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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.
St. Louis Limestone (Mgl)
Topography
The St. Louis underlies rolling karst areas. It commonly has less relief
than karst in areas underlain by the Ste. Genevieve Limestone. Resistant
siltstone alternates with nonresistant shale layers to form 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 otherwise
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 not adequate for a domestic supply.
Salem and Warsaw Formations (Msh)
Topography
These formations underlie gentle to dissected rolling uplands, and form
steep bluffs where the limestone overlies rocks of Osagean age. In some
areas, numerous small sinkholes occur in the formation.
Hydrology
These formations yield enough water for a domestic supply where they
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
The Fort Payne underlies dissected rolling uplands. It forms 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 shale forms the lower part of steep valley sides and steep slopes
of tributary streams. 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.
Laurel and Brassfield Dolomites, Osgood Formation (Slb)
Topography
Dolomite beds form resistant ledges on valley sides.
Hydrology
These formations yield small quantities of water to wells near the Cumberland
River.
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 formations yield enough
water for a domestic supply (more than 500 gallons per day). Elsewhere,
they yield little water to wells, and 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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