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Geologic Controls on Plio-Pleistocene Drainage Evolution of the Kentucky River in Central Kentucky

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Geologic Controls on Plio-Pleistocene Drainage Evolution of the Kentucky River in Central Kentucky Kentucky Geological Survey James C. Cobb, State Geologist and Director University of Kentucky, Lexington Geologic Controls on Plio-Pleistocene Drainage Evolution of the Kentucky River in Central Kentucky William M. Andrews Jr. Thesis 4 Series XII, 2006 © 2006 University of Kentucky For further information contact: Technology Transfer Offi cer Kentucky Geological Survey 228 Mining and Mineral Resources Building University of Kentucky Lexington, KY 40506-0107 ISSN 0075-5621 Technical Level General Intermediate Technical Our Mission Our mission is to increase knowledge and understanding of the mineral, energy, and water resources, geologic hazards, and geology of Kentucky for the benefi t of the Commonwealth and Nation. Earth Resources—Our Common Wealth www.uky.edu/kgs GEOLOGIC CONTROLS ON PLIO-PLEISTOCENE DRAINAGE EVOLUTION OF THE KENTUCKY RIVER IN CENTRAL KENTUCKY ____________________________________ ABSTRACT OF DISSERTATION ____________________________________ A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the Requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the College of Arts and Sciences At the University of Kentucky By William M. Andrews Jr. Lexington, Kentucky Director: Dr. William A. Thomas, Professor of Geological Sciences Lexington, Kentucky 2004 Copyright © William Morton Andrews Jr. 2004 ABSTRACT OF DISSERTATION GEOLOGIC CONTROLS ON PLIO-PLEISTOCENE DRAINAGE EVOLUTION OF THE KENTUCKY RIVER IN CENTRAL KENTUCKY The primary goal of this project is to develop a relative chronology of events in the geologic history of the Kentucky River, and to consider the geologic controls on those events. This study utilized published geologic and topographic data, as well as field observations and extensive compilation and comparison of digital data, to examine the fluvial record preserved in the Kentucky River valley in central Kentucky. Numerous fluvial features including abandoned paleovalleys, fluvial terraces and deposits, bedrock benches, and relict spillways between adjacent river valleys were identified during the course of the study. The morphology of the modern valley coincides with bedrock lithology and can be used to describe the distribution and preservation of modern and ancient fluvial deposits and features in the study area. Bedrock lithology is the dominant control on valley morphology and on the distribution and preservation of fluvial deposits and features in the study area. Some stream trends are inherited from the late Paleozoic drainage of the Alleghanian orogeny. More recent inheritance of valley morphology has resulted from the erosion of the river from one lithology down into another lithology with differing erosional susceptibility, thus superposing the meander patterns of the overlying valley style onto the underlying lithology. One major drainage reorganization related to a pre-Illinoisan glacial advance disrupted the northward flow of the Old Kentucky River toward the Teays River system and led to organization of the early Ohio River. This greatly reduced the distance to base- level, and led to abrupt incision and a change in erosional style for the Kentucky River. The successful projection of valley morphologies on the basis of bedrock stratigraphy, the history of erosion suggested by fission track data and the results of this study, as well as soil thickness and development, all argue against the existence of a mid- to late-Tertiary, low-relief, regional erosional surface. This study instead hypothesizes that the apparent accordance of ridge-top elevations in the study area is a reflection of a fluvially downwasted late Paleozoic depositional surface. KEYWORDS: Quaternary geology, fluvial geomorphology, landscape evolution, Kentucky River Palisades, Teays River William Morton Andrews Jr. June 15, 2004 GEOLOGIC CONTROLS ON PLIO-PLEISTOCENE DRAINAGE EVOLUTION OF THE KENTUCKY RIVER IN CENTRAL KENTUCKY By William Morton Andrews Jr. William A. Thomas Director of Dissertation Frank R. Ettensohn Department Chairman June 15, 2004 RULES FOR THE USE OF DISSERTATIONS Unpublished dissertations submitted for the Doctor’s degree and deposited in the University of Kentucky Library are as rule open for inspection, but are to be used only with due regard to the rights of the authors. Bibliographical references may be noted, but quotations or summaries of parts may be published only with the permission of the author, and with the usual scholarly acknowledgments. Extensive copying or publication of the dissertation in whole or in part also requires the consent of the Dean of the Graduate School of the University of Kentucky. DISSERTATION William Morton Andrews Jr. The Graduate School University of Kentucky 2004 GEOLOGIC CONTROLS ON PLIO-PLEISTOCENE DRAINAGE EVOLUTION OF THE KENTUCKY RIVER IN CENTRAL KENTUCKY ____________________________________ DISSERTATION ____________________________________ A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the Requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the College of Arts and Sciences At the University of Kentucky By William M. Andrews Jr. Lexington, Kentucky Director: Dr. William A. Thomas, Professor of Geological Sciences Lexington, Kentucky 2004 Copyright © William Morton Andrews Jr. 2004 To Dr. John C. Ferm (1925-1999) and Dr. Nicholas Rast (1927-2001): I never got to say this before: your words and teachings have served me well. Thank you. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Although this project was conducted independently, no undertaking of this magnitude can be completed without the assistance and support of numerous individuals and organizations. The Kentucky Geological Survey, and State Geologist James C. Cobb, provided invaluable support for this dissertation, including computer facilities and software, open access to databases, access to field vehicles, and release from my normal duties to complete the project. The Southeastern Section Geological Society of America provided Student Travel Grants to assist with presentation of results at scientific meetings. My dissertation advisory committee has provided valuable insight and direction: William A. Thomas, Frank R. Ettensohn, David P. Moecher (Dept. of Geological Sciences), and Jonathan D. Phillips (Dept. of Geography). Michael D. Mullen (Dept. of Agronomy) agreed to serve as outside examiner. Steve Hornbeck and Tres Henn at the Louisville District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers helped locate and acquire data from the Corps’ archives. David Hamilton provided data from reports housed at the Kentucky River Authority. Access to key properties was graciously granted by Belleview Sand and Gravel, Delvin Reese, the Nature Conservancy, Kentucky State Nature Preserves, and numerous private landowners. Discussions with Joseph Ray (Kentucky Division of Water), Darryl Granger (Purdue University), Paul Potter (University of Cincinnati), Roy Vanarsdale (University of Memphis), Ned Bleuer (Indiana Geological Survey), and with Steve Cordiviola, Jim Dinger, Jim Currens, Randy Paylor, and Garland Dever (Kentucky Geological Survey) helped to shape and sharpen the concepts presented in this work. Assistance with field work was provided by John Hickman, Bethany Overfield, Doug Curl, Matt Crawford, Kieran Hosey, Steve Greb, and Mike Murphy (Kentucky Geological Survey); Ned Bleuer, John Hill, Marnie Dixon, and Steve Brown (Indiana Geological Survey); Stan Totten (Hanover College); Alex Stewart (Dept. of Geological Sciences); Zach Musselman, Linda Martin, Viva Nordberg, and Kristin Adams (Dept. of Geography); and Julian Campbell (Nature Conservancy). Finally, but by no means the least, the patience and support of my family has been well beyond the call of duty. I couldn’t have done it without them. I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone—family, friends, and colleagues—who have provided support and assistance throughout this project. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ................................................................................................. vi LIST OF TABLES............................................................................................................. vi LIST OF FIGURES .......................................................................................................... vii LIST OF FILES ................................................................................................................. xi CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND......................................... 1 Overview......................................................................................................................... 1 Study Area and Setting ................................................................................................... 1 Physiography............................................................................................................... 1 Climate and Original Landcover................................................................................. 4 Stratigraphy................................................................................................................. 4 High Bridge Group ................................................................................................. 6 Lexington Limestone .............................................................................................. 6 Upper Ordovician Units........................................................................................ 10 Silurian and Devonian Units................................................................................. 10 Borden Formation ................................................................................................
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