Generalized Geologic Map
for
Land-Use Planning:
Adair County, Kentucky
Kentucky Geological Survey
James C. Cobb, State Geologist and Director
UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY, LEXINGTON
Adair County Courthouse at Columbia
Agriculture
Alluvium
MAP AND CHART 157
Site Drainage
Acknowledgments
Series XII, 2007
Geology adapted from Conley (2004), Lambert (2004a, b, 2006),
Crawford (2006), Mullins and Thompson (2006), Murphy (2006a-e),
and Petersen (2006a-d). Mapped sinkholes from Paylor and others
(2004). Thanks to Paul Howell, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
Natural Resources Conservation Service, for pond construction
illustration. Thanks to Rick Sergeant, Kentucky Geological Survey,
for photo assistance. Thanks to Kim and Kent Anness, Kentucky
Division of Geographic Information, for base-map data.
Daniel I. Carey
Karst Geology
Karst areas in Adair County are indicated by sinkholes. The term "karst"
refers to a landscape characterized by sinkholes, springs, sinking streams
(streams that disappear underground), and underground drainage through
solution-enlarged conduits or caves. Karst landscapes form when slightly
acidic water from rain and snowmelt seeps through soil cover into fractured
and soluble bedrock (usually limestone, dolomite, or gypsum). Sinkholes are
depressions on the land surface into which water drains underground. Usually
circular and often funnel-shaped, they range in size from a few feet to
hundreds of feet in diameter. Springs occur when water emerges from
underground to become surface water. Caves are solution-enlarged fractures
or conduits large enough for a person to enter.
Transportation
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Lindsey Wilson College, founded in 1903 as a training school for Vanderbilt University, is a private 4-year
United Methodist college with 1,900 students in 20 areas of study on its 45-acre campus in Columbia. Photo
by Dan Carey, Kentucky Geological Survey.
±
0
0.5
1
-90°
Rock Unit
2
3
4
Listed below are Web sites for several agencies and organizations that
may be of assistance with land-use planning issues in Adair County:
www.columbia-adaircounty.com—Columbia-Adair County
www.columbiaky.com—Columbia
www.adairprogress.com—The Adair Progress
ces.ca.uky.edu/adair/—UK Cooperative Extension Service
www.lcadd.org/—Lake Cumberland Area Development District
www.thinkkentucky.com/edis/cmnty/cw/cw064/—Kentucky Economic
Development Information System
www.uky.edu/KentuckyAtlas/21001.html—Kentucky Atlas and Gazetteer
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/21/21001.html—U.S. Census data
www.bae.uky.edu/ext/Residential/Radon/QandA.htm—Radon in the
home
kgsweb.uky.edu/download/misc/landuse/mainkyluplan.htm—Planning
information from the Kentucky Geological Survey
DU
VI NN
LL E
20
-85°
40
80 Miles
-84°
-83°
Covington
Ashland
DEVONIAN: shale, limestone
ORDOVICIAN: limestone, shale
Faults
Excellent foundation material;
difficult to excavate.
Severe limitations.
Impermeable rock.
Locally fast drainage through fractures; danger of
groundwater contamination.
Louisville
"
Frankfort
"
Owensboro
Lexington
Access
Roads
37°
"
"
Bowling Green
37°
"
"
Hopkinsville
"
-90°
-89°
-88°
-87°
-86°
-85°
-84°
Middlesboro
-83°
Learn more about Kentucky geology at www.uky.edu/KGS/geoky/
-82°
Reservoir
Areas
Reservoir
Embankments
Underground
Utilities
No limitations.
Possible flooding.
Refer to soil report
(Arms and others,
1964).
Pervious material.
Seasonal high
water table. Subject to flooding.
Refer to soil report
(Arms and others,
1964).
Fair stability. Fair
compaction. Piping
hazard. Refer to
soil report (Arms
and others, 1964).
Slight limitations.
Seasonal high
water table. Refer
to soil report
(Arms and others,
1964).
Slight to moderate
limitations. Rock
excavation; locally,
upper few feet may
be rippable. Sinks
common; local
drainage problems.
Moderate limitations. Rock excavation.
Slight to moderate Slight limitations.
limitations, depending on topography.
Rock excavation;
locally, upper few
feet may be
rippable. Sinks
common; local
drainage problems.
Moderate to slight
limitations. Steep
wooded slopes.
Potential for
forest reserve
or natural history
park.
Severe limitations.
Leaky reservoir
rock; locally, conditions may be
favorable. Sinks
common.
Severe limitations.
Leaky reservoir
rock; locally, conditions may be
favorable.
Severe limitations.
Rock excavation.
Severe limitations.
3. Limestone, Good to excellent
foundation material; Impermeable rock.
siltstone,
and shale moderately difficult Locally fast drainage through fractures; danger of
groundwater contamination.
Severe to moderate
limitations. Rock
excavation; locally,
upper few feet may
be rippable. Sinks
possible; drainage
required.
Slight to moderate
limitations. Rock
excavation; locally,
upper few feet may
be rippable. Sinks
possible; local
drainage problems.
Moderate limitations. Rock excavation. Local drainage problems.
Slight to moderate
limitations, depending on topography.
Rock excavation;
locally, upper few
feet may be
rippable. Sinks
possible; local
drainage problems.
Slight to moderate
limitations, depending on activity
and topography.
Slight to moderate
limitations, depending on activity
and topography.
Severe limitations.
Leaky reservoir
rock; locally, conditions may be
favorable. Sinks
possible.
Severe limitations.
Leaky reservoir
rock; locally, conditions may be
favorable.
Moderate to severe
limitations. Rock
excavation.
4. Sandstone Excellent founda-
Severe limitations.
Thin soils.
Severe limitations.
Rock excavation.
Severe limitations.
Rock excavation.
Severe limitations.
Rock excavation.
Severe limitations.
Rock excavation.
Slight to severe
limitations, depending on activity.
Slight to severe
Slight to moderate
limitations, depend- limitations. Resering on activity.
voir may leak where
rocks are fractured.
Slight to moderate Severe limitations.
limitations. Reser- Rock excavation.
voir may leak where
rocks are fractured.
Severe limitations.
Rock excavation.
For shales, low
strength, slumping,
and seepage problems. Possible
shrinking and swelling of shales.
Moderate to severe
limitations. Rock excavation. For shales,
low strength, slumping, and seepage
problems. Possible
shrinking and swelling of shales.
Moderate to severe
limitations. Rock excavation. For shales,
low strength, slumping, and seepage
problems. Possible
shrinking and swelling of shales.
Moderate to slight
limitations. Rock
excavation. For
shales, low
strength, slumping, and seepage
problems. Possible
shrinking and
swelling of shales.
Moderate to slight
limitations, depending on topography.
Rock excavation.
For shales, low
strength.
Moderate limitations. Reservoir
may leak where
rocks are fractured.
Shale makes good
seal.
Moderate limitations. Reservoir
may leak where
rocks are fractured.
Shale has low
strength and
stability.
Severe limitations.
Rock excavation.
For shale, moderate limitations. Poor
strength, wetness.
Severe limitations.
Low strength,
slumping, and
seepage problems. Possible
shrinking and
swelling of shales.
Moderate to severe
limitations, depending on slopes.
Strength, slumping,
and seepage
problems.
Moderate to severe
limitations, depending on slopes.
Strength, slumping,
and seepage
problems.
Moderate to severe
limitations, depending on slopes.
Strength, slumping,
and seepage
problems.
Moderate to slight
limitations, depending on topography.
Rock excavation.
For shales, low
strength, slumping,
and seepage
problems. Possible
shrinking and swelling of shales.
Moderate to slight
limitations, depending on activity and
topography.
Slight limitations.
Reservoir may leak
where rocks are
fractured. Most
ponds on shale
are successful.
Severe limitations.
Poor strength and
stability.
Moderate limitations. Poor
strength, wetness.
Fair to good founda- Moderate to severe
5. Siltstone,
sandstone, tion material; difficult limitations. Impermeable rock.
and shale* to moderately difficult to excavate.
Clay shales are
poor foundation.
Fair to poor foundation material; easy
to moderately difficult to excavate.
Possible expansion
of shales. Plastic
clay is particularly
poor foundation.
Severe limitations.
Low permeability.
No limitations.
Possible flooding.
Refer to soil report
(Arms and others,
1964).
Extensive
Recreation
Severe to moderate
limitations. Rock
excavation; locally,
upper few feet may
be rippable. Sinks
common; drainage
required.
6. Shale**
Somerset
"
Corbin
Intensive
Recreation
Moderate to slight
limitations. Avoid
construction in
floodplain. Refer
to soil report
(Arms and others,
1964).
"
Paducah
Light Industry
and Malls
Slight limitations.
Refer to soil report
(Arms and others,
1964).
38°
"
Highways
and
Streets
Slight limitations.
Refer to soil report
(Arms and others,
1964).
"
SILURIAN: dolomite, shale
38°
2. Limestone
Residence
with
Basement
Water in alluvium
may be in direct
contact with basements. Seasonal
high water table
subject to flooding.
Refer to soil report
(Arms and others,
1964).
tion material; difficult to excavate.
39°
MISSISSIPPIAN: shale, limestone, sandstone
Severe limitations.
Seasonal high
water table subject to flooding.
Refer to soil report
(Arms and others,
1964).
-82°
"
Septic
System
Fair foundation material; easy to excavate. Seasonal high
water table. Subject
to flooding.
to difficult to excavate.
PENNSYLVANIAN: shale, sandstone, coal
CL
EM
VI EN
LL TS
E
RU
SP SS
RI ELL
NG
S
-86°
0
TERTIARY/CRETACEOUS: sand, clay
IE
EL
-87°
ALLUVIUM: silt, clay, sand, gravel
39°
R
KN
IF
MO
NT
P
Geology of Kentucky
-88°
Foundation
and
Excavation
1. Silt, sand,
and gravel
Miles
Additional Planning Resources
-89°
LAND USES
Septic tank disposal system—A septic tank disposal system consists of a septic tank and a filter field. The filter field
is a subsurface tile system laid in such a way that effluent from the septic tank is distributed with reasonable uniformity
into the soil.
Residences—Ratings are made for residences with basements because the degree of limitation is dependent upon
ease and required depth of excavation. For example, excavation in limestone has greater limitation than excavation in
shale for a house with a basement.
Highways and streets—Refers to paved roads in which cuts and fills are made in hilly topography, and considerable
work is done preparing subgrades and bases before the surface is applied.
Access roads—These are low-cost roads, driveways, etc., usually surfaced with crushed stone or a thin layer of
blacktop. A minimum of cuts and fills are made, little work is done preparing a subgrade, and generally only a thin
base is used. The degree of limitation is based on year-around use and would be less severe if not used during the
winter and early spring. Some types of recreation areas would not be used during these seasons.
Light industry and malls—Ratings are based on developments having structures or equivalent load limit
requirements of three stories or less, and large paved areas for parking lots. Structures with greater load limit
requirements would normally need footings in solid rock, and the rock would need to be core drilled to determine the
presence of caverns, cracks, etc.
Intensive recreation—Athletic fields, stadiums, etc.
Extensive recreation—Camp sites, picnic areas, parks, etc.
Reservoir areas—The floor of the area where the water is impounded. Ratings are based on the permeability of the
rock.
Reservoir embankments—The rocks are rated on limitations for embankment material.
Underground utilities—Included in this group are sanitary sewers, storm sewers, water mains, and other pipes that
require fairly deep trenches.
Planning Guidance by Rock Unit Type
1 inch = 1 mile
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Higher Education
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1:63,360
XX
7.5-Minute Quadrangle
Map Index
EA
FO ST
RK
The Chattanooga Shale (unit 6) makes a particularly poor foundation.
Photo by Dan Carey, Kentucky Geological Survey.
CUMBERLAND
PARKWAY
Montpelier
Br
Sand Lick Cr
ADAIR
COUNTY
Cr
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100
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View the KGS World Wide Web site at: www.uky.edu/kgs
10
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100
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Clif
+
Crocus $
Copyright 2007 by the University of Kentucky, Kentucky Geological Survey.
For information on obtaining copies of this map and other Kentucky Geological
Survey maps and publications call our Public Information Center at
859.257.3896 or 877.778.7827 (toll free)
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This map is not intended to be used for
selecting individual sites. Its purpose is to
inform land-use planners, government
officials, and the public in a general way
about geologic bedrock conditions that affect
the selection of sites for various purposes.
The properties of thick soils may supersede
those of the underlying bedrock and should
be considered on a site-to-site basis. At any
site, it is important to understand the
characteristics of both the soils and the
underlying rock. For further assistance,
contact the Kentucky Geological Survey,
859.257.5500. For more information, and to
make custom maps of your area, visit the
KGS Land-Use Planning Internet Mapping
Web Site at
kgsmap.uky.edu/website/kyluplan/viewer.htm.
704
us C
rk
Cumberland Cou
n
For Planning Use Only
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LIMITATIONS
Slight—A slight limitation is one that commonly requires some corrective measure but can be overcome without a
great deal of difficulty or expense.
Moderate—A moderate limitation is one that can normally be overcome but the difficulty and expense are great
enough that completing the project is commonly a question of feasibility.
Severe—A severe limitation is one that is difficult to overcome and commonly is not feasible because of the expense
involved.
R
Q
800
S
#
FOUNDATION AND EXCAVATION
The terms "earth" and "rock" excavation are used in the engineering sense; earth can be excavated by hand tools,
whereas rock requires heavy equipment or blasting to remove.
S
#
R
Q
Clifty
Some shales, and the soils derived from them, swell when exposed
to water or air. These swelling shales and soils can have severe impacts on building foundations and other structures (e.g., bridges,
dams, roads). Photo by John Kiefer, Kentucky Geological Survey.
LAND-USE PLANNING TABLE DEFINITIONS
X
S
#
00
Shale–Unit 6
S
#
Russell Cr
S
#
1313
100
0
1000
800
Green R
B ut
800
rk
Pet
ty
0
10
0
1000
10
0
1000
1000
1000
S
#
X
S
#
1000
0
80
S
#
S
#
+
$
Ba r
ne t
800
800
r
ler
B
Pe
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C
Shirley Br
Su
lp
h
Sh
o
s Fo
100
0
800
800
rt
C
r
0
10
0
80
0
533
100
0
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W
80
0
800
Br
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Mil
Big Cr
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or
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Su
lp
1000
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Lo
800
Cr
80
0
1000
R
Q
S
#
S
#
#
S
S
#
Glens Fork
800
00
D
00
800
10
+
$
S
#
X
D
Siltstone and shale in the Fort Payne Formation (unit 5) is exposed
along Ky. 76. Shales have low strength and poor drainage. Photo by
Dan Carey, Kentucky Geological Survey.
S
#
0
80
X
1729
0
80
+
$
10
Breeding
S
#
D
768
S
#
1000
S
#
S
#
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R
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Chance 10
1000
S
#
800
61
XXX
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#
X
X
References Cited
S
#
R
Q
Blue B
r
Cr
800
80
0
80
0
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60
0
600
S
#
0
80
Cr
533
1000
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R
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S
#
Li
X
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X
Ro
Red Lick Cr
800
+ Joppa
$
S
#
D
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rt
1952
o
Sh
800
V
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1315
X
1180
n
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Little
S
#
768
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+
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0
1000
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1000
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Da
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10
0
10
0
+
$
S
#
S
#
0
100
768
1000
lan
0
Fairplay $
+
X
Siltstone and Shale–Unit 5
S
#
Gentrys
Mill
1150
D
S
#
800
10
0
X
XX
XX
X
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XXX
XX
X
Br
1059
S#
#
S
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#
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ee
0
$Sparksville
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#
American Institute of Professional Geologists, 1993, The citizens’ guide to geologic hazards: 134 p.
Arms, F.S., Henry, D.S., Johnson, A.S., Partin, W.R., Sparks, T.G., and Whitaker, O., 1964, Soil survey of Adair County, Kentucky: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service, 127 p.
Carey, D.I., and Stickney, J.F., 2001, Groundwater resources of Adair County, Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey, ser. 12, County Report 1, www.uky.edu/KGS/water/library/gwatlas/Adair/Adair.htm
[accessed 5/15/07].
Conley, T.J., 2004, Spatial database of the Creelsboro quadrangle, Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey, ser. 12, Digitally Vectorized Geologic Quadrangle Data DVGQ -204. Adapted from Thaden, R.E., and
Lewis, R.Q., Sr., 1963, Geology of the Creelsboro quadrangle, Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ -204, scale 1:24,000.
Crawford, M.M., 2006, Spatial database of the Knifley quadrangle, Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey, ser. 12, Digitally Vectorized Geologic Quadr angle Data DVGQ-294. Adapted from Maxwell, C.H., 1964,
Geology of the Knifley quadrangle, Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ -294, scale 1:24,000.
Lambert, J.R., 2006, Spatial database of the Columbia quadrangle, Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey, ser. 12, Digitally Vectorized Geologic Quadrangle Data DVGQ-249. Adapted from Lewis, R.Q., Sr., and
Thaden, R.E., 1963, Geology of the Columbia quadrangle, Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ -249, scale 1:24,000.
Lambert, J.R., 2004a, Spatial database of the Amandaville quadrangle, Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey, ser. 12, Digitally Vectorized Geologic Quadrangle Data DVGQ -186. Adapted from Taylor, A.R.,
1962, Geology of the Amandaville quadrangle, Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ-186, scale 1:24,000.
Lambert, J.R., 2004b, Spatial database of the Breeding quadrangle, Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey, ser. 12, Digitally Vectorized Geologic Quadrangle Data DVGQ -287. Adapted from Taylor, A.R., 1964,
Geology of the Breeding quadrangle, Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ -287, scale 1:24,000.
Mullins, J.E., and Thompson, M.F., 2006, Spatial database of the Russell Springs quadrangle, Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey, ser. 12, Digitally Vectorized Geologic Quadrangle Data DVGQ-383. Adapted
from Lewis, R.Q., Sr., and Thaden, R.E., 1965, Geology of the Russell Springs quadrangle, Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ -383, scale 1:24,000.
Murphy, M.L., 2006a, Spatial database of the Cane Valley quadrangle, Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey, ser. 12, Digitally Vectorized Geologic Quadrangle Data DVGQ -369. Adapted from Maxwell, C.H.,
and Turner, W.B., 1964, Geology of the Cane Valley quadrangle, Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ-369, scale 1:24,000.
Murphy, M.L., 2006b, Spatial database of the East Fork quadrangle, Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey, ser. 12, Digitally Vectorized Geologic Quadrangle Data DVGQ -413. Adapted from Cattermole, J.M.,
1965, Geology of the East Fork quadrangle, Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ -413, scale 1:24,000.
Murphy, M.L., 2006c, Spatial database of the Gradyville quadrangle, Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey, ser. 12, Digitally Vectorized Geologic Quadrangle Data DVGQ-233. Adapted from Taylor, A.R., 1963,
Geology of the Gradyville quadrangle, Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ -233, scale 1:24,000.
Murphy, M.L., 2006d, Spatial database of the Mannsville quadrangle, south-central Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey, ser. 12, Digitally Vectorized Geologic Quadrangle Data DVGQ -562. Adapted from
Taylor, A.R., 1966, Geologic map of the Mannsville quadrangle, south-central Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ-562, scale 1:24,000.
Murphy, M.L., 2006e, Spatial database of the Montpelier quadrangle, Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey, ser. 12, Digitally Vectorized Geologic Quadrangle Data DVGQ -337. Adapted from Lewis, R.Q., Sr.,
and Thaden, R.E., 1964, Geology of the Montpelier quadrangle, Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ -337, scale 1:24,000.
Paylor, R.L., Florea, L., Caudill, M., and Currens, J.C., 2004, A GIS coverage of karst sinkholes in Ke ntucky: Kentucky Geological Survey, ser. 12, Digital Publication 5, 1 CD-ROM.
Petersen, C., 2006a, Spatial database of the Campbellsville quadrangle, southern Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey, ser. 12, Digitally Vectorized Geologic Quadrangle Data DVGQ -448. Adapted from Taylor,
A.R., 1965, Geologic map of the Campbellsville quadrangle, southern Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ -448, scale 1:24,000.
Petersen, C., 2006b, Spatial database of the Clementsville quadrangle, Casey and Adair Counties, Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey, ser. 12, Digitally Vectorized Geologic Quadrangle Data DVGQ -1033.
Adapted from Taylor, A.R., and Lewis, R.Q., Sr., 1972, Geologic map of the Clementsville quadrangle, Casey and Adair Counties, Kentucky : U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ-1033, scale
1:24,000.
Petersen, C., 2006c, Spatial database of the Dunnville quadrangle, Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey, ser. 12, Digitally Vectorized Geologic Quadrangle Data DVGQ -367. Adapted from Maxwell, C.H., 1965,
Geology of the Dunnville quadrangle, Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ -367, scale 1:24,000.
Petersen, C., 2006d, Spatial database of the Gresham quadrangle, Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey, ser. 12, Digi tally Vectorized Geologic Quadrangle Data DVGQ-421. Adapted from Taylor, A.R., 1965,
Geology of the Gresham quadrangle, Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ -421, scale 1:24,000.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2005, A citizen’s guide to radon: The guide to protecting yourself and your family from radon: www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html [accessed 5/12/07].
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2003, National Wetlands Inventory, www.nwi.fws.gov [accessed 5/12/07].
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Source-Water Protection Areas
In source-water protection areas, activities are
likely to affect the quality of the drinking-water
source. For more information, see
kgsweb.uky.edu/download/water/swapp/swapp.htm.
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800
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area, zone 1
Wetlands > 1 acre (U.S. Fish
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Watershed boundaries
4
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$
XX
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Adair High
Adair Elem
Adair Intermediate
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Seventh Day
Adventist Sch.
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k
800
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800
Ventilation system removes radon from
the basement area of this home on
unit 5. Photo by Dan Carey, Kentucky
Geological Survey.
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2289 00
XX
100
Oil well
Incorporated city boundary
+ Neatsville
$
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Radon gas can be a local problem, in some areas exceeding the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency's maximum recommended limit of 4 picocuries per liter. The shales
of unit 6 and limestones of unit 2, in particular, may contain high levels of uranium or
radium, parent materials for radon gas. Homes in these areas should be tested for
radon, but the homeowner should keep in mind that the threat to health results from
relatively high levels of exposure over long periods, and the remedy may simply be
additional ventilation of the home.
S
#
0
2969
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800
80
0
R
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0
80
768
Radon Ventilation
Radon
800
800
Green River Lake in Taylor and Adair Counties provides 8,200 acres and 250 miles of shoreline for water sports and fishing.
The 24,000-acre Green River Lake Wildlife Management Area in Adair County provides a haven for wildlife. Photo by Dan
Carey, Kentucky Geological Survey.
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A problem of some concern in Adair County is the swelling of some of the
clay minerals in shale units 5 and 6. The process is exacerbated when the
shale contains the mineral pyrite (fool’s gold). Pyrite is a common mineral and
can be found distributed throughout the black shale, although it is not always
present and may be discontinuous both vertically and horizontally. In the
presence of moisture and oxygen, pyrite oxidizes and produces sulfuric acid.
The acid reacts with calcium carbonates found in water, the rock itself,
crushed limestone, and concrete. This chemical reaction produces sulfate
and can form the mineral gypsum, whose crystallization can cause layers of
shale to expand and burst, backfill to swell, and concrete to crack and
crumble. It can heave the foundation, the slab, and interior partitions resting
on it, and damage upper floors and interior partitions. This phenomenon has
been responsible for extensive damage to schools, homes, and businesses in
Kentucky. During times of drought, these same shales may shrink, causing
foundations to drop. Anyone planning construction on these shales should
seek professional advice from a geologist or engineer familiar with the
problem.
Spring
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Aerial view (2004) of Gaddie Shamrock
quarry by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Services Administration,
National Agricultural Imagery Program.
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Dams should be constructed of compacted clayey soils at slopes flatter
than 3 units horizontal to 1 unit vertical. Ponds with dam heights exceeding 25 feet, or pond volumes exceeding 50 acre-feet, require permits.
Contact the Kentucky Division of Water, 14 Reilly Rd., Frankfort, KY
40601, telephone: 502.564.3410. Illustration by Paul Howell, U.S.
Department of Agriculture–Natural Resources Conservation Service.
For more information on groundwater in the county, see Carey and
Stickney (2001).
0
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Ca 633 #
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Water seeps into cracks and crevices, carrying away soil and dissolving the limestone (unit 2). This is the process of sinkhole formation.
Photo by Dan Carey Kentucky Geological Survey.
Extensive wetlands in the Green River Wildlife Management Area
along the Green River provide habitat for wildlife. Photo by Dan
Carey, Kentucky Geological Survey.
r
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1000
800
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R
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+
$
#
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S
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#
+ Kellyville
$
Hill
S
#
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682
#
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#
About 4,900 people in Adair County rely on private domestic water
supplies: 3,700 use wells and 1,200 use other sources. About threequarters of the wells drilled in the uplands of central Adair County yield
enough water for a domestic supply; some wells penetrating large solution
openings in karst areas yield greater than 50 gallons per minute. In the
rest of the county, very few wells yield enough water for a domestic
supply, except in a few areas bordering streams. Numerous small springs
and seeps are found throughout the county. Most discharge from small
solution openings and joints in limestone or siltstone supported by shale
layers. Flows are as much as 100 gallons per minute, but most have low
flows of less than 1 gallon per minute.
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80
0
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Swelling and Shrinking Shales
School
Water wells
S
#
Public
S
#
Domestic
S
#
Agricultural
S
#
Monitoring
n
S
#
S
#
S
#
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#
Successful pond construction must prevent water from seeping through
structured soils into limestone solution channels below. A compacted clay
liner or artificial liner may prevent pond failure. Getting the basin filled with
water as soon as possible after construction prevents drying and cracking,
and possible leakage, of the clayey soil liner. Ponds constructed in dry
weather are more apt to leak than ponds constructed in wet weather. A
geotechnical engineer or geologist should be consulted regarding the
requirements of a specific site. Other leakage prevention measures
include synthetic liners, bentonite, and asphaltic emulsions. The U.S.
Department of Agriculture–Natural Resources Conservation Service can
provide guidance on the application of these liners to new construction,
and for treatment of existing leaking ponds.
V
U
1104
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S #
#
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#
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# #
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100
Gaddie Shamrock Paving Quarries' Columbia Plant produces aggregate and agricultural limestone from the limestone of the Fort Payne Formation (unit 2). Aerial
view is seen below. Photo by Dan Carey, Kentucky Geological Survey.
0
10
1703
r
D
Knifley
0
00
10
1049
ke
d
800
Green River Lake
S
#
S
#
Sinkholes are scattered throughout units 2 and 3. Brush disposal in sinkholes
is appropriate; disposal of home and farm waste in sinkholes can contaminate
groundwater. Photo by Dan Carey, Kentucky Geological Survey.
EXPLANATION
0
100
+
$
Br
1046
Cr
oo
S
#
800
0
80
Spring
V
U
551
80
0
Limestone–Unit 2
Abells
R
Q
800
800
S
#
800
80
0
Ta
r
ylo
u
Co
n ty
1000
The Cumberland Parkway is a major east-west connector. Limestone
(unit 2) is seen in roadcut on left. Photo by Dan Carey, Kentucky
Geological Survey.
10
0
0
80
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U
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#
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+
$
1061 000
1
1000
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Martha Br
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1000
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1742
1722
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Adair County, 407 square miles in the Mississippian Plateau Region, was
formed in 1802. The highest elevation, 1,120 feet, is on a ridge near Sparksville. The lowest elevation, 585 feet, is where Russell Creek leaves the county.
The 2005 population of 17,625 was 2.2 percent greater than in 2000. Photo
by Dan Carey, Kentucky Geological Survey.
800
1060
S
#
Pond Construction
0
800
10
0
V
U
Mineral Resources
An uplifting experience that will not be appreciated! Left: All is well in this
newly built home until water from percolation, drains, lawn sprinklers, leaking
sewers, or water mains soaks swelling soil beneath the foundation.
Right: With time, expanding soils exert several tons per square foot of pressure
on the foundation and shallow pilings. Without remedial measures, the house
will actually become deformed, and shatter masonry and windows. Remedies
vary from mere maintenance that keeps drainage away from the house to expensive reconstruction of foundations. Prior site planning that takes geology
into account is always preferable to dealing with problems after a structure
is built. From AIPG (1993).
D
S
#
Be m
Limestone soils of units 2 and 3 support a strong agricultural economy, including specialty operations such
as the tree farm below. Photos by Dan Carey, Kentucky Geological Survey.
Waste Disposal in Sinkholes
0
Speck
10
0
Wide alluvial valleys (unit 1) provide flat land for agriculture. Flooding and poor
drainage may restrict activities. Photo by Dan Carey, Kentucky Geological Survey.
Severe to slight limitations, depending
on activity and topography. Strength,
slumping, and
seepage problems.
* Clay shales may be encountered in this unit. They make a particularly poor foundation, with characteristics similar to unit 6.
** See discussions of swelling shales and soils and slope stability.