KGS Fact Sheets
Informational fact sheets about Kentucky geology, natural resources, and geologic hazards.
26 fact sheets available
Karst Sinkholes
Junfeng Zhu
Learn the difference between a subsidence and cover-collapse sinkhole, the role of karst geology in the formation of sinkholes, and what to do if you find one.
Landslides
Mitigation, recognition, and identification tips for landslides, as well as safety and prevalence.
Orphaned Oil and Gas Wells
Shows a map of known abandoned or 'orphan' wells and methane containment strategies for these wells across the state of Kentucky
Earthquakes
Kentucky is affected by earthquakes from several seismic zones in and around the state. The most important one is the New Madrid Seismic Zone. Includes a diagram of the Kentucky Seismic and Strong-Motion Network.
Earth Analysis Research Library (EARL)
Earth Analysis Research Library, or EARL, is the largest and most comprehensive public research repository of solid geological samples in Kentucky. These samples provide the best available information for ground-truth observation of Kentucky’s subsurface. Examination and understanding of these materials can provide critical and cost-saving insights for energy exploration, environmental management, geotechnical investigation, hydrologic assessment, and geologic research.
How KGS Uses LiDAR
Jason M. Dortch
KGS established its Digital Earth Analysis Laboratory (DEAL) in 2017 to support research on innovative LiDAR solutions to benefit the commonwealth. DEAL contains high-end computer workstations capable of working with large LiDAR files, a high-capacity server containing 14 TB of Kentucky LiDAR data, an 80-inch touchscreen display to facilitate collaboration, and a variety of specialized mapping and analysis software.
Oil and Natural Gas in Kentucky
Oil and natural gas occur across Kentucky. Early explorers and settlers found natural oil and gas seeps to be common. The first oil boom occurred after the Civil War in south-central Kentucky.
Hydraulic Fracturing in Kentucky
A history of hydraulic fracturing / fracking in Kentucky. Information about hydraulic fracturing operations in Kentucky.
Coal
An overview of coal, its formation, role in Kentucky economy, and diagrams of Kentucky coal fields, as well as an illustration showing surface and underground mining methods.
Carbon Storage Research, Hancock County Test Well
An overview of a project exploring viability of a site in Hancock County, Kentucky for carbon sequestration.
Carbon Storage Research, Incentives for Energy Independence Act 2007
The Kentucky Incentives for Energy Independence Act of 2007 mandated and funded carbon storage research at KGS. Specific goals of this research were to quantify the potential for enhanced oil and gas recovery using carbon dioxide; test permanent geologic storage potential for CO2 with two deep wells; test the Devonian shale for carbon storage potential and enhanced gas recovery
Carter County Test Well
Overview of a project to collect subsurface data to assess the geologic carbon storage potential of a site in northeastern Kentucky.
CO2-Enhanced Oil Recovery Pilot Projects
Carbon Storage Research, CO2 Enhanced Oil Recovery Project Information about using CO2 for enhanced oil recovery in Kentucky.
Induced Seismic Events in Kentucky
Information about human-induced seismic activity in Kentucky.
Kentucky County Groundwater Resources Reports
The Kentucky Geological Survey has developed a series of county groundwater resources reports that contain general information on hydrology, geology, topography, water supply and usage, and groundwater quality.
Kentucky Groundwater Data Repository
The Kentucky Groundwater Data Repository was initiated in 1990 by the Kentucky Geological Survey under mandate from the Kentucky legislature (KRS 151:035). The repository was established to archive and disseminate groundwater data collected by State agencies, other organizations, and independent researchers.
Meteorites
Information about how meteorites form, and locations in Kentucky where meteorites have been found, including examples on display in the Mining & Mineral Resources Building on UK campus.
Minerals
Mineral resources in Kentucky fall into four broad categories: metals, gemstones, industrial and coal, and oil and natural gas. Metals include zinc, lead, iron, copper, titanium, and rare earth elements. Pearls, diamonds, and agates are examples of semiprecious or precious gemstones. All other minerals and rocks of economic significance, including fluorite, barite, limestone, clay, sand, gravel, and phosphate, are classified as industrial minerals.
Water
Surface water and groundwater are present throughout Kentucky’s 39,486 square miles. Surface water occurs as rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, and wetlands. Ground-water occurs in the pore spaces within rocks and alluvium, in fractures, and in solution openings or conduits in areas underlain by soluble carbonate rocks (for example, limestone).
Geology of the Bluegrass Pipeline
Information about geological considerations for the Bluegrass Pipeline.
Fossils
How fossils form, what a fossil is, and a chart showing what sorts of fossils are commonly found in Kentucky.
Trilobites: KGS Fact Sheet (black and white)
Facts about trilobites. Black and white printer friendly version.
Limestone
Limestone is a valuable resource in Kentucky and an abundant sedimentary rock. This fact sheet describes mining techniques for limestone and some of its commercial uses.
Industrial & Metallic Minerals
An overview of industrial and metallic mineral extraction and use in Kentucky, includes a map showing limestone and dolomite occurrence.
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