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New Northeastern Kentucky Geological Map Released by KGS

Lexington, KY. (January 22, 2007) - A newly-published geologic map of northeastern Kentucky provides a wealth of useful information for geologists, geology students, economic resource industries and others who need information on the geology and geologic resources of this region.

The 33 x 62 inch paper map (scale 1:100,000) and the digital data used to create it are both published by the Kentucky Geological Survey (KGS) at the University of Kentucky. They are the result of detailed assembly, or compilation, of vectorized 7.5-minute geologic quadrangle maps of the area, known as Digitally Vectorized Geologic Quadrangle (DVGQ) maps.

Entitled Geologic map of the Morehead 30 x 60 minute quadrangle, northeastern Kentucky, it was compiled and co-authored by KGS geologists Carl Petersen, Thomas Sparks, and Warren Anderson. It is the tenth of a series of such maps being developed and produced by the Survey.

Kentucky is geologically mapped at a scale of 1:24,000 and is represented by 707 of the 7.5-minute geologic quadrangle maps.  The original paper versions of these maps have been converted to digital vector format.

Thirty-two of the 1:24,000 scale maps were compiled to create the new map at a 1:100,000 scale.  It has the same high degree of accuracy and detail as the original maps.

"The original thirty-two maps put together to develop this one had been mapped at a very high level of geologic detail which has been preserved on the new one, making it useful to people needing to know about the geology of the area,” says Sparks.

Deposits of materials potentially suitable for mining, including limestone, sandstone, clays and coals, are also identified on the map.  
“In addition, it identifies locations of black shales in the area which are known geohazards and can cause serious building foundation problems when the shale is exposed to water,” adds Anderson.  “Community planners, developers, and builders should be aware of this and thoroughly investigate any prospective development sites for the presence of these shales, prior to construction.”

Representing an area of approximately 1,876 square miles in northeastern Kentucky, the map includes all or significant portions of ten Kentucky counties (Rowan, Fleming, Bath, Carter, Elliot, Lewis, Nicholas, Montgomery, Menifee and Morgan) and the cities and towns of Morehead, Mount Sterling, Flemingsburg, Olive Hill, Sandy Hook, Salt Lick, Ewing and Sharpsburg.

The digital vector files used to create this map are available from KGS on CD-ROM for $10 per individual DVGQ and can be used in geographic information systems (GIS) and other computer software.  The digital data sets allow GIS users to combine the geologic map data with other data for multiple purposes, including analysis of landslide and slope stability risks, and assessment of mineral resources. The digital data sets can also be used to create custom maps ideal for land-use development and planning.

To view this publication on-line, go to the KGS Publications & Map catalog at http://kgs.uky.edu/kgsweb/findpubsmain.asp. Enter this publication’s number, 13159, in the box next to “Enter Publication or Catalog Number”, and to the right of this box select "exact" from the pull down menu.  Clicking on the “Search” button opens a new page with a link to the publication.
Paper copies of the larger Morehead quadrangle map are available from the KGS Public Information Center on the UK campus for $8 each plus tax and shipping. They may be ordered by calling (859) 257-3896 or toll free at (877) 778-7827.