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)

Monroe County is in the Mississippian Plateaus area on the southern border of Kentucky. The topography varies from highly dissected in the eastern part to moderately and mildly dissected in the western and central areas of the county. The most rugged terrain is in the eastern area along or near the valley of the Cumberland River. The topography here is similar to that along Muldraugh Hill, and the west side of the valley is topographically similar to the Muldraugh (Highland Rim) Escarpment.

The elevation of the river is approximately 500 feet, whereas the adjacent ridges and hills are 300 feet higher. Practically no flat land is present in this part of the county, except along the valley bottoms. The lowest point in the county is an elevation between 495 and 500 feet, the elevation of the Cumberland River where it crosses the state line.

The central and western parts of the county are an upland plateau with elevations ranging from 1,100 feet on the east to approximately 800 feet on the west. Streams have carved valleys 100 to 150 feet below the upland, and some of the intervening ridges have nearly flat tops. Some karst features are present, but do not dominate the landscape. The highest elevation in the county, 1,141 feet, is near the community of Persimmon, about 7.5 miles north-northeast of Tompkinsville. An elevation of 1,130 feet has been recorded for a ridge north of Kentucky 100 about 4 miles east-northeast of Tompkinsville. The elevation of Barren River at the west boundary of the county is approximately 595 feet.

The elevation of Tompkinsville, at the courthouse, is 923 feet. Elevations at other communities are Akersville, 840 feet; Bugtussle, 848 feet; Flippin, 730 feet; Fountain Run, 775 feet; Gamaliel, 850 feet; Mud Lick, 992 feet; Persimmon, 1,090 feet; and Sulphur Lick, 840 feet. The elevation at the entrance of Old Mulkey Meeting House State Park is 910 feet.

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

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