Geology Commons^™

Geologic Map Of Kentucky, M. C. Noger

Map and Chart--KGS

No abstract provided.

Illustrated Physiographic Diagram Of Kentucky, Kentucky Geological Survey

Map and Chart--KGS

No abstract provided.

Mineral And Fuel Resources Map Of Kentucky, Warren H. Anderson, Garland R. Dever Jr.

Map and Chart--KGS

The production of minerals and fuels in Kentucky is a multibillion dollar industry. Historically, coal, oil, natural gas, limestone, sand and gravel, clay, fluorite, barite, lead, iron, phosphate, zinc, and brines have been produced in the state. These resources have greatly influenced the development of Kentucky by providing raw materials for the early settlers who settled the state and for current industrial and economic development. Electrical power for homes, businesses, and factories; materials for constructing houses, buildings, automobiles, and roads; and products we consume in everyday life come from the earth's mineral and fuel resources.

The ability to locate and …

Generalized Block Diagram Of The Inner Bluegrass Karst, James C. Currens

Map and Chart--KGS

Karst occurs where limestone or other soluble bedrock is near the earth's surface, and fractures in the rock become enlarged when the rock dissolves. Sinkholes and sinking streams are two surface features that indicate karst development. In karst areas most rainfall sinks underground, resulting in fewer streams flowing on the surface than in non-karst settings. Instead of flowing on the surface, the water flows underground through caves, sometimes reemerging at karst windows, then sinks again to eventually discharge at a base-level spring along a major stream or at the top of an impermeable strata. The development of karst features is …

Physiographic Diagram Of Kentucky, Kentucky Geological Survey

Map and Chart--KGS

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Longwall Mining On Hydrology, Leslie County, Kentucky Part 2: During-Mining Conditions, Shelley Minns Hutcheson, James A. Kipp, James S. Dinger, Lyle V.A. Sendlein, Daniel I. Carey, Gregory L. Secrist

Report of Investigations--KGS

The effects of longwall coal mining on hydrology in the Eastern Kentucky Coal Field are being investigated. The study area is in the Edd Fork watershed in southern Leslie County, over Shamrock Coal Company's Beech Fork Mine. Longwall panels approximately 700 ft wide are separated by three-entry gateways that are approximately 200 ft wide. The mine is operated in the Fire Clay (Hazard No. 4) coal; overburden thickness ranges from 300 to 800 ft. Mining began in panel 1 in September 1991 and concluded with panel 8 in September 1994. Long-term monitoring consisting of a network of piezometers and time-domain …

Coal Resources Of The Lower Elkhorn Coal Bed In Eastern Kentucky, Ernest E. Thacker, Gerald A. Weisenfluh, William M. Andrews Jr., John K. Hiett

Map and Chart--KGS

This chart is one of a series that shows the regional characteristics of the Lower Elkhorn coal. The maps were prepared as part of the U.S. Geological Survey's Natural Coal Assessment Program, which compiles regional maps and databases that provide a comprehensive assessment of the most important coal beds in the nation. The Lower Elkhorn coal is one of the leading producers in the state of Kentucky and has, in some areas, a reputation as an excellent metallurgical-grade coal. It is known locally as the Pond Creek, Imboden, Path Fork, Blue Gem, Straight Creek, Bruin or Vires coal bed. This …

Mining Geology Of The Lower Elkhorn Coal, Stephen F. Greb, Gerald A. Weisenfluh

Map and Chart--KGS

The Lower Elkhorn (and its equivalents) is one of the leading producers of coal in the Eastern Kentucky Coal Field with 12 to 18 million short tons of annual production between 1974 and 1996, according to the Kentucky Department of Mines and Minerals. Stratigraphically, the coal occurs in the lower part of the Pikeville Formation of the Breathitt Group (Fig. 1), which was previously part of the Breathitt Formation (Chesnut, 1992). The coal occurs from 150 to 300 ft above the base of a thick coarsening-upward sequence containing the Betsie Shale and from 250 to 450 ft beneath the base …

Coal Resources Of The Springfield Coal Bed In Western Kentucky, William M. Andrews Jr., Robert E. Andrews, John K. Hiett

Map and Chart--KGS

Historically, the Springfield (Western Kentucky No. 9) coal bed has been the leading source of production in the Western Kentucky Coal Field. The Springfield coal is known for its lateral continuity in terms of both thickness and coal quality. It is estimated to have the largest original and remaining resource in the Western Kentucky Coal Field (Greb and others, 1992).

Total Coal Thickness Of The Fire Clay And Fire Clay Rider Coals In Eastern Kentucky, Ernest E. Thacker, Gerald A. Weisenfluh, Stephen F. Greb, Jeffery A. Esterle

Map and Chart--KGS

This map is one of a series that shows the regional characteristics of the Fire Clay coal zone. The maps were prepared as part of the U.S. Geological Survey's National Coal Assessment Program, which compiles regional maps and databases that provide a comprehensive assessment of the most important coal beds in the nation. Within the zone, the Fire Clay coal is the most economically important bed and is one of the leading producers in the state of Kentucky. It is known for a persistent flint-clay parting that is believed to be of volcanic origin. This map represents the total coal …

Coal Resources Of The Upper Elkhorn No. 3b Coal (Upper Bed) In Eastern Kentucky, Jeffery A. Esterle, Ernest E. Thacker, Gerald A. Weisenfluh, John K. Hiett

Map and Chart--KGS

This chart is one of a series that shows the regional characteristics of the Upper Elkhorn No. 3 coal zone. The maps and charts were prepared as part of the U.S. Geological Survey's National Coal Assessment Program, which compiles regional maps and databases that provide a comprehensive assessment of the most important coal beds in the nation. The Upper Elkhorn No. 3 coal zone has been one of the leading producers in the state of Kentucky and, in some areas, is of very high quality. Bed stratigraphy within the Upper Elkhorn No. 3 zone and thickness of the No. 3A …

Mapped Karst Ground-Water Basins In The Bowling Green 30 X 60 Minute Quadrangle, Joseph A. Ray, James C. Currens

Map and Chart--KGS

This map shows karst ground-water basins in the Bowling Green quadrangle, determined primarily by ground-water tracer studies. It can be used to quickly identify the ground-water basins and springs to which a site may drain. Major springs and the relative size of their catchment areas can be evaluated for potential as water supplies. The map also serves as a geographic index to literature on karst ground water in the area.

Mining Geology Of Coals In Western Kentucky, Stephen F. Greb, David A. Williams

Map and Chart--KGS

Each of the most heavily mined coal seams in the Western Kentucky Coal Field, as indicated by analyses, mine visits, and discussions with mine inspectors and engineers, has its own roof and floor characteristics. Also, because roof rocks above several of the seams are laterally continuous (especially in the Carbondale Formation), roof characteristics related to rock type are often widespread and continuous between mines. This chart discusses the mining geology of three western Kentucky coal beds, highlighted on the stratigraphic column shown in Figure 1.

Additional mining obstacles that can affect all coal beds and roof strata are (1) tectonic …

Quality Characteristics Of The Springfield Coal In Western Kentucky, Cortland F. Eble

Map and Chart--KGS

Thickness and quality data from the Kentucky Coal Resources Information System (KCRIS) for the Springfield coal bed are summarized in this chart. Parameter averages and range of values are presented in the two tables, and average values are displayed graphically by county.

Regional Subsurface Geologic Cross Sections Of The Mississippian System, Appalachian Basin, Eastern Kentucky, David C. Harris, Thomas N. Sparks

Map and Chart--KGS

This series of 14 regional cross sections illustrates subsurface stratigraphic correlations of Mississippian (upper Carboniferous) rocks in the Appalachian Basin of eastern Kentucky. These cross sections were constructed as part of a regional stratigraphic study of the Mississippian "Big Lime," a major oil- and gas-producing formation. The series illustrates 10 dip-oriented and 4 strike-oriented lines, extending from the Slade Formation outcrop belt on the northwest, to the state borders on the east and south. Stratigraphic and structural versions are shown for each section to better illustrate thickness and structural variations. These cross sections served as the regional framework during collection …

Quality Characteristics Of The Lower Elkhorn Coal Bed In Eastern Kentucky, Cortland F. Eble

Map and Chart--KGS

Thickness and quality data from the Kentucky Coal Resources Information System (KCRIS) are summarized in this chart for the Lower Elkhorn coal bed (and equivalents). Parameter averages and ranges of values are presented in the two tables, and average values are displayed graphically by county.

Geologic Map Of Kentucky, Garland R. Dever Jr., M. C. Noger

Map and Chart--KGS

This map shows the geologic age of rocks and sediments at the surface in Kentucky. Sedimentary rocks, deposited from about 465 to 290 million years ago during the Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian, Mississippian, and Pennsylvanian Periods, crop out across the state. The rocks mainly consist of shale, limestone, sandstone, and siltstone. As shown in the cross sections, these surface rocks are underlain by older unexposed rocks of Precambrian, Cambrian, and Ordovician age.

Small bodies of igneous rocks were intruded into the state's bedrock about 270 million years ago during the Permian Period. They crop out in Elliott County of northeastern Kentucky, …

Generalized Geologic Bedrock Conditions As Related To Solid-Waste Landfills In Kentucky, Martin C. Noger

Map and Chart--KGS

This map is not intended to be used for selecting individual landfill sites. Its purpose is to inform land-use planners, government officials, and the public in a general way about geologic bedrock conditions throughout the state that affect the selection of solid-waste disposal sites.

Coal Resources Of The Fire Clay Coal Zone In Eastern Kentucky, Ernest E. Thacker, Gerald A. Weisenfluh, Jeffery A. Esterle, Stephen F. Greb, John K. Hiett

Map and Chart--KGS

This chart is one of a series that shows the regional characteristics of the Fire Clay coal zone. The maps and charts were prepared as part of the U.S. Geological Survey's National Coal Assessment Program, which compiles regional maps and databases that provide a comprehensive assessment of the most important coal beds in the nation. Within this coal zone, the Fire Clay coal is the most economically important bed and is one of the leading producers in the state of Kentucky. The Fire Clay coal contains a flint-clay parting that is believed to be of volcanic origin. The widespread occurrence …

Total Coal Thickness Of The Upper Elkhorn No. 3a Coal (Lower Bed) In Eastern Kentucky, Jeffery A. Esterle, Ernest E. Thacker, Gerald A. Weisenfluh

Map and Chart--KGS

This map is one of a series that shows the regional characteristics of the Upper Elkhorn No. 3 coal zone. The maps were prepared as part of the U.S. Geological Survey's National Coal Assessment Program, which compiles regional maps and databases that provide a comprehensive assessment of the most important coal beds in the nation. The Upper Elkhorn No. 3 coal zone has been one of the leading producers in the state of Kentucky and, in some areas, contains very high-quality coal. The zone is composed of a number of distinct coal beds that merge in some areas to form …

Effects Of Longwall Mining On Hydrogeology, Leslie County, Kentucky Part 3: Post-Mining Conditions, Shelley Minns Hutcheson, James A. Kipp, James S. Dinger, Daniel I. Carey, Lyle V.A. Sendlein, Gregory L. Secrist

Report of Investigations--KGS

The effects of longwall coal mining on hydrology in the Eastern Kentucky Coal Field have been investigated since 1991. The study area is in the Edd Fork watershed in southern Leslie County, over Shamrock Coal Company's Beech Fork Mine. Longwall panels approximately 700 ft wide are separated by three-entry gateways that are approximately 200 ft wide. The mine is operated in the Fire Clay (Hazard No. 4) coal; overburden thickness ranges from 300 to 800 ft. Mining began in panel 1 in September 1991 and concluded with panel 8 in September 1994. Long-term monitoring consisting of a network of piezometers …

The Effect Of Turfgrass Maintenance On Surface-Water Quality In A Suburban Watershed, Inner Blue Grass, Kentucky, R. Michael Williams, James S. Dinger, Andrew J. Powell, Dwayne R. Edwards

Report of Investigations--KGS

Nutrients and pesticides applied during routine maintenance or establishment of turfgrass could result in nonpoint-source pollution. Nutrient and pesticide concentrations in water exiting a turfgrass management area in the Sinking Creek watershed, a suburban watershed in the Inner Blue Grass Region of central Kentucky, were monitored. This watershed was selected because it contains multiple land uses: agricultural, residential, and recreational (golf course).

A survey was conducted to determine the extent to which lawn-care products are used in the residential sector of the watershed. For the golf-course portion, the golf-course superintendent recorded chemical application daily.

Runoff from the golf course was …

Coal Resources Of The Upper Elkhorn No. 3a Coal (Lower Bed) In Eastern Kentucky, Jeffery A. Esterle, Ernest E. Thacker, Gerald A. Weisenfluh, John K. Hiett

Map and Chart--KGS

This map is one of a series that shows the regional characteristics of the Upper Elkhorn No. 3 coal zone. The maps were prepared as part of the U.S. Geological Survey's National Coal Assessment Program, which compiles regional maps and databases that provide a comprehensive assessment of the most important coal beds in the nation. The Upper Elkhorn No. 3 coal zone has been one of the leading producers in the state of Kentucky and, in some areas, is of very high quality. Bed stratigraphy within the Upper Elkhorn No. 3 zone and coal thickness of the No. 3A coal …

Overview Of Environmental Regulations That Affect Coal Combustion, Cortland F. Eble

Information Circular--KGS

Environmental regulations have had, and continue to have, an effect on the combustion of coal. These regulations largely affect the electric utility industry, the largest consumer of domestic coal, but they ultimately affect everyone, because we all use electricity, and the cost of compliance is usually passed on to the consumer, resulting in higher electric bills.

Compositional Variations In The Fire Clay Coal Bed Of Eastern Kentucky: Geochemistry, Petrography, Palynology, And Paleoecology, Cortland F. Eble, James C. Hower, William Morton Andrews Jr.

Report of Investigations--KGS

Bench samples of the Fire Clay coal bed, collected from 28 localities in a study area of eight 7.5-minute quadrangles in the Eastern Kentucky Coal Field, were analyzed geochemically, petrographically, and palynologically to determine any spatial or temporal trends among the studied parameters.

At most sample sites the Fire Clay is split by a flint-clay parting of probable volcanic origin. The upper bench of the Fire Clay coal generally is thick, laterally continuous, low in ash yield and sulfur content, has a moderate to high calorific value, and is high in total vitrinite content. In contrast, the lower bench generally …

Geology Of The Fire Clay Coal In Part Of The Eastern Kentucky Coal Field, Stephen F. Greb, John K. Hiett, Gerald A. Weisenfluh, Robert E. Andrews, Richard E. Sergeant

Report of Investigations--KGS

Coal beds mined in Kentucky often are not laterally continuous in thickness, quality, or roof condition. Regional and local variation is common. Because thickness, quality, and roof conditions are the result of geologic processes that were active when the coal was deposited as a peat swamp, a better understanding of the relationships between geology and major coal resources can aid in identifying geologic trends, which can be extrapolated beyond areas of present mining. The focus of this study is on the Fire Clay (Hazard No. 4) coal, one of the leading producers in the Eastern Kentucky Coal Field with 20 …

Available Resources Of The Fire Clay Coal In Part Of The Eastern Kentucky Coal Field, Stephen F. Greb, Gerald A. Weisenfluh, Robert E. Andrews, John K. Hiett, James C. Cobb, Richard E. Sergeant

Report of Investigations--KGS

Available resources for the Fire Clay coal were calculated for a 15-quadrangle area in the Eastern Kentucky Coal Field. Original coal resources were estimated to be 1.8 billion tons (BT). Coal mined or lost in mining was estimated at 449 million tons (MT), leaving 1.3 BT of remaining Fire Clay resources in the study area. Of the remaining resources, 400 MT is restricted from mining, primarily because the coal is less than 28 in. thick, normally considered too thin to mine underground using present technology. The total coal available for mining in the study area is 911 MT, or 52 …

Oil And Gas Map Of The Corbin 30 X 60 Minute Quadrangle, Kentucky, Brandon C. Nuttall

Map and Chart--KGS

No abstract provided.

Tectonic Implications Of Erosional And Depositional Features In Upper Meramecian And Lower Chesterian (Mississippian) Rocks Of South-Central And East-Central Kentucky, Garland R. Dever Jr.

Bulletin--KGS

Erosional and depositional features in upper Meramecian and lower Chesterian (Mississippian) carbonate rocks of south-central and east-central Kentucky suggest the influence of coeval structural activity. The study area, which extends from Pulaski County northeastward into Powell County, is underlain by (1) the Greenwood Anomaly, a large north-trending gravity anomaly, which probably represents part of a Precambrian rift system, and (2) the western part of the Rome Trough, an east-trending graben-like structure, which represents a Late Precambrian to Cambrian continental rift zone. The study focused on the St. Louis Limestone and lower Monteagle Limestone of south-central Kentucky and correlative carbonate rocks …

Ground-Water Quality In Kentucky: Nitrate-Nitrogen, Philip G. Conrad, Daniel I. Carey, James S. Webb, James S. Dinger, Matthew J. Mccourt

Information Circular--KGS

No abstract provided.