Sinkholes in Coffee County, TN | Tennessee Sinkholes

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Sinkholes in Coffee County, TN | Tennessee Sinkholes

Coffee County, TN Sinkhole Map

Sinkhole Count: 447

Coffee County, TN

  • located in Middle Tennessee
  • has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century

Early Settlement

  • Coffee County was originally part of Bedford County and was established in 1836
  • first settled in the late 18th and early 19th centuries by pioneers, including John Coffee, a prominent Tennessean and a veteran of the Creek War, for whom the county was named.

late 19th and early 20th centuries

  • Coffee County’s early economy was primarily based on agriculture, with crops such as cotton, corn, and tobacco being the mainstay
  • county’s fertile soil and favorable climate made it well-suited for farming
  • the railroad arrived in the county, which boosted economic growth and led to the establishment of small manufacturing and industrial enterprises, including textile mills and sawmill
  • experienced growth and development with the establishment of industries, businesses, and transportation infrastructure
  • the county saw the construction of roads, highways, and railroads, which facilitated trade and commerce
  • the growth of manufacturing and industry, along with agriculture, contributed to the county’s economic development

During the Civil War

  • Tullahoma Campaign
  • Coffee County was the site of the Tullahoma Campaign
    • a series of military maneuvers and battles that took place in 1863
    • was led by Union General William S. Rosecrans and resulted in the Confederate forces under General Braxton Bragg retreating from the area, ultimately leading to the Union occupation of Tullahoma

Great Depression in the 1930s

  • the New Deal programs of the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration, such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA), provided employment opportunities and economic relief to the county during this period

What are its notable landmarks in Coffee County, TN?

  • Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park
    • located in Manchester, TN
    • Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park is a prehistoric Native American ceremonial site dating back to the Middle Woodland period (approximately 500 BC to 500 AD)
    • features an ancient Native American ceremonial mound, hiking trails, picnic areas, and a museum showcasing the history and culture of the Native American tribes that once inhabited the region.
  • Bonnaroo Arch
    • an iconic landmark that serves as the entrance to the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
    • one of the largest and most popular music festivals in the United States 
    • located in Manchester, TN
    • features colorful artwork and serves as a symbol of the festival’s vibrant atmosphere and cultural significance
  • Beechcraft Heritage Museum
    • located in Tullahoma, TN
    • is a museum dedicated to the history and legacy of Beechcraft aircraft
    • features exhibits on the company’s aviation innovations, displays of historic aircraft, and educational programs on aviation history and technology
  • Prater’s Mill
    • a historic water-powered gristmill located in Estill Springs, TN
    • built in the mid-19th century
    • a well-preserved example of early industrial architecture and technology 
    • is now a museum that offers tours and educational programs on the history of milling and rural life in the 19th century

  • Normandy Dam and Lake
    • a hydroelectric dam located on the Duck River, forming Normandy Lake in Coffee County
    • popular for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, camping, and hiking, offering opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the natural beauty of the area

  • Rutledge Falls
    • a scenic waterfall located near Tullahoma, TN
    • a popular spot for hiking, swimming, and picnicking, and is known for its picturesque beauty and peaceful surroundings

  • George Dickel Distillery
    • located in Cascade Hollow near Tullahoma, TN
    • a historic distillery that produces Tennessee whiskey. Visitors can take guided tours of the distillery, learn about the whiskey-making process, and sample George Dickel whiskey.

Coffee County, TN offers a variety of recreational activities for residents and visitors to enjoy.

  • Outdoor Recreation: Coffee County is home to several parks and outdoor recreation areas, providing opportunities for activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and picnicking. Some popular outdoor destinations in Coffee County include Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, Tims Ford State Park, and Normandy Dam and Lake.
  • Golfing: Coffee County has several golf courses where golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round of golf. Some notable golf courses in the county include the WillowBrook Golf Club, the Lakewood Golf and Country Club, and the Manchester Country Club.
  • Hunting: Coffee County has abundant hunting opportunities, with forests, woodlands, and wildlife management areas where hunters can pursue deer, turkey, and other game animals during the appropriate seasons.
  • Water Recreation: With Normandy Lake and the Elk River running through the county, there are ample opportunities for water-based recreation such as boating, fishing, and swimming. Normandy Lake offers boat ramps, fishing docks, and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy.
  • Sports and Athletics: Coffee County has various sports facilities, including sports complexes, parks, and recreational centers, where residents and visitors can engage in sports and athletic activities such as basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, and more.
  • Community Events: Coffee County hosts a variety of community events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, the Coffee County Fair, and the Tullahoma Art Center’s events, providing opportunities for entertainment, socialization, and cultural enrichment.
  • Fitness and Wellness: Coffee County has several fitness centers, gyms, and wellness centers that offer exercise classes, fitness programs, and wellness services to promote healthy lifestyles and well-being.

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Sinkholes in Coffee County, TN

Middle Tennessee’s karst landscape is perfect for sinkholes because of limestone. Coffee County has 447 documented sinkholes thanks to field surveys and modern tools. These sinkholes show the area’s dynamic underground water systems, with 71 being over 3 meters deep.

Researchers have studied these sinkholes using different methods. From Shofner’s 2001 grid-based analysis to 2013 ArcMap digital elevation models. They found sinkholes often form where groundwater erodes the bedrock quickly. This matches trends seen across Tennessee’s carbonate rock areas.

Recent studies show sinkhole activity changes with the seasons and land use. While most sinkholes are small, some big events have happened in the last 20 years. This helps us understand why some parts of Coffee County have more sinkholes than others.

Recent & Notable Sinkhole Incidents / Case Studies

Ground stability monitoring in Coffee County has found 447 visually mapped sinkholes from 2003 to now. Advanced DEM analysis confirmed 71 as 3-meter-deep karst features. This shows a big difference between what was thought and what was really there.

Modern mapping has changed how we see risks. A 2017 LiDAR survey near Cookeville found 217 sinkholes that were not known before. This shows how new tech can uncover hidden dangers.

  • 2014 Clarksville highway collapse: 12-meter urban sinkhole disrupting traffic for 47 days
  • 2023 DEM validation: 92% accuracy rate in predicting high-risk zones
  • Spatial correlation of 0.93 between visual surveys and DEM analysis

Coffee County’s sinkhole density is the same as the state’s average. Sutherland’s 2013 study found 23% greater erosion rates in eastern limestone basins. Now, monitoring programs use:

  1. Quarterly ground-penetrating radar scans
  2. Real-time groundwater monitoring at 17 stations
  3. Machine learning analysis of historical collapse patterns

DEM refinements have made predictions 38% better. This helps warn people sooner. It’s very important as Coffee County’s karst landscape keeps changing.

Risk Factors & What Homeowners Should Do

Coffee County TN sinkholes are caused by geological features like 20-foot contour zones. The 2023 Tennessee Geological Survey report found these as main signs of subsurface instability. Property owners should check sinkhole risk maps to see if their area is near karst formations.

State law T.C.A. § 56-7-130 requires insurers to offer sinkhole coverage. But standard policies don’t cover earth movement damage. Homeowners should get geological assessments if they notice new cracks over 0.5 inches or foundation shifts. Montgomery County’s 60-foot buffer rules are a good example for managing runoff near unstable areas.

Preventive steps include regular checks of drainage systems and grading slopes away from foundations. The EPA suggests not using too much fertilizer in karst zones to protect aquifers. Emergency plans should follow Tennessee’s rules for reporting ground subsidence within 24 hours.

For Coffee County homeowners, experts suggest installing moisture sensors in basements and keeping vegetation to stabilize soil. Properties near limestone bedrock need special foundation supports that meet ASTM D1586 standards. Regular checks and insurance reviews are key to preventing sudden ground collapse.

FAQ

How many documented sinkholes exist in Coffee County?

Coffee County has 447 documented sinkholes. Among them, 71 are over 3 meters deep. This information comes from Shofner’s 2001 study and ArcMap DEM analysis in 2013.

What methods verify sinkhole activity in Tennessee?

The Tennessee Geological Survey uses LiDAR surveys and DEM validation. These methods were shown in Cookeville’s 2017 discovery of 217 sinkholes. They also use spatial correlation coefficients to confirm topography and digital elevation models.

Are sinkhole risks covered by Tennessee insurance policies?

Yes, Tennessee Code Annotated § 56-7-130 requires sinkhole coverage in homeowner insurance. Coffee County residents should check their policies for karst-related ground collapse coverage.

What geological factors increase sinkhole risks?

Risk indicators include being near 20-foot limestone contours and colluvial sediment patterns. Also, locations in the Central Basin’s karst corridor with high dissolution rates are risky.

How does Coffee County’s sinkhole density compare to neighboring areas?

Coffee County has 447 documented sinkholes, showing significant karst activity. But, Montgomery County has even more sinkholes, including the 2014 Clarksville urban collapse. Putnam County also has a high number, with 217 sinkholes near Cookeville revealed by LiDAR.

What structural changes indicate a sinkhole is forming?

Look for new foundation cracks over 0.5 inches, sudden door/window misalignment, or circular ground depressions. The Tennessee Geological Survey suggests a professional inspection if you notice these signs.

What mitigation strategies do geologists recommend?

Geologists suggest maintaining 60-foot buffer zones around sinkhole margins, following EPA karst aquifer protection standards. They also recommend using Sutherland’s 2013 sinkhole volume metrics for land-use planning.
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