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Alluvium (Qa)
Topography
The alluvium forms terraces and floodplains along the Cumberland River
and tributaries.
Hydrology
Most wells in the alluvium are inadequate for a domestic supply.
Ste. Genevieve Limestone Member of the Monteagle Limestone (Mgl)
Topography
This limestone underlies rolling and dissected karst areas and forms
steep bluffs along Lake Cumberland.
Hydrology
The Ste. Genevieve yields more than 50 gallons per minute to wells from
large solution openings in karst areas. Most wells penetrate solution
openings, but in areas high above perennial streams these solution openings
are dry in late summer and fall, and many wells are inadequate. Wells
that do not intersect karst conduits generally are inadequate for domestic
use. Springs having low flows ranging from less than 10 gallons per
minute to more than 200 gallons per minute occur at or near stream level
or near the contact with the underlying St. Louis Limestone.
St. Louis Limestone (Mgl)
Topography
The St. Louis forms steep bluffs along Lake Cumberland. It underlies
rolling karst areas, but commonly has less relief than karst in areas
underlain by the Ste. Genevieve Limestone. It is dissected close to
Lake Cumberland and tributaries. Resistant siltstone alternating with
nonresistant shale layers forms discontinuous minor benches on hillsides.
Hydrology
The St. Louis yields more than 50 gallons per minute to wells from large
openings in karst areas. Most wells penetrate some solution openings,
but where openings are small or high above perennial streams, yields
are often inadequate for domestic supply. Yields of wells close to major
streams are large where solution openings are penetrated, but most wells
are inadequate. A major spring horizon occurs near the top of the formation
in the karst areas. Many seepage springs occur throughout the formation;
low flows range from less than 10 gallons per minute to more than 1,000
gallons per minute. The lower part of the formation is composed of siltstone
and argillaceous limestone. Yields from these sedimentary rocks are
low and generally are not adequate for a domestic supply.
Salem, and Warsaw Formations (Msh)
Topography
These formations underlie gentle to dissected rolling uplands. They
form steep bluffs where the limestone overlies rocks of Osagean age
and along Lake Cumberland. In some areas numerous small sinkholes occur
in the formation.
Hydrology
These rock bodies yield enough water for a domestic supply where the
formations are dominantly limestone and close to perennial stream level.
Yields are low where siltstone or argillaceous limestone is penetrated.
A minor spring horizon occurs at the contact of the limestone with the
underlying siltstone or argillaceous limestone. Another spring horizon
occurs near the contact of the Warsaw and Fort Payne. Low flows generally
are less than 5 gallons per minute.
Fort Payne Formation (Mbf), limestone bodies within Fort Payne (ls)
Topography
These rock bodies underlie dissected rolling uplands and form steep
valley sides in maturely dissected topography. Small valleys are steep
and V-shaped. Siltstone and chert form discontinuous ledges on hillsides.
Hydrology
Wells in lowland areas close to streams produce enough water for a domestic
supply and may produce more than 5 gallons per minute from solution
openings. Most wells obtain water from perched or semiperched water
bodies supported by discontinuous shale layers, and many are dry during
late summer and fall. Minor spring horizons occur throughout the formation.
Flows are as much as 30 gallons per minute, but most go dry in late
summer or fall. Where shale layers are conspicuous, most wells are inadequate
for domestic use. Where chert layers are thick and extensive in area,
yields of more than 5 gallons per minute may be obtained.
Chattanooga Shale (MDnb)
Topography
The Chattanooga Shale forms steep slopes near the base of the Cumberland
Escarpment and underlies small round hills (knobs) near the base of
the escarpment. Resistant layers form small discontinuous ledges and
minor waterfalls in streams.
Hydrology
The shale yields little or no water to wells. Seepage springs are present
at numerous horizons, but most go dry during late summer and fall.
Cumberland Formation, Leipers Limestone, Catheys Formation (Ocl)
Topography
These rocks form moderate to steep slopes and bluffs near the Cumberland
River. Limestone layers, interbedded with shales, form discontinuous
ledges along hillsides in some areas.
Hydrology
In lowland areas bordering large streams, these rocks yield enough water
for a domestic supply (more than 500 gallons per day). Elsewhere they
yield little water to wells. They yield small quantities of water to
springs. Deep wells generally yield sulfurous water or brines.
The U.S. Geological Survey's Hydrologic
Atlas Series, published cooperatively with the Kentucky Geological
Survey, provides hydrologic information for the entire state.
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