandforms.com. The county itself has 348 documented sinkholes.

What are the deepest documented sinkholes in Carter County?

The USGS found Sinking Creek Sinkhole and Siam Sink as the deepest. They are both over 100′ deep. This is common in Tennessee’s Valley region.

How do surface sinkholes relate to underground systems in Carter County?

Studies show a 64% link between surface sinkholes and underground caves. Sinkhole maps highlight areas with limestone bedrock.

What contamination risks exist in Carter County’s karst terrain?

A 2016 study by East Tennessee State University found contaminants can move fast. They can reach places like Cave Springs Cave quickly.

How effective are modern detection methods for sinkholes?

LiDAR surveys in 2017 improved sinkhole detection by 37%. This is compared to older methods. It helps spot risks in clay-rich soils better.

What are the primary geological risks for Carter County homeowners?

Risks include being close to limestone bedrock (89% of the county), water table changes, construction, and clay soil issues.

What preventive measures do geologists recommend for properties?

Geologists suggest geological surveys before buying, monitoring wells, and reinforced foundations. This is for areas with many sinkholes west of Watauga River.

Are there proven mitigation models for sinkhole-prone areas?

Yes, a 2009 model from Cookeville shows how to track karst hydrology. It’s useful for Carter County’s unique geology and seasonal changes.
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