Foreword

Introduction

Acknowledgments

Overview

Water Use

Topography of the County

Geology of the County

Groundwater Availability

Exploration for Groundwater

Karst

Water Quality

Maps and Data

Additional Reading

References Cited

Definitions of Geologic Terms

Rock Descriptions

Discussion from McGrain and Currens (1978)

Butler County is located near the southeastern edge of the Western Kentucky coal field. The meandering valley of Green River is the most conspicuous topographic feature in the county. Green River marks portions of the southern and northwestern boundaries and bisects the county in a northwesterly direction. Great Bend, a large meander loop almost 9 miles long and 2 to 3 miles wide situated northwest of Morgantown, is a striking portion of the valley. Taylor Lake at the northwestern end of Great Bend marks a former channel of Green River. Highest elevation along the meander spur is 590 feet.

The lowest elevation is approximately 385 feet at the junction of Green and Mud Rivers at the western edge of the county. Elevations along the flood plain of Green River are approximately 400 to 410 feet. Valley flats are commonly 1/2 to 1 1/2 miles wide. Marshy areas, usually associated with abandoned meanders, may be found along either Green River or Mud River.

The area is well dissected by normal stream erosion. Flat-topped ridges and alluviated valleys are common. The highest elevations are in the southern part of the county where individual hills may attain elevations in excess of 700 feet. The highest point is 810 feet on Peach Orchard Knob. Other high elevations include Ragland Hill at 760 feet, Hanging Rock at 740 feet, and an unnamed ridge 2 1/2 miles north of Quality at 732 feet. Greatest local relief is along the bluffs of Green River about 2 miles east of Morgantown where the difference in elevation between the highest hills and the river is 340 to 350 feet.

The elevation of Dunbar is 466 feet; Huntsville, 548 feet; Morgantown, at the courthouse, 573 feet; Rochester, 450 feet; and Woodbury, 450 feet.

The 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle maps that cover the county are shown, by name and by index code (Kentucky Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Cabinet) on the index map.

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