Groundwater sensitivity mapping in Kentucky using GIS and digitally vectorized geologic quadrangles |
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| Authors: | Andrea Croskrey Chris Groves |
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| Institution: | (1) Geologic Resources Division, National Park Service, P.O. Box 25287, Denver, CO 80225-0287, USA;(2) Hoffman Environmental Research Institute, Department of Geography and Geology, Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Heights Blvd #31066, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101-1066, USA |
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| Abstract: | Groundwater sensitivity (Ray and O’dell in Environ Geol 22:345–352, 1993a) refers to the inherent ease with which groundwater can be contaminated based on hydrogeologic characteristics. We have developed
digital methods for identifying areas of varying groundwater sensitivity for a ten county area of south central Kentucky at
a scale of 1:100,000. The study area includes extensive limestone karst sinkhole plains, with groundwater extremely sensitive
to contamination. Digitally vectorized geologic quadrangles (DVGQs) were combined with elevation data to identify both hydrogeologic
groundwater sensitivity regions and zones of “high risk runoff” where contaminants could be transported in runoff from less
sensitive to higher sensitivity (particularly karst) areas. While future work will fine-tune these maps with additional layers
of data (soils for example) as digital data have become available, using DVGQs allows a relatively rapid assessment of groundwater
sensitivity for Kentucky at a more useful scale than previously available assessment methods, such as DRASTIC and DIVERSITY.
Geographic definitions: United States of America, Kentucky, Barren River Area Development District. |
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| Keywords: | Groundwater Karst DVGQs Runoff Contamination |
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