Call to Action: Geological Characterization of Buffalo Bayou
Buffalo Bayou extends for over 50 miles roughly West to East from Fort Bend County to the Houston Ship Channel. Despite the number of geologists who live in close proximity to the Bayou, little is known about its geologic characterization.
Tom Helm, long-time Houston resident, local geologist, and canoe afficionado, identified the presence of multiple outcrops in the Bayou nearly a decade ago. His work leading canoe trips and as a community activist advising the Harris County Flood Control Projects has been instrumental in helping bring attention to the natural history of Buffalo Bayou.
Helm has identified several key outcrops that display cross-cutting relationships. He interprets that these rocks were deposited and later eroded during glacial and interglacial periods over the last ~250,000 years, although the timing is not well-constrained. Furthermore, Helms interprets that the orientation of the Bayou is likely due to a combination of pre-existing topography, recent faulting, and potential salt tectonics, but the structural and stratigraphic setting has not been comprehensively studied.
What can you do?
Let’s solve this geologic question together. The characterization of Buffalo Bayou geology will benefit from your help with the following resources and disciplines:
• Well log and/or core data from wells offset to Buffalo Bayou,
• Shallow geophysical data and interpretation,
• Stratigraphic characterization of the deposits, e.g., measured sections to develop sequence stratigraphic framework,
• Structural characterization of timing of faulting and subsidence, salt tectonics and other processes,
• Background research on the regional geologic setting,
• Age dating knowledge,
• GIS mapping,
• Other ideas? Tell us how you think you can contribute!
Why get involved?
The Houston Geological Society has a unique opportunity to leverage the strengths of its members to better characterize the geology beneath our feet. There are three key reasons why HGS can and should tackle the questions of characterizing the geology of Buffalo Bayou. First, HGS members are eager to get involved in the Society, but many members don’t know how. Some find it difficult to participate in in-person dinner or lunch meetings. Members are interested in participating in a flexible way that accommodates their careers or families.
Second, the HGS members have the collective experience and skills to tackle the problem. There is cumulatively 10s of thousands of years of collective wisdom. Many HGS members have explored for hydrocarbons as independent geologists near Houston and have access to well log and seismic data of the area. Additionally, the Society has experienced Engineering and Environmental geologists whose primary business is to characterize the shallow geology around Houston.
Third, doing geology is fun. Many geologists got their start by being interested in the way the natural world works. The Society can leverage that love of learning and exploring, by applying our collective resources to a build a better understanding of the geology that impacts our community.
Next steps and expected outcomes:
Share your interest in joining the Buffalo Bayou Geologic Characterization Project by emailing editor@hgs.org. Please submit your expression of interest by November 15, 2023. We anticipate forming a committee and developing a project plan before year end.
Pending results, we anticipate writing up the results of the study in a dedicated HGS publication that would be available for sale.
