Oh yes, I love to geek out on some science. I will blame Bill Nye the Science Guy for making it look so fun. And obviously with a Bachelors in Science of Nursing, I spent a lot of time in the lab while attending the University of Cincinnati. So now let’s talk about the science going on right here in Eanes.
If you drive on Pinnacle Road you will have the same question I did – why is there a sink hole? It’s right before the 3 way stop and no matter what the city does, it comes back!! I won’t even walk my dogs over it … Some residents suspect it’s cave. Some blame the clay. I kind of enjoy the natural speed bump it becomes to keep traffic going slow (as we have a ton of students walking to and from school on that road). Why does Pinnacle Road sink?
I had the pleasure of attending the monthly gathering of the Eanes History Group, which occurs on the second Monday of each month at Westbank Library. Local history buffs meet to share, learn and celebrate the heritage of the Eanes area! Eanes has a strong tradition of lifelong learning. You should consider attending.
On Monday, we were treated to a discussion of the natural history and geology of the Eanes Area by hydrogeologist, Dr. Patricia Brobeck. From her bio on the website at Westbank Library, Dr. Brobeck began studying geology after meeting a UT botany professor who encouraged her to study science. She completed a Ph.D. in hydrogeology at UT and worked for the State of Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission and the Department of State Health Services, remediating industrial and hazardous waste sites and cleaning up uranium mines. Monday was just another lunch opportunity to hear from one of the many very accomplished Westlake residents!
Turns out, as Dr. Brobeck explained, the small cracks in the road are allowing rain water to seep into the deeper layers below. Limestone is chemically weathered by a process of carbonation. Rainwater absorbs carbon dioxide as it passes through the atmosphere. The water and carbon dioxide combine to form carbonic acid. This carbonic acid acts on the fissures in the limestone, breaking it down and thus creating a network of cavities and voids. This eventually cannot support the weight of the road and we get a divot. I can’t believe rainwater is breaking down 500 million year old limestone!
Walking the dogs this week, I felt brave enough to walk over the sink hole area. I looked into the cracks on the surface, wondering just how deep they ran. I didn’t feel afraid, I felt curious. I am known to talk with Mother Nature and ask for her to care for our ecosystem. Well, thank you Mother Nature for providing safety to our children with this natural speed bump! This nurse is trained to focus on safety.
I love learning everything I can about Eanes! Many years ago, I chaperoned the 2nd Grade field trip with both my students to the Eanes History Center adjacent to the Eanes Elementary campus. The Eanes School District houses historical artifacts and longtime Board of Trustee Ellen Balthazar gives you the tour and full history - over 150 years of public education! I have also had the pleasure of hearing her presentation twice to the Westlake Chamber of Commerce Leadership program, once as a participant and now as the incoming Chair.
This community is full of ways to immerse yourself in local history, meet an accomplished neighbor and geek out like me by taking advantage of these local programs and discussions. Maya Angelou noted, “If you don't know where you've come from, you don't know where you're going.” I feel that my 15 year journey in Westlake is a story unfolding every day. There is a lot going on here in Eanes!
Looks like Mother Nature is sending us another lovely day so I’ll be leashing up the dogs and heading up Pinnacle Road to check out some more geology! Maybe I’ll see you there.
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