Carter County, Kentucky - Kentucky Geological Survey

R
Q
9
0
10
0
0
¢
¢
¢
Ha
lls
rk
1000
0
dy R
Slight to moderate
limitations. Reservoir
may leak where rocks
are fractured.
Severe limitations.
Thin soils. Rock
excavation.
Moderate—A moderate limitation is one that can normally be overcome but the difficulty and expense are great
enough that completing the project is commonly a question of feasibility.
Excellent foundation
material; difficult to
excavate.
Severe limitations.
Locally fast drainage
through fractures.
Danger of groundwater contamination.
Severe to moderate
limitations. Rock
excavation; locally,
upper few feet may
be rippable. Sinks
possible. Drainage
required.
Slight to moderate
limitations. Rock
excavation; locally,
upper few feet
may be rippable.
Sinks possible.
Drainage required.
Slight limitations.
Local drainage
problems from
seeps or springs.
Sinks possible.
Slight to moderate
limitations, depending on topography.
Rock excavation; locally, upper few feet
may be rippable.
Sinks possible. Local
drainage problems.
Slight to severe
limitations. Rock excavation may be
required.
Slight to moderate limitations, depending on
activity and topography.
Slight limitations
for forest or nature
preserve.
Severe limitations.
Leaky reservoir rock.
Locally, conditions
may be favorable.
Sinks possible.
Severe limitations.
Leaky rock.
Severe limitations.
Rock excavation.
LAND USES
Severe to moderate
limitations. Rock
excavation may be
required.
Moderate to severe
limitations. Rock excavation may be
required. Possible
steep slopes.
Moderate to severe
limitations. Rock excavation may be
required. Possible
steep slopes.
Moderate to severe
limitations. Rock excavation may be
required. Possible
steep slopes.
Moderate to severe
limitations. Rock excavation may be
required.
Slight to severe limitations, depending on
activity and topography.
Possible steep wooded
slopes. Slight limitations
for forest or nature
preserve.
Slight limitations.
Reservoir may leak
where rocks, including coal, are jointed
or fractured.
*Shales and clays in these units can shrink during dry periods, and swell during wet periods and cause cracking of foundations. On hillsides, especially where seeps and springs are present, they can also be susceptible to landslides.
For
k
0
10
0
1000
r
William
sC
Swanson Br
100
0
0
10
0
Br
Br
r
W
illi
am
sC
0
10
0
Br
100
0
Pe
ter
Su
g
Br
Br
Knipp
ar
ca
m
p
Little Fork
Mudli
ck
Little
0
Boyd County
ting
R
Shop Br
1000
nty
Carter Caves
"
V
U
R
Q
486
"
1181
"
"
Ä
Mineral Resources
Flint clay, coal, and limestone are the principal mineral
resources of Carter County. High-quality silica sand is a
potential resource. Mining of the Olive Hill Clay occurred
around the turn of the last century, primarily from small
underground mines and to a lesser extent from strip mines.
Coal has been surface and underground mined on a small
scale in many places. Significant mining ended in 1965.
Limestone mines and quarries are still active.
3
Carter Caves State Resort Park is a popular attraction for
tourism, golfing, and business meetings. Beautiful hiking
trails and caves can be found in the steep-sided tributary
valleys of Tygarts Creek, formed in units 4 and 7. Photo
by Dan Carey, Kentucky Geological Survey.
Limestone
Alluvium
2
Limestone bluff (unit 4) overlying steep slopes formed by
unit 3. Photo by Dan Carey, Kentucky Geological Survey.
Severe—A severe limitation is one that is difficult to overcome and commonly is not feasible because of the expense
involved.
5
Septic tank disposal system—A septic tank disposal system consists of a septic tank and a filter field. The filter field
is a subsurface tile system laid in such a way that effluent from the septic tank is distributed with reasonable uniformity
into the soil.
Residences—Ratings are made for residences with basements because the degree of limitation is dependent upon
ease and required depth of excavation. For example, excavation in limestone has greater limitation than excavation in
shale for a house with a basement.
Active limestone quarries in unit 4 near Boone Furnace supply
the region with construction aggregate and other lime products.
Photo (2004) from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm
Services Administration.
Underground utilities—Included in this group are sanitary sewers, storm sewers, water mains, and other pipes that
require fairly deep trenches.
20
40
-84°
80
Miles
-83°
-82°
N
0
Covington
39°
"
G
TERTIARY/CRETACEOUS: sand, clay
Louisville
SILURIAN: dolomite, shale
38°
TY
VA GA
LL RT
EY S
Ashland
"
DEVONIAN: shale, limestone
"
Frankfort
"
38°
Lexington
ORDOVICIAN: limestone, shale
Owensboro
"
Faults
"
Paducah
37°
Somerset
Corbin
"
"
37°
"
Bowling Green
"
"
Hopkinsville
"
-89°
-88°
-87°
-86°
-85°
-84°
Middlesboro
-83°
Learn more about Kentucky geology at www.uky.edu/KGS/geoky/
-82°
O
V
LI
E
AU
IL
H
L
LT
O
LD
TO
N
W
AR
G
IL
T
LI
E
N
MISSISSIPPIAN: shale, limestone, sandstone
BR
R
U
SH
PENNSYLVANIAN: shale, sandstone, coal
O
ALLUVIUM: silt, clay, sand, gravel
-85°
O
-86°
R
IS
-87°
IN
U
I
W
A
LL
D
R
W
VI EB
LL BE
Reservoir embankments—The rocks are rated on limitations for embankment material.
-88°
R
AY
S
Reservoir areas—The floor of the area where the water is impounded. Ratings are based on the permeability of the
rock.
39°
-89°
7.5-Minute Quadrangle Index
W
E
VI SL
LL EY
E -
Intensive recreation—Athletic fields, stadiums, etc.
Listed below are Web sites for several agencies and organizations that may be of assistance with land -use planning issues in
Carter County:
Geology of Kentucky
-90°
Carey, D.I., and Stickney, J.F., 2005, Groundwater resources of Carter County, Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey, ser. 12,
County Report 22, www.uky.edu/KGS/water/library/gwatlas/Carter/Carter.htm [accessed 1/20/06].
Federal Emergency Management Agency, 2005, www.fema.gov [accessed 3/9/06].
Kelley, J.A., and Newton, D.L., 1983, Soil survey of Carter County, Kentucky: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation
Service, 131 p.
Lambert, J.R., and Sparks, T.N., 2005, Spatial database of the Wesleyville quadrangle, northeastern Kentucky: Kentucky Geological
Survey, ser. 12, Digitally Vectorized Geologic Quadrangle Data DVGQ-1305. Adapted from Philley, J.C., and Chaplin, J.R.,
1976, Geologic map of the Wesleyville quadrangle, northeastern Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map
GQ-1305, scale 1:24,000.
Murphy, M.L., 2005a, Spatial database of the Grahn quadrangle, Carter County, Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey, ser. 12,
Digitally Vectorized Geologic Quadrangle Data DVGQ-1262. Adapted from Englund, K.J., 1976, Geologic map of the Grahn
quadrangle, Carter County, Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ-1262, scale 1:24,000.
Murphy, M.L., 2005b, Spatial database of the Soldier quadrangle, northeastern Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey, ser. 12,
Digitally Vectorized Geologic Quadrangle Data DVGQ-1233. Adapted from Philley, J.C., Hylbert, D.K., and Hoge, H.P., 1975,
Geologic map of the Soldier quadrangle, northeastern Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrang le Map GQ-1233,
scale 1:24,000.
Murphy, M.L., and Petersen, C., 2005, Spatial database of the Tygarts Valley quadrangle, Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey,
ser. 12, Digitally Vectorized Geologic Quadrangle Data DVGQ-289. Adapted from Sheppard, R.A., 1964, Geology of the Tygarts
Valley quadrangle, Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ-289, scale 1:24,000.
Nelson, H.L., Jr., and Curl, D.C., 2002a, Spatial database of the Argillite quadrangle, Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey, ser. 12,
Digitally Vectorized Geologic Quadrangle Data DVGQ-175. Adapted from Sheppard, R.A., and Ferm, J.C., 1962, Geology of the
Argillite quadrangle, Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ-175, scale 1:24,000.
Nelson, H.L., Jr., and Curl, D.C., 2002b, Spatial database of the Rush quadrangle, Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey, ser. 12,
Digitally Vectorized Geologic Quadrangle Data DVGQ-408. Adapted from Carlson, J.E., 1965, Geology of the Rush quadrangle,
Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ-408, scale 1:24,000.
Nelson, H.L., Jr., and Petersen, C., 2005a, Spatial database of the Haldeman quadrangle, Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey,
ser. 12, Digitally Vectorized Geologic Quadrangle Data DVGQ-169. Adapted from Patterson, S.H., and Hosterman, J.W., 1961,
Geology of the Haldeman quadrangle, Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ-169, scale 1:24,000.
Nelson, H.L., Jr., and Petersen, C., 2005b, Spatial database of the Olive Hill quadrangle, northeastern Kentucky: Kentucky
Geological Survey, ser. 12, Digitally Vectorized Geologic Quadrangle Data DVGQ-1270. Adapted from Englund, K.J., and
Windolf, J.F., Jr., 1975, Geologic map of the Olive Hill quadrangle, northeastern Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic
Quadrangle Map GQ-1270, scale 1:24,000.
Paylor, R.L., Florea, L., Caudill, M., and Currens, J.C., 2004, A GIS coverage of karst sinkholes in Kentucky: Kentucky Geological
Survey, ser. 12, Digital Publication 5, 1 CD-ROM.
Palmgreen, K.A., 2005, Spatial database of the Ault quadrangle, northeastern Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey, ser. 12,
Digitally Vectorized Geologic Quadrangle Data DVGQ-1066. Adapted from DeLaney, A.O., and Englund, K.J., 1973, Geologic
map of the Ault quadrangle, northeastern Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ-1066, scale
1:24,000.
Petersen, C., 2002, Spatial database of the Oldtown quadrangle, Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey, ser. 12, Digitally Vectorized
Geologic Quadrangle Data DVGQ-353. Adapted from Whittington, C.L., and Ferm, J.C., 1965, Geology of the Oldtown
quadrangle, Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ-353, scale 1:24,000.
Plauché, S.T., 2002a, Spatial database of the Grayson quadrangle, Carter County, Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey, ser. 12,
Digitally Vectorized Geologic Quadrangle Data DVGQ-640. Adapted from Whittington, C.L., and Ferm, J. C., 1967, Geologic
map of the Grayson quadrangle, Carter County, Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ-640, scale
1:24,000.
Plauché, S.T., 2002b, Spatial database of the Webbville quadrangle, eastern Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey, ser. 12,
Digitally Vectorized Geologic Quadrangle Data DVGQ-927. Adapted from Carlson, J.E., 1971, Geologic map of the Webbville
quadrangle, eastern Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ-927, scale 1:24,000.
Plauché, S.T., 2005, Spatial database of the Bruin quadrangle, Elliott and Carter Counties, Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey,
ser. 12, Digitally Vectorized Geologic Quadrangle Data DVGQ-522. Adapted from Englund, K.J., and DeLaney, A.O., 1966,
Geologic map of the Bruin quadrangle, Elliott and Carter Counties, Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map
GQ-522, scale 1:24,000.
Plauché, S.T., and Petersen, C., 2006, Spatial database of the Garrison quadrangle, Kentucky-Ohio, and part of the Pond Run
quadrangle, Lewis County, Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey, ser. 12, Digitally Vectorized Geologic Quadrangle Data
DVGQ-1490. Adapted from Chaplin, J.R., and Mason, C.E., 1978, Geologic map of the Garrison quadrangle, Kentucky-Ohio,
and part of the Pond Run quadrangle, Lewis County, Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ -1490,
scale 1:24,000.
Smith, P.C., 2002, Spatial database of the Willard quadrangle, eastern Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey, ser. 12, Digitally
Vectorized Geologic Quadrangle Data DVGQ-1387. Adapted from Brown, W.R., 1977, Geologic map of the Willard quadrangle,
eastern Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ-1387, scale 1:24,000.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, no date, Landslide prevention in eastern Kentucky.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2003, National Wetlands Inventory, www.nwi.fws.gov [accessed 3/6/06].
Additional Resources
AR
Access roads—These are low-cost roads, driveways, etc., usually surfaced with crushed stone or a thin layer of
blacktop. A minimum of cuts and fills are made, little work is done preparing a subgrade, and generally only a thin
base is used. The degree of limitation is based on year-around use and would be less severe if not used during the
winter and early spring. Some types of recreation areas would not be used during these seasons.
Light industry and malls—Ratings are based on developments having structures or equivalent load limit
requirements of three stories or less, and large paved areas for parking lots. Structures with greater load limit
requirements would normally need footings in solid rock, and the rock would need to be core drilled to determine the
presence of caverns, cracks, etc.
Alluvium in the meandering floodplain valleys of the Little
Sandy River, Tygarts, and other large creeks provides soils
for agriculture, and level land for development above flood
levels. Photo by Dan Carey, Kentucky Geological Survey.
4
Highways and streets—Refers to paved roads in which cuts and fills are made in hilly topography, and considerable
work is done preparing subgrades and bases before the surface is applied.
Extensive recreation—Camp sites, picnic areas, parks, etc.
Moderate limitations.
Poor strength. Wetness.
1170
G
Severe limitations.
Poor strength and
stability.
k
Lic
V
U
Be
ork
R
AH
N
Slight limitations. Reservoir may leak where
rocks are fractured.
Most ponds on shale
are successful.
Cr
u
Lawrence Co
1177
"
F
ee
etr
G
Slight to severe limitations, depending on
activity. Slight limitations
for forest or nature
preserve.
V
U
Ä
1172
"
R
Moderate to severe
limitations, depending
on activity.
"
"
IE
Severe limitations on
slopes. Strength, slumping, and seepage problems.
Severe limitations.
Rock excavation.
Thin soils.
V
U
Cr 1496
AN
Severe limitations on
slopes. Strength, slumping, and seepage problems.
Slight to moderate
limitations. Reservoir
may leak where rocks
are fractured.
"
LD
Severe limitations on
slopes. Strength, slumping, and seepage problems.
Slight to moderate
limitations. Reservoir
may leak where rocks
are fractured.
0
SO
Severe limitations. Low
strength, slumping, and
seepage problems.
Slight to severe limitations, depending on
activity and topography.
Possible steep wooded
slopes. Slight limitations
for forest or nature
preserve.
0
10
D
EM
Poor foundation material; Severe limitations. Thin
easy to moderately
soils and low permeability.
difficult to excavate.
Low strength and
stability. May contain
plastic clays.
Slight to severe
limitations, depending
on activity and topography. Possible steep
wooded slopes.
"
Br
b
eb
W
1207
Fall
s
Slight to moderate
limitations. Reservoir
may leak where rocks
are fractured.
Moderate to severe
limitations. Rock excavation may be
required. Possible
steep slopes.
y
nd
Sa
100
0
Slight to severe limitations, depending on
activity and topography.
Possible steep wooded
slopes. Slight limitations
for forest or nature
preserve.
Moderate to severe
limitations. Rock excavation may be
required. Possible
steep slopes.
Fig
h
r
Ba
rre
tt C
Little S
a n dy R
0
10
0
1000
Moderate to severe
limitations. Rock excavation may be
required. Very steep
slopes.
Severe to moderate
limitations. Rock
excavation may be
required. Possible
steep slopes.
References Cited
r
LIMITATIONS
Moderate to severe
limitations. Rock excavation may be
required. Very steep
slopes.
Severe to moderate
limitations. Rock
excavation may be
required. Possible
steep slopes.
$ Jeriel
+
The terms "earth" and "rock" excavation are used in the engineering sense; earth can be excavated by hand tools,
whereas rock requires heavy equipment or blasting to remove.
Moderate to severe
limitations. Rock excavation may be
required. Very steep
slopes.
Severe to moderate
limitations. Thin soils.
Possible rock excavation.
r
"
FOUNDATION AND EXCAVATION
Moderate to severe
limitations. Rock excavation. Very steep
slopes.
Severe limitations.
Reservoir may leak
where rocks are
fractured.
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773
r
"
V
U
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LAND-USE PLANNING TABLE DEFINITIONS
Moderate to severe
limitations. Rock
excavation. Very
steep slopes.
Slight limitations.
Reservoir may leak
where rocks, including coal, are jointed
or fractured.
tC
"
This map is not intended to be used for selecting individual sites. Its purpose is to inform land-use planners,
government officials, and the public in a general way about geologic bedrock conditions that affect the
selection of sites for various purposes. The properties of thick soils may supersede those of the underlying
bedrock and should be considered on a site-to-site basis. At any site, it is important to understand the
characteristics of both the soils and the underlying rock. For further assistance, contact the Kentucky
Geological Survey, 859.257.5500. For more information, and to make custom maps of your area, visit the
KGS Land-Use Planning Internet Mapping Web Site at kgsmap.uky.edu/website/kyluplan/viewer.htm.
Severe limitations. Thin
soils and impermeable
rock associated with
shales.
Slight to severe limitations, depending on
activity and topography.
Possible steep wooded
slopes. Slight limitations
for forest or nature
preserve.
C
Cook
Los
t
Slight—A slight limitation is one that commonly requires some corrective measure but can be overcome without a
great deal of difficulty or expense.
Severe to moderate
limitations. Thin soils.
Possible rock excavation.
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Str
aig
h
"
ork
V
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For Planning Use Only
Excellent foundation
material; difficult to
excavate.
Severe limitations.
Reservoir may leak
where rocks are
fractured.
Dr
yF
V
U
1000
H
AL
Slight limitations.
Severe limitations.
Thin soils.
r
100
0
1000
0
Severe to slight
limitations. Unstable
steep slopes.
Wilson Cr
un
ps
R
10
0
0
1000
10
0
Pervious material.
Not recommended.
Excellent foundation
material; difficult to
excavate.
10
0
1000
0
Slight limitations,
depending on slope.
Damron B
1000
0
10
0
r
1000
S an
100
0
1000
100
0
10
0
100
0
0
0
10
0
Litt
le
10
0
0
1000
10
0
0
1000
10
0
10
0
Cory Br
0
10
0
1000
0
Cr
ar
ts
Ty
g
0
10
0
0
0
Whitley
B
Br
Goodin
0
10
0
10
0
r
Reeves
B
0
Moderate to slight
limitations, depending
on activity and slope.
"
r
Ä
"
"
Partlow
gB
0
Slight limitations,
depending on slope.
¢
¢¢
+
$
"
Ä
t Cr
oos
0
10
Slight limitations,
depending on slope.
ck
Li
Slight limitations.
in
V
U
Br
Wells
Tw
Moderate to slight limitations, depending on
slope.
"
"
+
$
r
0
100
1191
Lo
n
B
ry
Ma
1165
Willard¢
¢ 1496
"
¢
¢
¢
X¢
V
U
Br
r
V
U
0
100
Hilt "
on
B
0
V
U
"
¢
¢
Beetle
"
rk
Ä 1512
Ä
"
"
V
U
"
" 1496
V
U
Fo
Ä
r
Mullins B
Severe to slight limitations, depending on
amount of soil cover.
Moderate to severe
limitations. Rock excavation may be
required.
Br
Slight limitations, in
general, except for
seasonal high water
table. Subject to
flooding. Refer to soil
report (Kelley and
Newton, 1983).
Moderate to severe
limitations. Rock excavation may be
required. Possible
steep slopes.
dy
Fair stability. Fair compaction characteristics.
Piping hazard. Refer
to soil report (Kelley
and Newton, 1983).
Moderate to severe
limitations. Rock excavation may be
required. Possible
steep slopes.
n
Ca
Pervious material.
Seasonal high water
table. Subject to
flooding. Refer to soil
report (Kelley and
Newton, 1983).
Moderate to severe
limitations. Rock excavation may be
required. Possible
steep slopes.
Teddy Br
Slight to severe limitations, depending on type
of activity and topography.
Subject to flooding. Refer
to soil report (Kelley and
Newton, 1983).
10
0
Ä
Ä
Ä "
V
U
Creek
Ä
+
$
¢
¢
¢
r
V
U
Ä
1122
Underground
Utilities
Slight to severe limitations, depending on type
of activity and topography.
Subject to flooding. Refer
to soil report (Kelley and
Newton, 1983).
n
X
cy
an
Gl
+
$
hC
R
eon
Pig
1152
""
1188
r
Reservoir
Embankments
Severe limitations.
Seasonal high water
table. Subject to
flooding. Refer to soil
report (Kelley and
Newton, 1983).
Severe to moderate
limitations. Rock
excavation may be
required. Possible
steep slopes.
V
U
"
B
Moore
Reservoir
Areas
Severe limitations.
Seasonal high water
table. Subject to
flooding. Refer to soil
report (Kelley and
Newton, 1983).
Severe limitations. Thin
soils and impermeable
rock associated with
shales.
"
n
s Ru
1183
0
Extensive
Recreation
Severe limitations.
Seasonal high water
table. Subject to
flooding. Refer to soil
report (Kelley and
Newton, 1983).
Fair to good foundation
material; difficult to excavate. Possible low
strength associated with
shales, coals, and
underclays. Possibility
of underground coalmine voids.
Ä
0
1000
Severe limitations.
Seasonal high water
table. Subject to
flooding. Refer to soil
report (Kelley and
Newton, 1983).
Severe limitations. Thin
soils and impermeable
rock associated with
shales.
Ä
Gollihue
+
$
"
1190
Severe limitations.
Seasonal high water
table. Subject to
flooding. Refer to soil
report (Kelley and
Newton, 1983).
Fair to good foundation
material; difficult to excavate. Possible low
strength associated with
shales, sparse coals,
and underclays.
V
U
+ Williams
$
Ä
Ru
100
0
10
Intensive
Recreation
Br
s
Ru
ie B
r
X
V
U
Denton
Straight
Creek
1166
Br
w
o
ad 1000
Me
Rice
Br
1000
Light Industry
and Malls
Ä
Ä
1149
sB
r
Access
Roads
Reedville
+
$
+
$
ine
rM
ve
Sil
Cr
gB
Highways
and
Streets
V
U
r
Dee
1000
"
Siltstone, shale, sandstone, and coal layers in this roadcut on Ky. 7 are typical of
rock units 5 and 6. Photo by Jerry Weisenfluh, Kentucky Geological Survey.
V
U
+
$
Mount
Savage
Br
1147
100
0
John
r
Residence
with
Basement
Ä
Ä
Planning Guidance by Rock Unit Type
Septic
System
n
V
U
+
$
Su
es
"
"
1146
vy
Da
n
Karst Geology
7
6
"
Elliott County
Some areas of the county are underlain by karst limestone. The term "karst" refers to a landscape characterized by
sinkholes, springs, sinking streams (streams that disappear underground), and underground drainage through solutionenlarged conduits or caves. Karst landscapes form when slightly acidic water from rain and snowmelt seeps through soil
cover into fractured and soluble bedrock (usually limestone, dolomite, or gypsum). Sinkholes are depressions on the land
surface into which water drains underground. Usually circular and often funnel-shaped, they range in size from a few feet
to hundreds of feet in diameter. Springs occur when water emerges from underground to become surface water. Caves
are solution-enlarged fractures or conduits large enough for a person to enter.
!
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Heritage
Elementary
n
X
Grayson
Lake
Wildlife
0
Management 100
Area
X
"
ic
k
XX X X
X
XX
Johns Run
Coon Eye Br
"
R
Q
on
ws
Da
f Ru
lds
Fie
"
Br
Br
tC
le
im
G
Lick
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1. Seek professional assistance prior to construction.
2. Proper site selection: Some sloping areas are naturally prone to landslides. Inspect the site for springs, seeps, and
other wet areas that might indicate water problems. Take note of unusual cracks or bulges at the soil surface.
These are typical signs of soil movement that may lead to slope failure. Also be aware of geologically sensitive
areas where landslides are more likely to occur.
3. Alter the natural slope of the building site as little as possible during construction. Never remove soil from the toe
or bottom of the slope or add soil to the top of the slope. Landslides are less likely to occur on sites where
disturbance has been minimized. Seek professional assistance before earth moving begins.
4. Remove as few trees and other vegetation as possible. Trees develop extensive root systems that are very useful
in slope stabilization. Trees also remove large amounts of groundwater. Trees and other permanent vegetative
covers should be established as rapidly as possible and maintained to reduce soil erosion and landslide potential.
5. Household water disposal system: Seek professional assistance in selecting the appropriate type and location of
your septic system. Septic systems located in fill material can saturate soil and contribute to landslides.
6. Proper water disposal: Allowing surface waters to saturate the sloping soil is the most common cause of landslides
in eastern Kentucky. Properly located diversion channels are helpful in redirecting runoff away from areas
disturbed during construction. Runoff should be channeled and water from roofs and downspouts piped to stable
areas at the bottom of the slope.
(From U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, no date)
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1. Steep slopes: Avoid when choosing a building site.
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septic systems, and site grading that cause ponding or runoff are sources of water that often contribute to
landslides.
3. Changing the natural slope by creating a level area where none previously existed.
4. Poor site selection for roads and driveways.
5. Improper placement of fill material.
6. Removal of trees and other vegetation: Site construction often results in the elimination of trees and other
vegetation. Plants, especially trees, help remove water and stabilize the soil with their extensive root systems.
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away when exposed, allowing massive limestone blocks to collapse.
Photo by Dan Carey, Kentucky Geological Survey.
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A problem of some concern in this area is the swelling of some of
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and concrete to crack and crumble. It can heave the foundation, the
slab, and interior partitions resting on it, and damage upper floors
and interior partitions. This phenomenon has been responsible for
extensive damage to schools, homes, and businesses in Kentucky.
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foundations to drop. Anyone planning construction on these shales
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In the eastern half of the county, most wells in valley bottoms
produce enough water for domestic use. In the rest of the county
groundwater becomes more scarce, with less than half of the wells
drilled in valley bottoms able to produce enough water for a
domestic supply. Throughout the county, wells on hillsides and
ridges become progressively less productive away from valley
bottoms. Most of the water from drilled wells is very to extremely
hard and contains noticeable amounts of iron. Salty water is
commonly found in wells drilled less than 100 feet below the level
of the principal valley bottoms. A few springs supply enough water
for domestic use. Almost all springs yield less than 5 gallons per
minute. For more information on groundwater in the county, see
Carey and Stickney (2005).
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The population in 2004, 27,459, was 2.1 percent more than in
2000. The cities of Olive Hill and Grayson, and the Rattlesnake
Ridge Water District, provide public water to over 85 percent of
county households. The majority of those not on public water rely
on private water wells. The cities of Grayson and Olive Hill also
provide wastewater treatment services for 20 percent of county
residents. The 1,500-acre Grayson Lake provides for recreation
and water supply.
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Carter County, with an area of 411 square miles, was established in
the Eastern Kentucky Coal Field in 1838. Steep slopes are
common in the county, and the elevation ranges from 542 feet,
where the Little Sandy River leaves the county, to 1,300 feet on a
ridge about 0.6 mile north of Interstate 64 on the Rowan County
line.
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the soil movement. Photos by Jerry Weisenfluh, Kentucky Geological Survey.
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MAP AND CHART 132
Geology adapted from Lambert and Sparks (2005), Murphy (2005a, b),
Murphy and Petersen (2005), Nelson and Curl (2002a, b), Nelson and
Petersen (2005a, b), Palmgreen (2005), Petersen (2002), Plauché
(2002a, b, 2005), Plauché and Petersen (2006), and Smith (2002).
Mapped sinkhole data from Paylor and others (2004). Thanks to Paul
Howell, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation
Service, for landslide illustrations.
1000
Carter County Courthouse at Olive Hill
Acknowledgments
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Generalized Geologic Map
for
Land-Use Planning:
Carter County, Kentucky
James C. Cobb, State Geologist and Director
UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY, LEXINGTON
Red and Green Shales
AA Highway
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Kentucky Geological Survey
ces.ca.uky.edu/carter/ University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service
www.fivco.org/ Fiveco Area Development District
www.thinkkentucky.com/edis/cmnty/cw035/ Kentucky Economic Development Information System
www.uky.edu/KentuckyAtlas/21043.html Kentucky Atlas and Gazetteer, Carter County
quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/21/21043.html U.S. census data
kgsweb.uky.edu/download/kgsplanning.htm Planning information from the Kentucky Geological Survey
CARTER COUNTY
Copyright 2006 by the University of Kentucky, Kentucky
Geological Survey
For information on obtaining copies of this map and other
Kentucky Geological Survey maps and publications call
our Public Information Center at 859.257.3896 or
877.778.7827 (toll free)
View the KGS World Wide Web site at: www.uky.edu/kgs