Kentucky’s landscape is full of hidden underground systems. These systems were shaped by ancient forces. In places like Harlan County, the ground is made of limestone that water can dissolve. Over time, this water creates underground tunnels and holes. These holes can collapse, forming sinkholes. The Kentucky Geological Survey says this is key to understanding […]
Western Kentucky’s unique geology shapes its landscape in Hancock County. The area sits on the Pennyroyal Plateau, a karst terrain with soluble limestone bedrock. Over time, groundwater has dissolved these rocks, creating underground cavities that sometimes collapse into sinkholes. The Kentucky Geological Survey has documented four sinkholes in Hancock County. They were mapped through field […]
Kentucky’s karst landscape is full of unique challenges, like in Harrison County. The area’s soluble bedrock leads to underground drainage systems. This makes it prone to sudden ground collapses. Over the last 20 years, sinkholes have damaged infrastructure and farmland. This has brought attention to the area’s fragile geology. The Kentucky Geological Survey has found […]
Central Kentucky’s karst geology creates unique landscapes. Water and limestone interact over thousands of years. The Kentucky Geological Survey shows how soluble bedrock forms natural drainage systems through gradual dissolution. About 40% of the state has these porous formations. The Western Pennyroyal area has the most activity. Hart County is part of this dynamic network. […]
South-central Kentucky is known for its unique landscapes. The area has soluble limestone bedrock, which water slowly breaks down. This creates underground systems, caves, and sinkholes that shape Green County’s terrain. The Kentucky Geological Survey says over 40% of the state is karst-prone. Green County is in a major karst region. Here, water flows through […]
Kentucky’s karst landscape is unique due to its limestone-rich areas. Water dissolving bedrock over time creates sinkholes. The Kentucky Geological Survey (KGS) identifies three main types: solution, collapse, and subsidence. Oldham and Bullitt Counties have thousands of sinkholes. But Grant County has fewer, with five mapped depressions. LiDAR technology shows how detection methods are changing. […]
Eastern Kentucky’s karst landscape is unique. It sits on porous limestone bedrock, leading to sinkholes. Water erosion and seasonal groundwater changes shape this area. State records show one sinkhole in Greenup County from 2003. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet tracks these using surveys and reports. Limestone dissolution is the main cause, with acidic rainwater creating underground […]
Central Kentucky’s karst landscape faces unique challenges, like in Franklin County. Limestone formations dissolve over time, creating cavities that can collapse into sinkholes. There are three main ways this happens: solution sinkholes from erosion, collapse sinkholes from roof failures, and subsidence sinkholes from soil settling. The Kentucky Geological Survey uses LiDAR mapping to measure these […]
South-central Kentucky is known for its complex geology. The area’s limestone bedrock, shaped over 300 million years, is perfect for sinkholes. Near Mammoth Cave National Park, erosion shows off ancient rock layers. Cedar Sink is a great example of this area. It’s 300 feet deep and 7 acres wide. It formed when water dissolved limestone […]