| Geology of the County | ||
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In Henry County, water is obtained from consolidated sedimentary rocks of Ordovician and Silurian ages and unconsolidated sediments of Quaternary age. The oldest rocks found on the surface in Henry County, the Lexington Limestones, were deposited in shallow seas 490 million years ago during Ordovician. In the Late Ordovician the seas became relatively shallow, as indicated by the amounts of mud (shale) in the sediments. When the waters were clear and warm, a profusion of animal life developed, particularly brachiopods and bryozoa. Above the Ordovician are the Silurian rocks, which were also deposited in warm seas. Four hundred thirty million years ago in Kentucky the Silurian seas were commonly warm and clear, although the presence of some shale beds suggest that muddy conditions prevailed at times. Locally, numerous corals and brachiopods can be found in the Silurian limestones and dolomites. Over the last one million years unconsolidated Quaternary sediments have been deposited along the larger streams and rivers. Geologic Formations in the County Limestones Interbedded limestones and shales Interbedded shales and limestones For more information, see the definitions of geologic terms and rock descriptions, a geologic map of the county, a summary of the geology of Kentucky, and a discussion of fossils and prehistoric life in Kentucky. Previous--Next--Back to "Groundwater Resources in Kentucky"
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