Central Texas Geology Part 1

On April 20, Dr. Peter Rose began his two part series on Central Texas Geology.  He informed us that the Austin area is unique in that it sits between the coastal plains to the east and the Hill Country, including the Llano Uplift, and the Edwards Plateau to the west.  He showed us a number of maps of the geography and geology of the area.  We learned that the Llano Uplift contains the oldest rocks in Texas and that there is a buried mountain range under the Balcones fault line.  Tom Miller Dam is actually where the Colorado River crosses the Balcones Fault.  Dr. Rose provided us with the information regarding the geological formations that outcrop in the Austin area, including the Glen Rose formation, which is the deepest of these formations.  Next week, Dr. Rose will provide us with a visual tour by photographs of the outcrops of these various formations. Please join us then!