Fault or Balcones Fault Zone is an area of largely normal faulting [1] in the U.S. state of Texas that runs roughly from the southwest part of the state near Del Rio to the north-central region near Dallas [2] along Interstate 35. The Balcones Fault zone is made up of many smaller features, including normal faults, grabens, and horsts. [3] .

Interactive Google Map of the Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) Aquifer in Texas.

The Balcones Fault Zone is composed of numerous faults. Take a look at the outcrops near MoPac, all the way from Loop 360 to the south, just north of Braker Lane. The original rocks were lying flat before faulting.

Jan 24, 2025 · The Edwards Aquifer Authority manages the San Antonio segment of the Balcones Fault Zone. This area covers all or parts of eight counties including Uvalde, Medina, Atascosa, Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Hays, and Caldwell Counties.

Apr 16, 2022 · Central Texas happens to have one major fault line running through it. The Balcones Fault starts near Del Rio, runs along I-35, and curves towards Dallas. In fact, this fault formed Mount Bonnell. The Balcones fault is not actively moving, and is considered one of the lowest risk zones for earthquakes in the country.

Jun 25, 2024 · The Balcones Fault Zone is not the only fault line in Texas. Researchers have identified over 250 faults totaling more than 1,800 miles in combined length. Some of these faults even extend under highly populated areas, such as the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.

Texas map showing the study area of the Mount Bonnell fault and Balcones fault zone (BFZ), which is shown with a thick line. The Mount Bonnell fault trends in the northeast-southwest direction...

The Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) Aquifer is a major aquifer in the southcentral part of the state. It consists primarily of partially dissolved limestone that creates a highly permeable aquifer. Aquifer thickness ranges from 200 to 600 feet, and freshwater saturated thickness averages 560 feet in the southern part of the aquifer.