Landforms and Water

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Rock Type: Limestone

Austin's limestone was created over millions of years during the Cretaceous Period when the region existed below shallow seas. Layers of marl and solid limestone at Bull Creek have created the natural steps that are seen on the pathways. Marl is a softer limestone that contains clay and erodes easily. The rock that hikers take in the Bull Creek Nature Preserve was formed during the Cretaceous Period. (1)

https://earthhow.com/north-american-plate/

Internal Processes

Austin is located on the North American plate. The European and African-South American plates started to split off from North America about 240 million years ago causing major geologic events in Texas. Several faulted basins and rifts were formed as a result. These rifted basins were filled with sediments deposited by nearby uplifts. Later, when Europe and the southern continents continued to drift away from North America, the Texas basins were buried by thick marine salt deposits inside the newly formed East Texas and Gulf Coast basins. (2)

https://www.austintexas.gov/blog/bull-creek-district-park-environmental-features-hike

Weathering and Erosion

Chemical weathering is a common occurrence in Austin due to limestone. Features like sinkholes, caves, and karst topography are created when limestone's calcium carbonate combines with rainwater, which has a slight acidity. (4) The Colorado River and other local waterways have a major impact on the way landforms are shaped by erosion. Floodplains, terraces, and river valleys are all products of river movements. (5)

https://www.reportingtexas.com/from-lake-to-tap-how-austins-water-becomes-safe-to-drink/

Liquid Water

Austin uses three water treatment facilities to filter water from the Colorado River to maintain drinking water standards. These treatment facilities are Berl L. Handcox Sr. Water Treatment Plant, Albert R. Davis Water Treatment Plant, and Albert H. Ullrich Water Treatment Plant. Water from the river is transported into these plants, where it undergoes many treatment processes to guarantee the public has access to clean, safe water. (3)

Work Cited