We moved and I'm stoked!
We recently moved!
Michael bought his first piece of land. There is nothing on this land besides us and these dogs.
We are living in an RV and have to haul water in!
Kinda different than what we've been used to.
He was wondering, how the heck could we get a well dug with little substance (financial ability) to do so.
This was the first problem that we are faced with.
The only way to understand that challenge was to begin by looking at the geology of the area. This pretty much is the only way to learn about the water tables.
I found this report on the Hydrology of Hudspeth county Texas (it's a .PDF file that will open if you click the link)
It's pretty long and if you don't know certain terminology it's likely you will have some study time on hand. I like to study. Learning new things is fun! So I don't have much of a problem with that.
Anyhow,
Despite the challenges we face, we find ourselves in a good place, equipped with everything we need at this moment.
The purpose of sharing this is multifaceted, so rather than delving into the minutiae of our daily lives, let’s focus on the core reason behind my desire to blog about something you'd likely find in my journal.
According to professionals, the Sierra Blanca area in Hudspeth County, Texas, is characterized by a diverse geological landscape that has been shaped by various geological processes over millions of years. (Unfortunately, I do not agree with this millions of years theory professionals stand by but that's what this post is about.) This region is known for its unique rock formations, mineral deposits, and tectonic features.
While searching for a suitable spot to park our RV on the land — somewhere that would provide us comfort — I stumbled upon an intriguing rock. Me and Michael both so happen to like rocks. This discovery piqued my interest and prompted me to examine the geological features of the area more closely than originally intended.
As I explored further, I uncovered a variety of fascinating geological formations and materials that reflect the history and composition of the land. The presence of different types of rocks can tell us much about the environmental conditions that existed when they were formed, as well as how they have changed over time; due to natural processes such as erosion and sedimentation.
The geology of the Sierra Blanca area primarily consists of sedimentary rocks, volcanic materials, and metamorphic formations. The predominant rock types include:
Sedimentary Rocks: These are primarily composed of sandstone and limestone, which were formed from the accumulation of sediments in ancient marine environments. The presence of these rocks indicates that this area was once covered by shallow seas.
Volcanic Rocks: The region also features volcanic rocks such as basalt and rhyolite. These materials are remnants of past volcanic activity that contributed to the area’s topography and mineral wealth.
Metamorphic Rocks: Metamorphic processes have altered some original sedimentary and igneous rocks into schists and gneisses due to heat and pressure over geological time scales.
The Sierra Blanca area is situated near significant tectonic boundaries, which have influenced its geological history. The region has experienced uplift due to tectonic forces associated with the Basin and Range Province. This uplift has resulted in the formation of mountain ranges and valleys typical of this geological province.
Hudspeth County is known for its mineral resources, including:
- Copper: Historically mined in the region, copper deposits are found within the volcanic rock formations.
- Gypsum: Significant deposits can be located in sedimentary layers.
- Other Minerals: Various other minerals such as barite and zeolites are present due to the diverse geological conditions.
The geology of this area reflects a complex interplay between sedimentation, volcanism, metamorphism, and tectonic activity. Understanding this geology not only provides insights into the Earth’s history but also highlights potential resources that can be economically beneficial.
Now, if you know anything about me - like why I share my testimony or what Don has shared with me over the years - then you will find the things here fairly interesting.
Round Top Mountain is a location that sits near Interstate 10 just west of Sierra Blanca, about 85 miles east of El Paso County. The mountain holds an estimated 80 million tons of rare earth elements that are essential to make advanced, high-tech electronics. (Diego Mendoza-Moyers / El Paso Matters). This could be one reason Blue Origin (a Bezos company) has a location situated in this area.
Currently, professionals are actively involved in the Round Top project, which is recognized as a strategically vital initiative for U.S. national security. This significance arises from the ongoing trade tensions with China, a nation that continues to play a dominant role in the global supply of rare earth elements.
All of this information has truly astonished me! As I explored our new property, I came across some remarkable rocks that sparked my imagination. I am filled with hope that I can collect these stones and utilize them to create something extraordinary. My initial idea is to construct a stone cooking area. Given my passion for blogging, I plan to keep everyone updated on where all this will take me — if you’re interested in following along - hit the follow button and keep up-to-date!
Here are resources to help me identify rocks and learn more about the land we currently occupy!
- utep.edu/science/geology/_files/docs/reesources/1971_guidebook.pdf
- Sustainability | Blue Origin
- Round Top Rare Earth and Critical Minerals Project - NS Energy (nsenergybusiness.com)
- The Round Top Mountain Project | Geology for Investors
- https://www.nsenergybusiness.com/projects/round-top-rare-earth-critical-minerals/?cf-view
- Mountain near Sierra Blanca, Texas, gold mine of rare metals (elpasomatters.org)
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