|
Alluvium (Qa)
Topography
Alluvium forms terraces and narrow floodplains of varying width along
streams. At least one well-developed terrace is generally present.
Hydrology
The alluvium yields more than 500 gallons per day to nearly all wells drilled
along the Ohio River, and is reported to yield as much as 360 gallons per minute
to large industrial wells. The alluvium of valleys tributary to the
Ohio River yields more than 100 gallons per day to most wells.
Breathitt Group (Pbu, Pbm, Pbl) / Conemaugh Formation (Pmc) (Princess
Formation, Four Corners Formation, Hyden Formation, Pikeville Formation)
Topography
These rocks form rounded hills of moderate relief. The tops of hills
and ridges commonly are capped by sandstone. Shales form wide valleys
and moderate or gentle slopes on hills.
Hydrology
These rocks yield more than 500 gallons per day to most of the wells
drilled in valley bottoms and half of the wells on hillsides, and smaller
quantities of water to wells on hilltops. Most common aquifers are sandstone
and shale, but coal supplies water to a few wells. Near-vertical joints
and openings along bedding plains yield most of the water to wells.
Waters are highly variable in chemical character. These rocks may contain
salty water at depths less than 100 feet below the principal valley
bottoms.
Borden Formation (MDbb)
Topography
The Borden underlies valley bottoms and lower hillsides. Limestones
and massive siltstones form ledges; shale produces dissected slopes.
Hydrology
The Borden yields more than 500 gallons per day to half the drilled
wells in valley bottoms, and smaller quantities of water to wells on
hills. Because shale makes up most of the unit, it is the most common
aquifer; however, sandstone yields water to some wells and limestone
to a few. Water is supplied to wells chiefly through fractures. The
Borden commonly contains salty water at depths less than 100 feet below
the level of the principal valley bottoms.
The U.S. Geological Survey's Hydrologic Atlas Series, published cooperatively
with the Kentucky Geological Survey, provides hydrologic information
for the entire state. Atlases for Greenup County are
HA-37 and HA-75.
Previous--Next--Back
to "Groundwater Resources in Kentucky"
|