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Urbanization pressure increases potential for soils-related hazards, Denton County, Texas

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Environmental Geology

Abstract

The Dallas-Fort Worth region was the fastest growing metropolitan area in the US in the decade 1990–2000. Rapid urbanization accompanied this population growth. A GIS-based analysis of urban growth in Denton County revealed that 53% of new urban development was on soils rated of low suitability for urban uses by the Soil Conservation Service. This compares to only 15% of urban areas on low-suitability soils prior to 1990. These soils are considered poorly suited for urban uses because they are montmorillonitic expansive soils. Expansive soils are known to cause damage to structures, including slab foundations used extensively in new housing in the Dallas–Fort Worth region. Increased urban development on these soils has increased the potential for soils-related hazards.

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Acknowledgments

David Aultman of the US Census Bureau kindly provided the urban area maps used in this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography, University of North Texas, P.O. Box 305279, Denton, TX , 76203-5279, USA

    Harry F. L. Williams

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  1. Harry F. L. Williams
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Correspondence to Harry F. L. Williams.

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Williams, H.F.L. Urbanization pressure increases potential for soils-related hazards, Denton County, Texas. Env Geol 44, 933–938 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-003-0836-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-003-0836-8

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