southward geologic extension of the Cincinnati Arch that is prominent in central Tennessee, U.S. Ordovician rocks (about 490 to 443 million years in age) constitute the oldest strata exposed in the core of the dome; they are surrounded by Carboniferous strata (roughly 354 to 290 million years old). The dome was submerged at various times, while during others the central portions were elevated above sea level and exposed to erosion.

Two major uplifts affected the Nashville Dome. The first occurred in Late Devonian time (370 to 354 million years ago); considerable erosion occurred, and some 150 metres (500 feet) of deposits were removed. The second major tectonic event took place in the Carboniferous Period, when extensive erosion again occurred.