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)

Hart County lies largely in the Mississippian Plateaus area of south-central Kentucky. Topographically, it occupies two plateau areas. The lower area is a slightly rolling limestone plain characterized by few surface streams and thousands of sinkholes. Elevations on the sinkhole plain range from about 750 feet on the east to 640 feet on the west, at the base of the Dripping Springs escarpment. The sinkhole plain is studded with irregular hills and ridges, erosion remnants from a retreating escarpment, which rise 100 feet or more.

The Dripping Springs escarpment is a southeastward- facing cuesta which rises 200 feet or more above the sinkhole plain. It is a prominent topographic feature. Behind the escarpment is a higher tableland which locally has been referred to as the Mammoth Cave Plateau. This higher plateau is more highly dissected by stream erosion than the lower plateau. Local reliefs of 200 feet are common in this part of the county.

Green River follows a sinuous route across the center of the county. It is entrenched 150 to 200 feet below the karst plateau. The area north of the river is hilly and contains the highest elevations in Hart County. Several hills attain elevations in excess of 1000 feet. The highest, Frenchman Knob about 6 miles north-northeast of Munfordville, is 1156 feet at the triangulation station. Three high knobs, 6 to 8 miles northeast of Munfordville, are Three Kiln Knob at 1080 feet, Grindstone Knob at 1078 feet, and Knox Knob at 1040 feet. Maxey Knob, south of Green River near the Hart-Green County line, is 1082 feet.

The lowest elevation in the county, 421 feet, is the normal pool level of Green River where it leaves the western edge of the county.

The elevation of Munfordville, at the courthouse, is 612 feet. Elevations of other communities are Bonnieville, 670 feet; Canmer, 645 feet; Cub Run, 766 feet; Hardyville, 704 feet; Hammonville, 710 feet; Horse Cave, 635 feet; and Rowletts, 663 feet. The normal pool elevation of Nolin Lake is 515 feet.

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

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