Date Available
12-7-2011
Year of Publication
2008
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Document Type
Thesis
College
Arts and Sciences
Department
Geology
First Advisor
Dr. Edward W. Woolery
Abstract
Over 7.8 km of seismic reflection data and 2 km of electrical resistivity data were acquired, processed, and interpreted during this multi-method geophysical study. Objectives included the definition of geologic conditions underlying a contaminant plume in McCracken County, western Kentucky, and the determination of the potential for structural control on the rate and direction of plume migration. Both geophysical methods indicate the presence of multiple high-angle normal faults outlining a series of asymmetric grabens ranging in width from 160 m to almost 300 m and striking between N40°E and N45°E. There was agreement between the two methods on fault location and degree of near-surface offset, with offsets of 1 to 2 m observed at 10 to 20 m below ground surface and 3 to 8 m observed at 20 to 30 m depth. Bedrock displacement was generally 2 to 3 times larger, with offsets of 10 to 26 m observed. The faults appear to have originated in the Paleozoic with predominantly normal reactivation occurring as recently as the Pleistocene. The fault strikes generally approximate the orientation of the northwestern contaminant plume. Observed offset of the Regional Gravel Aquifer may form a preferential flow path for contaminant migration.
Recommended Citation
Blits, Cora A., "INTEGRATED GEOPHYSICAL IMAGING OF SUBSURFACE GEOLOGIC CONDITIONS ACROSS A CONTAMINANT PLUME, MCCRACKEN COUNTY, KENTUCKY" (2008). University of Kentucky Master's Theses. 560.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/gradschool_theses/560