Sinkholes in Davidson County, TN | Tennessee Sinkholes

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Sinkholes in Davidson County, TN | Tennessee Sinkholes

Davidson County, TN Sinkhole Map

Sinkhole Count: 607

Davidson County, TN FAQs

Davidson County is a county located in Middle Tennessee, and it is the most populous county in the state of Tennessee. It includes the capital city of Nashville, which is also the largest city in the state. Here’s a brief overview of the history of Davidson County:

History of Davidson County, TN:

  • The area that is now Davidson County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Shawnee.
  • European explorers arrived in the region in the late 17th century, and French traders established trade routes through the area in the early 18th century.
  • In 1779, James Robertson and John Donelson established Fort Nashborough, a settlement along the Cumberland River that would later become Nashville, the capital city of Tennessee.
  • The area was part of North Carolina and then the Southwest Territory before it became part of the state of Tennessee when it was admitted to the Union in 1796.
  • Davidson County was established on October 6, 1783, and named in honor of General William Lee Davidson, a North Carolina officer who was killed in the American Revolutionary War.
  • Nashville, located in Davidson County, became the capital of Tennessee in 1843 and has remained the state capital since then.

Notable Landmarks in Davidson County, TN:

  • The Parthenon
      • located in Centennial Park in Nashville
      • a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, Greece
      • serves as an art museum and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Nashville

  • Ryman Auditorium
      • Known as the “Mother Church of Country Music,” 
      • a historic venue in downtown Nashville that has hosted countless music legends over the years
      • considered one of the most famous live music venues in the United States

  • The Tennessee State Capitol
      • located in downtown Nashville
      • a historic building that houses the state’s legislative chambers and the governor’s office
      • a prominent landmark in the city and an important symbol of the state’s government

  • The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
    • renowned museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of country music
    • features exhibits on country music legends, memorabilia, and interactive displays, making it a must-visit for music enthusiasts

  • The Grand Ole Opry
    • known as the “Home of Country Music,” 
    • a famous country music venue that has hosted countless country music stars since its inception in 1925
    • a Nashville landmark and a must-visit destination for country music fans

Davidson County, TN, offers a wide range of recreational activities for residents and visitors alike. Here are some popular recreational activities available in Davidson County:

  1. Outdoor Parks and Greenways: Davidson County is home to numerous parks, greenways, and natural areas where people can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Popular parks in Davidson County include Percy Warner Park, Edwin Warner Park, Shelby Bottoms Nature Center and Greenway, and Centennial Park.
  2. Boating and Fishing: With the Cumberland River and several lakes, including Percy Priest Lake and Old Hickory Lake, Davidson County offers ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports. Boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular activities on the waterways.
  3. Golfing: Davidson County has several golf courses, both public and private, where golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round of golf. Some popular golf courses in the county include Percy Warner Golf Course, Harpeth Hills Golf Course, and Ted Rhodes Golf Course.
  4. Music and Arts: As the capital of Tennessee and a major music hub, Davidson County offers a vibrant music and arts scene. There are numerous music venues, theaters, art galleries, and cultural events throughout the county, providing opportunities for music and art enthusiasts to enjoy concerts, shows, exhibitions, and performances.
  5. Sports and Recreation Centers: Davidson County has a variety of sports and recreation centers that offer facilities for indoor sports, fitness classes, swimming, and other recreational activities. Some popular centers include the Nashville Sportsplex, Centennial Sportsplex, and McCabe Community Center.
  6. Sports Events: Nashville, located in Davidson County, is home to professional sports teams such as the Nashville Predators (NHL) and Tennessee Titans (NFL), providing opportunities for sports fans to attend games and events.
  7. Events and Festivals: Davidson County hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, including music festivals, food festivals, arts and cultural events, and holiday celebrations. These events provide opportunities for recreation, entertainment, and community engagement.
  8. Biking and Walking Trails: Davidson County has a growing network of biking and walking trails, including the Nashville Greenway System, which offers miles of paved trails for walking, jogging, and biking.

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Sinkholes in Davidson County, TN

Central Tennessee’s landscape has a hidden story beneath its surface. The area sits on limestone bedrock, a rock type that water can easily dissolve. Over time, this leads to the formation of underground cavities that can collapse into sinkholes.

Tennessee’s Central Basin is home to a very active karst corridor. Recent studies show 607 documented sinkholes in Davidson County, with 148 being over three meters deep. These sinkholes form when acidic rainwater dissolves the limestone, creating voids that collapse under weight.

Karst systems cover 25% of exposed land in Tennessee and 20% of the U.S., according to the USGS. This makes sinkhole formation common in areas like Davidson County, where the bedrock is fractured. New tools can now spot even small depressions that were hard to see before.

Knowing about these natural processes helps communities plan better. It also helps them watch out for risk zones. Sinkholes may be a problem, but they show how water, rock, and time interact in our world.

Recent & Notable Sinkhole Incidents / Case Studies

Davidson County’s karst terrain has seen many sinkholes form over the years. Three cases show how different the geology can be. These events show how vulnerable our cities and natural areas are.

2014 Interstate 24 Roadway Collapse

In March 2014, a 25-foot-deep sinkhole closed I-24 near Clarksville (34.28044, -86.19371) for 72 hours. Studies found that dissolved limestone under the highway was caused by stormwater. To fix it, 400 cubic yards of fill were used to stabilize the road.

Austin Peay State University Ground Depression

In November 2014, a 49-foot-wide depression appeared 300 yards from campus. Radar showed a void 18 feet below the surface. The university started monitoring the ground, seeing 0.2 inches of sinking each month in 2015.

Location Date Size Impact
I-24 Clarksville 03/2014 25′ deep Highway closure
Austin Peay Site 11/2014 49′ wide Monitoring system installed
Nashville Metro 2010-2020 Recurring Utility disruptions

Nashville Urban Sinkhole Patterns

Metro Water Services reports 12-15 sinkholes each year in the city. LiDAR studies by Chuck Sutherland found 1.4 inches/year of ground movement in the Cumberland River area. USGS data shows a link between groundwater changes and sinkhole formation.

These incidents in Davidson County show how important water patterns and limestone are. Now, city planners use LiDAR and USGS data to find high-risk areas. They focus on areas near old stormwater systems.

Risk Factors & What Homeowners Should Do

Davidson County TN faces a high risk of sinkholes due to its geology. About 42% of the area is at high risk. The USGS monitors groundwater acidity, which speeds up limestone dissolution in some areas.

Three main signs of sinkhole hazards include deep cavities, wide foundation cracks, and changes in the landscape. Homeowners can check their property’s risk using interactive sinkhole maps on tnlandforms.com.

Five key steps can help prevent sinkholes: do geological surveys before buying, use pH monitors, keep a 15-foot buffer around drains, check for FEMA floodplain overlaps, and get annual inspections. Insurance should cover earth movement, but standard plans often don’t unless there’s a major collapse.

TDEC asks for quick reports of new sinkholes or sudden water pooling. The Cumberland River basin area has seen a lot of activity. USGS data shows dissolution rates are 23% higher than average.

Missouri’s way of managing sinkholes in areas with lots of carbonate is worth noting. Both Missouri and Davidson County focus on early detection and drainage planning. Homeowners in risky areas should talk to geotechnical engineers before making changes or installing pools.

FAQ

Why is Davidson County particularlly susceptible to sinkholes?

Davidson County’s limestone bedrock and karst terrain make it prone to sinkholes. The USGS says 20% of U.S. land is karst, and the county is in Tennessee’s sinkhole-dense Central Basin. Topographic maps show 609 visible sinkholes, and LiDAR analysis found 148 depressions over 3 meters deep.

What notable sinkhole events have occurred in Davidson County?

Notable incidents include the 2014 Interstate 24 collapse and a 15-meter depression near Austin-Peay State University. There have also been recurring subsidence in Nashville. USGS monitoring station 03428183 near Murfreesboro tracks hydrological patterns linked to these events, with LiDAR comparisons showing measurable progression.

How does groundwater activity influence sinkhole formation?

Data from USGS station 03427730 shows elevated acidity in eastern Davidson County’s groundwater, accelerating limestone dissolution. Seasonal water table fluctuations documented by monitoring stations correlate with increased subsidence risks, mainly in recharge zones where surface water permeates carbonate rock.

What preventative measures can property owners take?

Key actions include conducting pre-purchase geological surveys using tnlandforms.com maps, monitoring foundation cracks exceeding 3mm width, and avoiding landscaping in karst recharge zones. Reviewing insurance coverage with FEMA floodplain overlays and promptly reporting signs of subsidence to TDEC’s Division of Water Resources are also important.

Where should residents report suspected sinkhole activity?

Suspected sinkholes must be reported to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Division of Water Resources. Documentation should include GPS coordinates, photographs, and observations of structural changes or water pooling. This helps officials assess risks using LiDAR and hydrological datasets.
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