Geology Commons^™

High-Volume Oil Discovery In Clinton County, Kentucky, Terence Hamilton-Smith, Brandon C. Nuttall, Patrick J. Gooding, Dan Walker, James A. Drahovzal

Information Circular--KGS

The Syndicated Options Limited of Austria No. 9372 Ferguson Brothers well, located in southern Clinton County, Kentucky, has recently produced oil at reported initial rates of 400 to 130 barrels per hour. Cumulative production for the first 8 weeks of flow following discovery on September 25, 1990, is reported to be nearly 150,000 barrels. The well is the result of deepening a previously abandoned well. Production is from the Middle Ordovician High Bridge Group (equivalent to the Stones River Group of Tennessee) at a depth of 1,008 feet. The reservoir is apparently a fractured carbonate rock, and the fracturing is …

Use Of Limestone, Lime, And Dolomite For So2 Emission Control In Kentucky, Garland R. Dever Jr.

Information Circular--KGS

Flue-gas desulfurization and atmospheric fluidized-bed combustion systems for sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emission control have been installed at 13 coal- and gas-fired plants and one research laboratory in Kentucky. Limestone, lime, and dolomite are the principal SO₂ sorbents used in these systems.

Nine coal-fired, electricity-generating plants in the State have installed wet-scrubbing systems for flue-gas desulfurization. Lime-based scrubbers are using Thiosorbic® lime, produced from the Camp Nelson Limestone (Ordovician) of north-central Kentucky, and carbide lime, a byproduct from the manufacture of acetylene in Louisville. Limestone-based scrubbing systems at three of the plants have used stone from the Warsaw, …

Regionalization Of Flood Data Using Probability Distributions And Their Parameters, Nageshwar Rao Bhaskar, Carol Alf O'Connor, Harold Andrew Myers, William Paul Puckett

KWRRI Research Reports

The U. S. Geological survey recently used the method of residuals to delineate seven flood regions for the State of Kentucky. As an alternative approach, the FASTCLUS clustering procedure of the Statistical Analysis system (SAS) is used in this study to delineate five to six cluster regions in conjunction with statistical properties of the AMF series, like the coefficient of variation as estimated using method of L-moments, LCV, the parameters of the EVl and GEV flood frequency distributions, and the specific mean annual flood, QSP. For both cluster and USGS flood regions, regionalized flood frequency growth curves are developed and …

Guide To Interpretation Of Structural Features Associated With The Kentucky River Fault System Along U.S. Highway 27 Near Camp Nelson, Kentucky, J. A. Gilreath, Paul E. Potter, George Losonsky

Map and Chart--KGS

The spectacular, near- vertical roadcuts in the High Bridge Group (Middle Ordovician) in central Kentucky (Fig. 1) along U.S. Highway 27 just south of the Kentucky River (Fig. 2) afford an excellent opportunity to examine a major fault zone and study its complexity (Figs, 3, 4). These roadcuts are located in Garrard County approximately 12 miles south of Lexington and contain the oldest rocks exposed in Kentucky.

Index To Oil And Gas Fields Of Kentucky, Brandon C. Nuttall

Information Circular--KGS

These data have been collected by the Kentucky Geological Survey as part of an ongoing project, and this report is subject to updating and revision as additional data become available. Where information is not available for a certain category, the entry is left blank.

Data are listed in order by county and field name. Producing formations generally are listed in approximate stratigraphic sequence from youngest to oldest. The date shown is the year of completion of the discovery well in the field. The Carter coordinate location pertains only to the discovery well of the field and in some cases may …

Development Of Dynamic Non-Hortonian Watershed Models For Steeply Sloping Forested Watersheds: Application To Eastern Kentucky, Lindell E. Ormsbee, Abdul Q. Khan

KWRRI Research Reports

A comprehensive conceptual watershed model is developed to simulate the hydrologic response of steeply sloping forested watersheds. Two non-Hortonian and two Hortonian models were first tested with data from selected watersheds in West Virginia and eastern Kentucky in order to understand the different mechanisms of flow responsible for storm hydrograph generation in this type of watersheds. The two non-Hortonian models tested were the kinematic storage model (Sloan et al. 1983) and the saturation deficit model (Beven and Wood, 1983). Both models were unable to adequately reproduce the observed hydrographs in the four forested watersheds considered in this research. The two …

Analysis Of Coal Samples From The Hazard District, Kentucky (Breathitt, Knott, Leslie, And Perry Counties And Other Parts Of Letcher And Harlan Counties), James C. Currens, Linda Jean Bragg, James C. Hower

Information Circular--KGS

Chemical and petrographic doto ore presented for 132 samples of cool collected in the Hazard District, eastern Kentucky. These data include sample-site locations, sampling conditions, stratigraphic position, megoscopic description of the cool, air-drying loss, proximate and ultimate analyses, Btu content, forms of sulfur, initial deformation temperature, softening temperature, fluid temperature, free-swelling index, concentration of major, minor, and trace elements, and petrographic analyses.

Analysis Of Coal Samples From Licking River District, Kentucky (Elliott, Magoffin, Morgan, And Wolfe Counties And Parts Of Menifee, Powell, And Rowan Counties), James C. Currens, Linda Jean Bragg, James C. Hower

Information Circular--KGS

Chemical and petrographic data ore presented for 41 samples of cool collected in the Licking River District, eastern Kentucky. These data include sample-site locations, sampling conditions, stratigraphic position, megoscopic description of the cool, air-drying loss, proximate and ultimate analyses, Btu content, forms of sulfur, initial deformation temperature, softening temperature, fluid temperature, free-swelling index, concentration of major- and minor-oxides and trace elements, and petrographic analyses.

Analysis Of Coal Samples From The Southwestern District, Kentucky (Clay, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Lee, Mccreary, Owsley, Whitley, And Parts Of Bell, Clinton, Estill, Madison, Pulaski, Rockcastle, And Wayne Counties), James C. Currens, Linda Jean Bragg, James C. Hower

Information Circular--KGS

Chemical and petrographic data ore presented for 119 samples of cool collected in the Southwestern District, eastern Kentucky. The data include sample-site locations, sampling conditions, stratigraphic position, megoscopic description of the cool, air-drying loss, proximate and ultimate analyses, Btu content, forms of sulfur, initial deformation temperature, softening temperature, fluid temperature, free-swelling index, concentration of major- and minor-oxides and trace elements, and petrographic analyses.

Analysis Of Coal Samples From The Upper Cumberland District, Kentucky (Parts Of Bell, Harlan, Letcher, And Whitley Counties), James C. Currens, Linda Jean Bragg, James C. Hower

Information Circular--KGS

Chemical and petrographic data ore presented for 57 samples of cool collected in the Upper Cumberland District, eastern Kentucky. These data include sample-site locations, sampling conditions, stratigraphic position, megoscopic description of the cool, air-drying loss, proximate and ultimate analyses, Btu content, forms of sulfur, initial deformation temperature, softening temperature, fluid temperature, free-swelling index, concentration of major- and minor-oxides and trace elements, and petrographic analyses.

Analysis Of Coal Samples From The Big Sandy District, Kentucky (Floyd, Johnson, Martin, And Pike Counties), James C. Currens, Linda Jean Bragg, James C. Hower

Information Circular--KGS

Chemical and petrographic data ore presented for 146 samples of cool collected in the Big Sandy District, eastern Kentucky. The data include sample-site locations, sampling conditions, stratigraphic position, megoscopic description of the cool, air-drying loss, proximate and ultimate analyses, Btu content, forms of sulfur, initial deformation temperature, softening temperature, fluid temperature, free-swelling index, concentration of major- and minor-oxides and trace elements, and petrographic analyses.

Slack-Water Deposits And The Magnitude And Frequency Of Flash Floods, Eastern Kentucky, Russell G. Shepherd, Lisa K. Bienkowski

KWRRI Research Reports

The potential for predicting flood magnitude and frequency using sediments deposited in backwater areas during flash floods was investigated on the Cumberland Plateau of eastern Kentucky, a region n9torious for flash flooding. Slack-water deposits are abundant in the area at tributary mouths and bedrock channel expansions. They are identifiable on geologic quandrangle maps, and are locally good potential indicators of maximum flood-crest elevations. However, in this humid region, flash floods could not be distinguished from non-flash floods using slack-water sedimentology.

The results from the slack-water deposits studied indicate that they offer limited potential for predicting flash floods because 1) intense …

A Model For Assessing The Visual Resources Of River Basins As An Aid To Making Landuse Planning Decisions, Thomas J. Nieman, Diane S. Meshako, David Walters, Molly M. Davis, Cindy C. Elliot

KWRRI Research Reports

The visual quality of a river basin and its associated properties can be identified, evaluated and integrated into the landscape planning process. The model developed provides a quantitative methodology for determining visual quality on the basis of available Geographic Information System factors. These factors are utilized to develop the preference attributes, COLOR, FORM, TEXTURE and LINE, which are associated with the assessment of visual quality. The preference attributes are then combined through a decision making process into a continuum of DISTINCTIVE, GOOD, AVERAGE and MINIMAL visual quality and is expressed digitally in map format. By providing visual quality information in …

Analysis Of Coal Samples From The Princess District, Kentucky (Boyd, Carter, Greenup, And Lawrence Counties And Part Of Lewis County), James C. Currens, Linda Jean Bragg, James C. Hower

Information Circular--KGS

Chemical and petrographic data are presented for 42 samples of coal collected in the Princess District, eastern Kentucky. These data include sample-site locations, sampling conditions, stratigraphic position, megascopic description of the coal, air-drying loss, proximate and ultimate analyses, Btu content, forms of sulfur, initial deformation temperature, softening temperature, fluid temperature, free-swelling index, concentration of major, minor, and trace inorganic elements, and petrographic analyses.

Depositional Environments And Petrology Of The Felix Coal Interval (Eocene), Powder River Basin, Wyoming, Peter D. Warwick

Theses and Dissertations--Earth and Environmental Sciences

A study of a 250 ft. (76.2 m) stratigraphic interval that includes the Eocene-age Felix coal of the Wasatch Formation was undertaken in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming to establish a depositional model based on the interrelations of coal-seam geometry, coal maceral composition, and spatial distribution of adjoining rocks. Regional cross sections and maps of major rock bodies were prepared from 147 measured stratigraphic sections and 56 geophysical logs. Trends in maceral and chemical properties within the Felix coal were identified from petrographic and geochemical analyses of 72 coal channel samples. The combined data sets indicate that the thickest …

Caves And Karst Of Kentucky, Percy H. Dougherty

Special Publication--KGS

Published in cooperation with the National Speleological Society. Includes an overview of Kentucky geology, karst, cave development, list of caves including Mammoth Cave and Carter Caves, historical caves, archaeology, and cave life of Kentucky.

Atlas Of Wetlands In The Principal Coal Surface Mining Region Of Western Kentucky, William J. Mitsch, Jan R. Taylor, Kimberly B. Benson, Paul L. Hill Jr.

KWRRI Research Reports

This atlas contains maps of wetlands and surface mining activity in the Western Kentucky Coal Field, and focuses on a 3960 km² (1530 mi²) region where approximately 90 percent of surface mining in the Coal field occures. Some present and potential competition exists between surface coal mining and wetland protection. A wetland classification, based on the recent FWS classification, includes six types of palustrine systems and one each of riverine and laucstrine systems. Wetlands and surface mines are located on twenty-seven 7.5 minute USGS quadrangles that define the study region. A total of 460 km² (177 …

Studies In Dye-Tracing Technologies In Karst Hydrogeology, John Thrailkill, Phillip E. Byrd, Stephen B. Sullivan, Lawrence E. Spangler, Charles J. Taylor, Greta K. Nelson, Kevin R. Pogue

KWRRI Research Reports

Information on fluorescent dyes used for water tracing and the results of six studies are reported. Optical brightener, direct yellow, fluorescein, rhodamine (WT), and other dyes are described and the procedures employed in their use ·in the field and in equilibration experiments are discussed. Three of the six studies consisted of investigations of the equilibration with passive detectors of three of the dyes. The absorption of optical brightener on fabric detectors was apparently linear with concentration and with immersion time, while detectors became rapidly saturated with direct yellow. Equilibrium of fluorescein on charcoal detectors with an elutriating solution was not …

Geologic Descriptions And Coal Analyses For 1982 Coal Drilling In The Daniel Boone National Forest, Eastern Kentucky, Raymond R. Bergeron, James C. Cobb, Ernie R. Slucher, Richard A. Smath

Information Circular--KGS

This report contains core descriptions, lithologic logs, and analyses of coal from 21 stratigraphic test holes drilled in 1982 in the Daniel Boone National Forest, including the Redbird Purchase Unit, in eastern Kentucky.

The test holes ranged in depth from 85 to 1,988 feet and averaged about 700 feet. A total of 89 coal samples were analyzed. Results of analyses (on the as-received basis) showed the following ranges: ash, 2.37 to 28.8 percent; sulfur, 0.3 to 8.4 percent; and Btu, 9,017 to 14,550 per pound.

Barite Deposits Of Kentucky, Warren H. Anderson, Robert D. Trace, Preston Mcgrain

Bulletin--KGS

Barite deposits are known to be present in 23 counties in Kentucky, principally in the Central Kentucky Mineral District and the Western Kentucky Fluorspar District. Field investigations and a literature search indicate the presence of barite at more than 170 outcrops, prospects, and abandoned mines.

Geologically, most of the Kentucky barite deposits are classified as vein or residual deposits. The vein deposits are cavity and breccia fills along faults and joints, commonly in limestone. Residual deposits occur in an unconsolidated clayey residuum formed by weathering of preexisting vein or breccia deposits. Most deposits are mixed ores commonly containing calcite, fluorite, …

Investigation Of Subsurface Tar-Sand Deposits In Western Kentucky, David A. Williams, Martin C. Noger, Patrick J. Gooding

Information Circular--KGS

Tar sands (also referred to as asphaltic sandstones, heavy-oil deposits, or bitumen-impregnated sandstones) in western Kentucky have been recognized as a potential mineral resource for over l 00 years. Past commercial development has been restricted largely to use as paving material. However, because of the ever-expanding demands for energy, these deposits have become the subject of increasing interest as a potential petroleum resource.

Previous studies have provided estimates of the potential resources of shallow mineable tar-sand deposits; these investigations have concentrated on the outcrop areas where tar sands are present at or near the surface. Data on subsurface deposits have …

Overview Of Sand And Gravel Resources Of Kentucky, Preston Mcgrain

Report of Investigations--KGS

Sand and gravel represent Kentucky's second-most important source of mineral construction material, being exceeded only by limestone. However, deposits which meet most requirements and specifications for aggregates are not evenly distributed. This report is an overview of the sand and gravel resources of Kentucky, summarizing data gathered from literature search and personal observations.

Principal production of sand and gravel in Kentucky is concentrated in the channels and valleys of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Approximately two-thirds of Kentucky's current production is derived from floating dredge operations in the Ohio River itself and glacial outwash deposits of Wisconsin age along its …

Quality Of Surface Water In Bell County, Kentucky, Robert B. Cook Jr., Reese E. Mallette

Information Circular--KGS

Reconnaissance data for surface waters in Bell County, Kentucky, have been gathered in response to the anticipated need for baseline information related to Federal and State surface-mining regulations. Bell County is particularly well suited for such a study due to past and current coal mining, the widespread distribution of mining and diversity of stratigraphic units affected, the diverse array of both disturbed and undisturbed drainage basins, and the relative ease of access within the county.

Estimated flow rate, temperature, pH, conductivity, and concentration of iron, manganese, and suspended solids were determined for flowing waters collected at 71 scattered sites. Sample …

Bibliography Of The Kentucky Geological Survey, 1839 Through 1978, Kentucky Geological Survey

Information Circular--KGS

It is the hope of the authors that all of the various publications and maps of the Kentucky Geological Survey are included in this bibliography. It is our intent to revise, supplement, and update the publication lists in "Geological Research in Kentucky" by Willard Rouse Jillson (1923).

During its history the Kentucky Geological Survey has suffered losses from two disastrous fires, one at Frankfort in 1929, and a second at Lexington in 1948. Many maps and some of the reports were reprinted after 1948 in Series VIII, but so many of the earlier publications were lost that they are now …

High-Carbonate And Low-Silica Stone In The High Bridge Group (Middle Ordovician), Fayette County, Central Kentucky, Garland R. Dever Jr.

Information Circular--KGS

The High Bridge Group (Middle Ordovician) of central Kentucky, a major source of limestone and dolomite for construction and agricultural stone, is also a potential source of stone for industrial uses requiring carbonate rocks of high chemical purity. Chemical analyses of foot-by-foot samples from a Fayette County core show that several thick zones of high-carbonate and low-silica stone are present in the High Bridge at a minable depth.

Hydrology And Water Quality In The Central Kentucky Karst: Phase 1, James F. Quinlan, Donald R. Rowe

KWRRI Research Reports

Study of springs and cave streams has shown that heavy metal-rich effluent from a wastewater treatment plant can be traced to Hidden River Cave (beneath the city of Horse Cave) and thence 4 to 5 miles north to a group of 39 springs at 14 locations along a 5-mile reach of Green River. Nickel, chromium, copper and zinc in these effluent-bearing springs are in concentrations of as much as 30 times greater than other springs upstream and downstream from this reach, 20 times greater than the Green River, and 60 times greater than in shallow domestic wells between Horse Cave …

Analysis Of Unsteady Flow Toward Artesian Wells By Three-Dimensional Finite Elements, Yang H. Huang, Shen-Jyh Wu

KWRRI Research Reports

A three-dimensional finite element computer program was developed for analyzing unsteady flow toward artesian wells. The program is designed especially for determining the drawdown around an artesian well penetrating fully or partially a nonhomogeneous and anisotropic aquifer of irregular shape and cross section. It can also be used as a general program for aquifer simulation and evaluation. A major advantage of the program lies in the minimum amount of input data required. By assuming the top and bottom boundaries of the aquifer as two arbitrary planes, the aquifer will be divided into six- or eight-node elements, and their nodal coordinates …

Preliminary Report Of The Oil And Gas Possibilities Between Pine And Cumberland Mountains, Southeastern Kentucky, A J. Froelich

Report of Investigations--KGS

Elongate, low-amplitude flexures in strata of Pennsylvanian age have been delineated in recent mapping by the U. S. Geological Survey in co­operation with the Kentucky Geological Survey in a 600-square-mile (l ,536- square-kilometer) area between Pine and Cumberland Mountains in south­eastern Kentucky. Cresta! culminations on gentle anticlinal folds may indicate loci of subsurface closures for entrapment of oil and gas. The area studied is underlain by more than 15,000 feet (4,500 meters) of Paleozoic strata containing potential source-beds, reservoirs, and cap rocks. Faults, unconformities, abrupt facies changes, and regional thickness variations en­hance the geologic setting for possible oil and gas …

Oil And Gas Geology Of Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, William D. Rose

Bulletin--KGS

This report presents an overall study of the geologic occurrence of oil and gas in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. Includes a systematic description of all oil and gas pools within the County, structure and stratigraphy diagrams, and maps.

Wild Life In Kentucky, William Delbert Funkhouser

Report of Investigations--KGS

The reptiles, birds and mammals of the Commonwealth, with a discussion of their appearance, habits and economic importance. Illustrated with ninety photographs, maps and diagrams.

Two images have been redacted for reasons related to NAGPRA, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.