fya^gM C. BAYLOR SPRING 1965 Bulletin No. 8 PART I: Geology and Urban Development PETER T.FLAW N Geology of Waco J. M. thinking is more important than elaborate FRANK CARNEY, PH.D. PROFESSOR OP GEOLOGY BAYLOR UNIVERSITY 1929-1934 Objectives of Geological Training at Baylor The training of a geologist in a university covers but a few years; his education continues throughout his active life. The purposes of training geologists at Baylor University are to provide a sound basis of understanding and to foster a truly geological point of view, both of which are essential for continued pro­ fessional growth. The staff considers geology to be unique among sciences since it is primarily a field science. All geologic research in­ cluding that done in laboratories must be firmly supported by field observations. The student is encouraged to develop an inquiring objective attitude and to examine critically all geological concepts and principles. The development of a mature and professional attitude toward geology and geological research is a principal concern of the department. THE BAYLOR UNIVERSITY PRESS WACO, TEXAS BAYLOR GEOLOGICAL STUDIES IN COOPERATION WITH COOPER FOUNDATION A SERIES ON URBAN GEOLOGY OF GREATER WACO PUBLICATION SCHEDULE Part I: GEOLOGY Bulletin No. 8, Spring, Geology and Urban by Peter T. Director, Texas Bureau of Economic Geology, Austin, Texas. of Waco by J. M. Burket, Professor of Geology, Tyler Junior College, Tyler, Texas. Part II: SOILS Bulletin No. 9, Fall, 1965 Soils and Urban of by W. R. Elder, Field Specialist-Soils, Soil Conservation Service, Temple, Texas. Part III: WATER Bulletin No. 10, Spring, 1966 Waters of Waco by H. D. Holloway, Geologist, Texas Water Development Board, Austin, Texas. Surface Waters of Waco by Jean M. Spencer, Resident Research Geologist, Department of Geology, Baylor Uni­ versity, Waco, Texas. Part IV: ENGINEERING Bulletin No. 11, Fall, 1966 Foundation Geology in Waco by A. M. Geological Engineer, Chief of Foundations Section, U. S. Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth, Texas. Geologic Factors Affecting Construction in Waco by E. F. Williamson, Geologist, formerly Material Analyst, Texas Highway Department, Waco, Texas. Part V: SOCIO-ECONOMIC GEOLOGY Bulletin No. 12, Spring. 1967 Economic Geology of Waco and Vicinity by W. T. Huang, Professor of Geology, Baylor University, Waco, Texas. Geology and Community Symposium bv authorities on Law, Appraising, Architecture. Public Works and other professions. Symposium R. L. Bronaugh, Professor of Geology, Baylor University, Waco, Texas. Part VI: CONCLUSIONS Bulletin No. 13, Fall, 1967 Urban Geology of Greater and Recommendations by the Editorial Staff, Baylor Geological Studies, Bavlor Universitv, Waco, Texas. i FOREWORD The development and early growth of Waco Geological Studies provided free coordination, carto­ occurred primarily on the outcrops of the Austin graphic-field supervision, editorial service. Chalk and the Brazos Alluvium. geologically Since the project was initiated early in 1963, it related problems appeared in the early development has evolved in concept and scope. The number and of the city primarily because of the stable nature of nature of contributions expanded as the project ma­ the chalk and alluvium underlying most foundations tured. The URBAN GEOLOGY OF GREATER in the city; the light weight and simplicity of most WACO includes major contributions from the Bay­ early the relatively light loads on streets lor Geology Department, Texas Bureau of Economic and the uncomplicated nature of sewage and Geology, U. S. Soil Conservation Service, U. S. Corps pipe and the low demands of a small pop­ of Engineers, Texas Highway Department and Texas ulation for water, sand and gravel, sewage disposal Water Development Board. Shorter contributions and storm drainage. include papers by an architect, attorney, real estate During and after World War II, Waco expanded appraiser, public works engineer and others. from these stable outcrop areas onto the outcrop of In the spring of 1964, a series of eight public eve­ the unstable, incompetent shales of the Taylor For­ ning seminars were held at Baylor to provide con­ mation to the east and Eagle Ford Group to the tributors with an opportunity to present a summary west. This geographic expansion of Greater Waco of their reports for comments and discussion. A stu­ during the past twenty years has been accompanied dent seminar was conducted at the same time to by many new urban problems of geological origin explore all areas of urban activities which are related in addition to many existing problems which became to the earth sciences. critical with rapid urban population growth and Originally, the proposed Urban Geology report expansion. was scheduled to be released as a single volume. Among these important urban geological problems During preparation the various reports were expand­ are those involving sand and gravel, which are lost ed and complex illustrations were other pa­ to the area by unplanned city growth; foundation pers were solicited to cover additional areas of im­ problems, which result in the failure of foundations portance. Because of the increased scope of the in one area, in soil problems project, ten major and numerous shorter papers are involving corrosion of pipes, failure of foundations, included in the Baylor Geological Studies urban variation in excavation costs and drainage problems ; series. water supply problems, including surface and sub­ Beginning with Baylor Geological Studies Bulle­ surface sources, utilization and pollution; and the tin No. 8 (Spring, 1965), six successive semi-annual quality, quantity and location of economic rocks and Bulletins will include papers grouped according to minerals in the Waco region. Geology, Soils, Water, Geological Engineering, These and many other problems cannot be solved Socio-Economic Geology and Conclusions. Included adequately and economically without considering in the series are multicolor geologic, soil, isopach the role of the earth sciences. Responsible long- and structure maps (on U.S. Geological Survey range urban development must also involve other topographic base), charts, illustrations and tables of geologically related aspects, such as problems of various types prepared by the Baylor Geological legal nature, property evaluation, city planning, Studies student cartographic staff. Thirty-five recreation, beautification and development costs. hundred copies of Baylor Geological Studies Bul­ In recent years the Baylor Geology Department letins 8-13 (Urban Geology series) will be pub­ has received a growing number of requests for geo­ lished and sold for $1.00 each. Sale of URBAN logical advice the aforementioned areas of urban GEOLOGY OF GREATER WACO will be han­ development. Although Baylor geologists have sup­ dled by Baylor Geological Studies in agreement plied free consultation as a public service, there has with Cooper Foundation. developed an apparent need for more comprehensive The editorial staff and contributors intend to and accessible data on the total spectrum of earth provide a comprehensive series on Waco Urban science-urban relationships. The Baylor Geological Geology, which may also serve as a model for others Studies editorial staff decided in 1962 that a compre­ interested in this vital area of geologic application hensive on the Urban Geology of Waco and service. No precise estimate can be placed should prove an asset to the city and its citizens. on the value of supplied by governmen­ Late in 1962 a thorough survey was made to as­ tal agencies and individual researchers, or on the certain sources of earth science data pertaining to value of time donated by authors, editorial staff and the Waco area, as well as to locate published refer­ interested geologists. The Cooper Foundation grant ences on Urban Geology. Many city, state, and and the Baylor Geological Studies budget for the six federal agencies, as well as interested individuals, issues in the series will exceed amount were invited to cooperate in the project. which is conservatively estimated to be less than The Cooper Foundation, a private civic philan­ ten percent of the actual cost of the project if it had thropic foundation in Waco, was approached in been contracted at regular professional and commer­ January, 1963, for financial support to aid in the cial rates. preparation and of a Waco Urban Geol­ The editorial staff appreciates this opportunity ogy report. A detailed, budgeted proposal was ap­ to provide a public service for the citizens of Waco. proved by the foundation to cover the proposed cost We sincerely thank the Cooper Foundation, of and related expenses, totaling $7,000. University and the various State and Federal Agen­ Baylor University, through its press, accounting cies, as well as the many individuals, who made this geology department, and Baylor Geological series possible. Studies budget accepted the responsibility for the L. F. Brown, Jr., EDITOR remaining expense. The editorial staff of the Baylor Spring, 1965 ii BAYLOR GEOLOGICAL STUDIES BULLETIN NO. 8 IN COOPERATION WITH COOPER FOUNDATION A SERIES ON URBAN GEOLOGY OF GREATER WACO PART I: GEOLOGY Geology and Development PETER T. FLAWN Geology of J. M. BAYLOR UNIVERSITY Department of Geology Waco, Texas Spring, 1965 Baylor Geological Studies EDITORIAL STAFF Lv. F. Brown, Jr., Ph.D., stratigraphy, paleontology O. T. Hayward, Ph.D., Adviser stratigraphy-sedimentation, structure, geophysics-petroleum, groundwater R. L. Bronaugh, M.A., Business Manager archeology,