Constructing a Geologic Map: Farmers and Salt Lick Quadrangles of Rowan County, KY
Institution
Eastern Kentucky University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Robert Lierman
Abstract
The Farmers and Salt Lick 7.5 minute quadrangles are located in Rowan County, KY. The quadrangles were mapped as a course project in Fall Semester of 2002. The reasoning behind the project was to: 1) better understand deltaic sequences of Devonian and Mississippian Age rocks, 2) find the trend of the depositional setting through analysis of lithologic formations and beds, and 3) create stratigraphic columns, structural contour maps, and a Geologic Quadrangle incorporating the information from the field area. There were eight total outcrops that were analyzed and the rock formations were characterized by grain size, weathering characteristics, bed thickness, bed shape, fossils, and depositional location. Once a precise boundary was decided between each formation, elevation readings could be recorded. This allowed the class to discover the trend in the depositional setting that tilted the rock formations in an easterly direction. This information was seen in magnitude when the structural contour maps were created. The Geologic Map created was imposed on a topographic map and formation boundaries were carefully sketched in according to elevation. In conclusion, all students better understood the depositional setting of Central and Eastern Kentucky as the physical work solidified classroom theories about deltaic settings. The Geologic Map created describes the physical nature of the rocks and can be read to find the elevations of areas within the two quadrangles. The authors are currently conducting further research to conclude the reasoning of the trend in the rocks.
Constructing a Geologic Map: Farmers and Salt Lick Quadrangles of Rowan County, KY
The Farmers and Salt Lick 7.5 minute quadrangles are located in Rowan County, KY. The quadrangles were mapped as a course project in Fall Semester of 2002. The reasoning behind the project was to: 1) better understand deltaic sequences of Devonian and Mississippian Age rocks, 2) find the trend of the depositional setting through analysis of lithologic formations and beds, and 3) create stratigraphic columns, structural contour maps, and a Geologic Quadrangle incorporating the information from the field area. There were eight total outcrops that were analyzed and the rock formations were characterized by grain size, weathering characteristics, bed thickness, bed shape, fossils, and depositional location. Once a precise boundary was decided between each formation, elevation readings could be recorded. This allowed the class to discover the trend in the depositional setting that tilted the rock formations in an easterly direction. This information was seen in magnitude when the structural contour maps were created. The Geologic Map created was imposed on a topographic map and formation boundaries were carefully sketched in according to elevation. In conclusion, all students better understood the depositional setting of Central and Eastern Kentucky as the physical work solidified classroom theories about deltaic settings. The Geologic Map created describes the physical nature of the rocks and can be read to find the elevations of areas within the two quadrangles. The authors are currently conducting further research to conclude the reasoning of the trend in the rocks.