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)

Hickman County, in the Mississippi Embayment region, is a gently rolling area adjacent to the Mississippi River. Upland ridges and hills rarely attain elevations of 500 feet. The highest point, 510 feet, is on the divide between Obion and Sand Creeks about 2 1/2 miles south-southeast of Fulgham.

Local reliefs are moderate, generally about 50 feet. The bluffs along the Mississippi are 100 to 200 feet in height and are the sites of the greatest local relief in the county. The bluff at Columbus-Belmont State Park rises approximately 170 feet above the river, and Chalk Bluff is almost 200 feet high.

The lowest elevation is approximately 276 feet, the point where the Mississippi River leaves the county.

The valleys of Bayou du Chien and Obion Creek have low gradients. Obion Creek is a braided stream, and some swampy areas and small oxbow lakes are present along the valley.

The elevation of Clinton, the county seat, is about 385 feet; Columbus is 464 feet; Fulgharn is 475 feet; and Oakton is 324 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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