Western Kentucky is known for its sinkholes, thanks to its unique geology. Caldwell County sits on top of karst systems, where limestone dissolves easily. Scientists first noticed this sinkhole plain topography in 1978. Groundwater has been eroding the rock for centuries. This creates holes in the ground. About 40% of western Kentucky has karst features. […]
Southwestern Kentucky’s karst landscape poses unique challenges, like in Christian County. The area’s limestone bedrock dissolves, creating underground cavities. These can collapse suddenly, affecting the sinkhole map and putting infrastructure at risk. Changes in the water table speed up erosion in this rock. Heavy rain or long droughts can cause ground collapses. Recent incidents near […]
Western Kentucky’s unique geology poses natural risks for ground collapses. The area falls within the Western Pennyroyal karst landscape. Here, soluble limestone bedrock slowly dissolves, forming underground cavities. These cavities can cause sudden sinkholes when the surface layers collapse. Rainwater is key in shaping this terrain. It filters through soil, becoming acidic as it absorbs […]
Kentucky’s karst landscapes shape much of Carter County’s geology. Soluble limestone bedrock and water create sinkholes. The Kentucky Geological Survey has mapped 73 depressions, showing the area’s high karst activity. These natural features form through two ways: slow rock dissolution or sudden collapses. When underground cavities collapse, they can cause sudden sinkholes. The region is […]
Central Kentucky’s landscape is shaped by water and time. The area’s karst geology, with soluble limestone bedrock, allows groundwater to create caves and sinkholes. The Kentucky Geological Survey has documented this process, showing how Casey County’s terrain is unique. Rainwater picks up carbon dioxide as it goes through soil, becoming slightly acidic. This acid slowly […]
Carroll County in Kentucky is built on a special kind of ground. This ground, made of limestone, is very porous. Over time, this has led to the formation of many sinkholes. State surveys have found 73 documented sinkholes in the area. These sinkholes are linked to water flow and the type of rock they’re in. […]
Kentucky’s landscape is full of hidden karst formations. These are areas where water dissolves limestone bedrock. The state has five karst regions, with the Inner Bluegrass area being the most dense in limestone. These soluble rocks make sinkholes possible. Sinkholes are natural depressions that form through erosion or sudden collapse. Bourbon County is in a […]
Central Kentucky’s landscape has a hidden story beneath its surface. The area’s karst terrain, made from dissolving limestone, shows its weaknesses through sinkholes. In Bullitt County, groundwater slowly eats away at the rock, creating underground spaces that collapse. State geologists have found 1,952 verified sinkholes in the area. Most are in eastern zones. This matches […]
Breckinridge County is in Kentucky’s Western Pennyroyal Karst region. It has a landscape shaped by ancient forces. The area’s Mississippian limestone is very porous, making it perfect for sinkholes. Over time, water has carved out caves and channels under the ground. This has happened because of the limestone’s ability to dissolve. The county’s elevation varies […]