Kentucky’s unique geology is shaped by water. Almost 40% of the state has karst systems, which are porous limestone that dissolves over time. This creates underground networks and surface features like caves and depressions. In eastern Kentucky, the Pennyroyal region shows this dynamic. Acidic rainwater slowly widens fractures in bedrock. This makes areas like Pike […]
South-central Kentucky is known for its unique geology. This area sits on karst topography, shaped by limestone dissolving over time. This has created caves, underground streams, and depressions. Monroe County has 711 verified sinkholes, according to state surveys. These happen when water dissolves rock, causing voids to collapse. The Western Pennyroyal Karst Region is where […]
Central Kentucky’s unique geology makes it prone to sinkholes. Nelson County sits on karst terrain, where limestone and shale create underground voids. The Kentucky Geological Survey has mapped 152 sinkholes here, with many near Bardstown and the Knobs Region. These sinkholes form over centuries as water dissolves limestone. They can collapse suddenly, swallowing roads or […]
Central Kentucky’s landscape is more fragile than it seems. The area’s karst topography is shaped by soluble limestone. This creates perfect conditions for sinkholes to form. Water seeps through the rock, slowly dissolving it. This creates underground cavities. When the surface can’t support them anymore, these cavities collapse. In Owen County, KY, extreme weather makes […]
Kentucky’s landscape is full of hidden underground tunnels and caverns. These are formed by soluble bedrock that dissolves over time. The Western Pennyroyal region is one of the most active areas for sinkholes in North America. Here, the ground changes height, affecting the environment. Places near the Ohio River are 383 feet above sea level. […]
Western Kentucky faces unique challenges due to its geology. The area is built on karst terrain, where limestone bedrock dissolves to create underground spaces. This makes the surface more likely to collapse, mainly where soil and rock layers mix. In recent years, several incidents have shown these risks. In 2015, a tractor fell into a […]
Central Kentucky’s landscape has a hidden story beneath its surface. It sits on top of the Western Pennyroyal karst system. This area has porous limestone bedrock that shapes the terrain. Over time, groundwater has dissolved this rock. It has created underground drainage networks and sinkholes. These features define the area’s topography. Madison County’s karst landscape […]
Eastern Kentucky’s unique geology makes it vulnerable to sinkholes. Menifee County, KY is at risk because of this. The area is on the Eastern Pennyroyal karst plateau, where limestone bedrock dissolves slowly. This process creates underground cavities. Over time, these cavities can collapse. This leads to sudden sinkholes or gradual depressions that change the landscape. […]
The geology of M-S County makes it prone to sinkholes. The area’s limestone and marl-chalk layers are soft and can dissolve. This is shown in studies by the Mississippi Bureau of Geology. These layers react with water, slowly creating holes underground. A 1989 symposium found that areas with thick limestone see more sinkholes. The USGS […]