Foreword

Introduction

Acknowledgments

Overview

Water Use

Topography of the County

Geology of the County

Groundwater Availability

Exploration for Groundwater

Water Quality

Maps and Data

Additional Reading

References Cited

Definitions of Geologic Terms

Rock Descriptions

Discussion from McGrain and Currens (1978)

The topography of Hancock County is typical of the perimeter of the Western Kentucky Coal Field. It is hilly to rolling except near the Ohio River, where wide alluvial flats are present. Locally, particularly in the northeastern part of the county, massive, resistant sandstones contribute to a more rugged terrain characterized by gorge-like valleys and steep, rocky cliffs.

The topography in the western part of the county is more subdued, presenting less variety and fewer prominent features than the eastern part. The hills are lower and more gently sloping, and the valleys have wider bottoms.

The highest elevation in the county is on a ridge about 1 mile east-southeast of Easton, where 840 foot contours are recorded. The greatest local relief is along the Ohio River bluffs, where differences in elevation between the river and the adjacent ridgetops are approximately 300 feet.

The lowest elevation is the Ohio River. The normal pool elevation of the river below Cannelton Locks and Dam is 358 feet. The normal pool elevation upstream from the dam is 383 feet. Floodplain elevations are generally 390 to 400 feet.

The elevation of Hawesville, at the courthouse, is 419 feet. Other elevations are Easton, 563 feet; Lewisport, 394 feet; Pellville, 536 feet; and Roseville, 518 feet.

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

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