Quaternary and Surficial Geologic Mapping for Geotechnical and Geophysical Applications in Kentucky

The Kentucky Geological Survey's geologic mapping mission is to develop detailed (1:24,000-scale) geologic maps for the Commonwealth of Kentucky that are suitable for delineating geologic hazards, developing economic resources, for understanding groundwater flow and quality, for geotechnical and land-use planning, and for other soil and landscape related activities. The Kentucky State Geologic Mapping Advisory Committee (SGMAC) met once in 2007, on September 27, after meeting three times in 2006 during a focused reprioritization of the KGS mapping plan. The long-range geologic mapping plan of the Kentucky Geological Survey is to complete geologic mapping for key populated areas to support seismic hazard assessment, landslide susceptibility, and geotechnicallland-use planning. This proposal includes three short-term projects intended to support these long-range goals (Figure 1). Figure 2 shows the project locations in relation to the population density of Kentucky. Areas of special concem where inadequate geologic mapping for hazard assessment or geotechnical planning has been identified include the lower Ohio River Valley (Project 1, Union County), eastern Kentucky (Project 2, Peny and Breathitt Counties, and related EDMAP proposal from Morehead State University), northern Kentucky (future proposals, and related EDMAP proposal from Northern Kentucky University), and the Jackson Purchase area (Project 3, digital compilation of Tertiary subcrop). Published 7.5-minute geologic quadrangle maps provide a foundation for geological assessment in the proposed project areas, but many of these original maps focus on bedrock stratigraphy and structure; unconsolidated deposits (engineering soils) were either not differentiated or not mapped in these areas. Our current and anticipated Quatemary mapping is intended to augment existing bedrock mapping to provide a comprehensive assessment of earth materials in Kentucky. Many of the decisions which require geologic input in Kentucky must be made by non-geologists, and geology is one among many economic and social factors to be considered. The information on traditional geologic maps are not readily deciphered or translated by non-geologists, therefore, geology is often missing in decisions by non. geologists. We plan to continue to focus our geologic map products for end-user applications, digital delivery, and ease of use by a wide audience. The new KGS Quatemary geologic maps being supported by STATEMAP include information from previous publications and new research in a format that provides non-geological end-users concise information that can be incorporated into their decision-making processes. By providing these data in a digital format, we are better able to advance science and promote the use of geology in policy making by having the flexibility to rapidly create derivative maps. KGS continues to strengthen and develop our ability to serve geologic maps and data via the World Wide Web.