Karst Hydrogeologic Framework and Factors Contributing to Flooding in Burgin, Kentucky

Authors

• Charles Taylor, University of KentuckyFollow
• Junfeng Zhu, University of KentuckyFollow
• Matthew Carmichael, University of KentuckyFollow
• Hudson J. Koch, University of KentuckyFollow

Files

ORCID(s)

Charles J. Taylor 0000-0002-2691-2740

Publication Date

8-28-2026

Abstract

This report examines the karst hydrogeologic setting and drainage characteristics that are thought to contribute to frequent severe flooding in the city of Burgin in Mercer County, Kentucky. Burgin is located at the eastern end of an approximately 4.5 mi² mapped karst groundwater basin in the Ordovician limestone aquifer system in the Inner Bluegrass karst region. Flooding occurs within a streamless 1.4 mi² dry karst valley where almost all channelized surface runoff has been captured by sinkholes and sinking stream segments and diverted underground by con­duit piracy. The only natural outlet for water exiting from the karst valley and larger groundwater basin is Burgin Spring. Hydrogeologic mapping data indicate that sur­face flooding occurs when the hydraulic capacity of the karst conduits that discharge to Burgin Spring is exceeded. This results in hydraulic damming and back-flooding of conduits and sinkholes in the karst valley. Resurgence of karst groundwater at valley sink­holes as well as the sinking stream segments near the valley’s head result in eventual overflow and inunda­tion of the valley floor. High-resolution electrical resistivity surveys conducted by the Kentucky Geological Survey in April 2025 identified the presence of major water-bearing conduits at depths of 40 to 60 ft below land surface in several locations on the east side of the valley. Relic stream channels mapped using a digital terrain processing method modified for karst reveal the former pattern of surface streamflow in the karst groundwater basins prior to conduit piracy and pro­vide insight into karst drainage development and flooding in the Burgin area. By integrating the new data from the geophysical surveys and relic streams geomorphic analysis with existing dye-tracing and hydrogeologic data from the Burgin Spring basin, our understanding of flood occurrence there is improved. A better foundation is also provided for developing effective flood mitigation strategies for Burgin, as well as for other communities in similar karst terrains.

KGS Series Number

14

KGS Issue Number

2

DOI

https://doi.org/10.13023/kgs.14.ri.2.2026

Disciplines

Geology | Hydrology

Spatial Coverage

City of Burgin, Mercer County, Kentucky, Inner Bluegrass Region

Funding Information

Kentucky Geological Survey

Related Content

Introduction to Karst Aquifers/(Eve L. Kuniansky, Charles J. Taylor, John H. Williams, and Frederick Paillet) - Guelph, Ontario, Canada, 2022.  

216 pages, ISBN: 978-1-77470-040-2, DOI: https://doi.org/10.21083/978-1-77470-040-2. 

https://gw-project.org/books/introduction-to-karst-aquifers/. 

Archival?

Accessible

Recommended Citation

Taylor, C.J., Zhu, J., Carmichael, M., and Koch, H., 2026, Karst hydrogeologic framework and factors contributing to flooding in Burgin, Kentucky: Kentucky Geological Survey, ser. 14, Report of Investigations 2, 29 p.