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)

Marion County includes parts of the Outer Bluegrass and Mississippian Plateaus Regions, the area where the Bluegrass meets The Knobs. The upland masses that have been separated from the main plateau area by normal stream erosion are the most striking topographic features of this county.

Northern Marion County consists of rolling hills, with local relief ranging from 50 to 100 feet. Slopes are rarely steep, except adjacent to principal drainage lines. Locally, flat surfaces may be present on ridgetops or benches. Ridgetop elevations generally range between 800 and 900 feet.

The southern boundary of the county approximates the position of Muldraugh Hill (Highland Rim). Knobs and irregular upland areas are separated from the main plateau by North Rolling Fork and Big South Fork. These hills and knobs rise 400 to 450 feet above the adjacent stream valleys. For example, the difference in elevation between Lovers Leap and North Rolling Fork, 3 miles southwest of Gravel Switch, is 400 feet.

The highest elevations in the county, on the order of 1,200 feet, are found principally along the Marion-Casey County line in the southeastern corner of the county and in the upland area between Big South Fork and North Rolling Fork on the eastern edge of the county. The highest point is Putnam Knob, 1,260 feet, about 6 miles east of Lebanon. Rohan Knob, a prominent landscape feature on the Marion-Nelson County line north of Holy Cross, has an elevation of 1,090 feet.

The lowest elevation, 475 feet, is where Hardin Creek leaves the northern tip of the county. Rolling Fork leaves the county at an elevation of 515 feet.

The elevation of Lebanon, the county seat, is 797 feet. Elevations at other communities are Bradfordsville, 682 feet; Gravel Switch, 910 feet; Holy Cross, 698 feet; Loretto, 744 feet; Raywick, 609 feet; Saint Francis, 701 feet; and Saint Mary, 762 feet.

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

Previous--Next--Back to "Groundwater Resources in Kentucky"