GEOLOGIC FEATURES RELEVANT TO GROUND-WATER FLOW ...

James A. Drahovzal and R. Todd Hendricks 1 

GEOLOGIC FEATURES RELEVANT TO GROUND-WATER FLOW IN 

THE VICINITY OF THE 

PADUCAH GASEOUS DIFFUSION PLANT 

James A. Drahovzal and R. Todd Hendricks 

Kentucky Geological Survey 

University of Kentucky 

Final Report Submitted to 

Federal Facilities Oversight Unit: Environmental Remediation 

for the 

Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant 

1996 

Project Manager: James A. Drahovzal 


228 Mining and Mineral Resources Building 


Lexington, Kentucky 40506-0107 

Phone (606) 257-5500; Fax (606) 257-1147 

Drahovzal@kgs.mm.uky.edu 

Date of Submission: November 27, 1996 

Date of Update: April 30, 1997 


Open-File Report OF-97-02

2 Kentucky Geological Survey Open-File Report OF-97-02 

GEOLOGIC FEATURES RELEVANT TO GROUND-WATER FLOW IN 

THE VICINITY OF THE 

PADUCAH GASEOUS DIFFUSION PLANT 

James A. Drahovzal and R. Todd Hendricks 

INTRODUCTION 

Various types of structural geologic features may significantly 

affect ground-water flow in the vicinity of the 

Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant. Numerous faults, folds, 

and liquefaction structures have been recognized in western 

Kentucky and adjacent areas of Illinois, Missouri, and 

Tennessee. Therefore, the primary goal of this report is to 

compile information concerning local and regional geologic 

structures that could significantly affect groundwater 

flow and the dispersal of water-borne contaminants 

in the vicinity of the plant. A secondary goal is delineating 

structures that, if reactivated, could affect the structural 

stability of buildings in the plant area. 

At the onset of this study, a series of deliverables was 

proposed. These included (1) a bibliography of pertinent 

geologic and geophysical literature, (2) one or more 

structural features maps, (3) a basement structure map, (4) 

a surface fault map, (5) a lineament map, (6) field notes 

and maps, (7) appropriate remote sensing and geophysical 

data for future analysis, and (8) recommendations for future 

studies. Instead of field notes and field maps, we are 

providing a summary of field investigations. In addition to 

the listed deliverables, we are adding this final report, 

which discusses the potential significance of faults, liquefaction 

features, and lineaments to ground-water flow in 

the study area. 

GEOLOGIC AND GEOPHYSICAL 

LITERATURE AND DATA 

COMPILATION 

A bibliography of pertinent geologic and geophysical 

publications was compiled from various sources (Appendix 

A). Maps showing faults, folds, areas of abundant 

clastic dikes, earthquake epicenters, and linear features 

were compiled for the area of the Paducah and Murray 30 

x 60 minute quadrangles at a scale of 1:100,000 (Plates 1 

and 2). Another map, covering the area of the Paducah 

West, Metropolis, Joppa, and Heath 7.5-minute quadrangles, 

showing structural features, clastic dikes, and earthquake 

epicenters, was compiled at a scale of 1:48,000 

(Plate 3). We also produced a 1:100,000-scale basement 

structure map based on proprietary reflection-seismic data 

(Plate 4). Base maps used for the plates in this study were 

produced from digital line graphs supplied by the U.S. 

Geological Survey. Side-looking airborne radar (SLAR) 

imagery (Fig. 1) was used in lineament interpretations 

(Plate 2, Fig. 2). A sparker profile obtained from the U.S. 

Army Corps of Engineers (Fig. 3) was used in fault interpretation 

(Plate 3). 

BIBLIOGRAPHY 

A bibliography of structurally relevant geologic and 

geophysical publications is presented in Appendix A. 

These references are basically of two types: those that 

relate directly to the delineation of geologic structures, 

liquefaction features, or earthquake epicenters in the area 

of the plant; and those that aid in the understanding of 

these phenomena. 

Unpublished field notes compiled during the joint U.S. 

Geological Survey-Kentucky Geological Survey geologic 

mapping program of the 1960’s and 1970’s served as an 

important source of local field data for the Paducah area. 

Most, but not all, of the mappers’ field notes were microfilmed 

and are on file at the Kentucky Geological Survey. 

Unfortunately, the quality of the microfilm copies is variable, 

and in some cases, pages were omitted. 

REGIONAL SURFACE STRUCTURAL FEATURES 

The structural data shown on Plate 1 come from three 

basic sources. The majority of the structures shown in the 

Paducah 30 x 60 minute quadrangle part of the map 

(northern half of Plate 1) were obtained as digital files 

from the Illinois State Geological Survey. Compiled as 

part of the Conterminous United States Mineral Assessment 

Program (CUSMAP), these files were digitized in 

1992 from 1:100,000-scale base maps drawn on Mylar by 

W.J. Nelson. The primary source of these data was 7.5- 

minute geologic quadrangle maps (1:24,000 scale) (referenced 

in Appendix A). Revisions were made to the digital 

files in 1993, 1994, and 1995 as more 7.5-minute quadrangles 

were mapped. 

Other primary sources of structural information for the 

Paducah 30 x 60 minute quadrangle were Kolata and others 

(1981), Nelson (1995), and Nelson and others (1996). 

Because the work of Nelson (1995) and Nelson and others


(1996) is based upon the most recent information available, 

it was given more consideration than older works 

(e.g., Ross, 1963, 1964) in the preparation of maps for 

this study. Not all sources for the mapped faults have distinguished 

between faults verified by field evidence (normally 

shown with solid lines) and inferred faults (normally 

shown with dashed lines). Because of this inconsistency 

in the sources, all faults are shown here with solid 

lines, though some are inferred. 

Faults, folds, and areas of abundant clastic dikes in the 

Murray 30 x 60 minute quadrangle (southern half of Plate 

1) were digitized directly from the U.S. Geological Survey 

7.5-minute geologic quadrangle maps (referenced in 

Appendix A). 

Earthquake epicenters mapped in Plate 1 (composed of 

both the Paducah and Murray 30 x 60 minute quadrangles) 

were obtained via the Internet from the U.S. Geological 

Survey–National Earthquake Information Center 

Earthquake Data Base System; the information is complete 

and accurate as of August 1996. 

LINEAMENT FEATURES 

The linear features map presented here (Plate 2) is 

adapted primarily from McHaffie (1983). Linear features 

in the vicinity of the plant were mapped by Drahovzal 

from 1:250,000-scale SLAR imagery (Fig. 1). 

Also using SLAR, Stohr (1992) completed a lineament 

map, along with an unpublished manuscript, for the Paducah 

30 x 60 minute quadrangle (including here as Appendix 

B). 

SURFACE STRUCTURAL FEATURES AND 

EARTHQUAKE EPICENTERS 

Plate 3 shows the faults, clastic dikes, and earthquake 

epicenters recognized within the area of the Paducah 

West, Metropolis, Joppa, and Heath 7.5-minute quadrangles. 

The fault and dike data presented on Plate 3 come 

from three sources: (1) 1:24,000-scale structure maps 

hand-drawn on mylar by W.J. Nelson (Nelson and others, 

1996; John Nelson, written communication, 1997), (2) 

U.S. Geological Survey geologic quadrangle maps (Finch, 

1966, 1967; Olive, 1966a), and (3) our own interpretations, 

including those based on sparker data acquired on 

the Ohio River for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 

(Fig. 3). Note that the faults shown on Plate 3 are in addition 

to the regional faults shown on Plate 1. 

Earthquake epicenters mapped on Plate 3 are from the 

U.S. Geological Survey–National Earthquake Information 

Center Earthquake Data Base System. 

STRUCTURE ON TOP OF THE PRECAMBRIAN 

BASEMENT 

The structure on top of the Precambrian basement for 

the Paducah and Murray 30 x 60 minute quadrangles has 

been interpreted by Drahovzal, based on proprietary reflection-seismic 

data available to the Kentucky Geological 

Survey. The definition of the top of the Precambrian 

basement is the base of the pre-Knox sequence and the top 

of the post-Grenville or pre-Grenville surface as defined 

by Drahovzal (1996, in press). Locations for most of these 

data are currently proprietary, and only interpreted contour 

maps may be published or otherwise released. An 

exception is the published data for a part of the northern 

half of Plate 4 (Potter and others, 1995). Much of the 

faulting has been projected downward to the top of the 

basement, based on surface faulting (Plate 1) and on interpretation 

of the reflection-seismic data. P-wave, rockvelocity 

assumptions used in determining depth are: post- 

Paleozoic rocks—6,000 ft/s, post-Knox Paleozoic rocks— 

16,500 ft/s, Knox Group—21,400 ft/s, and pre-Knox 

rocks—18,000 ft/s. Plate 4 is part of a regional basement 

map being produced as part of a seismotectonic atlas by 

the U.S. Geological Survey and the Illinois Basin Consortium. 

SUMMARY OF FIELD 

INVESTIGATIONS 

Field investigations were not a primary task of this 

study. However, in order to develop a better understanding 

of the geology of the Paducah area, we made three 

trips to the area to observe and search for geologic structures. 

A trip to the Barnes Creek area of southern Illinois 

(August 14, 1996) served largely to verify some of the 

observations of Nelson and others (1996) and Kiefer and 

others (1997). Unquestionably, the McNairy Formation 

and Mounds Gravel exhibit deformation in the creek bed, 

but we failed to see many of the structures described by 

Nelson and others (1996). This may have been because of 

the dense vegetation on the creek banks and because some 

of the exposures may have been destroyed by gravel 

dredging operations in the creek bed. Many more of the 

structures were observed and verified by earlier work 

(Kiefer and others, 1997). Kiefer and others (1997) concluded 

that although there are significant Quaternary and 

Tertiary structures of tectonic origin in this part of southern 

Illinois, some of the purported tectonic features are 

actually slump or original sedimentary structures. 

From September 10 through September 13, 1996, 

Hendricks conducted a preliminary field investigation of 

selected streams in the Paducah West, Metropolis, and


Heath Quadrangles. Hendricks walked along the north 

bank of the Ohio River from the barge-loading facility 

west of Fort Massac State Park near Metropolis upstream 

to Brookport, Ill. (Plate 3), and noted no structural features 

or clastic dikes. All outcrops showing the faults 

documented by Kolata and others (1981, p. 22–24), including 

where the Rock Creek Fault(?) had been reported 

exposed, were covered with rip-rap during construction of 

the barge-loading facility. 

The second stream examined for this study was Massac 

Creek near Metropolis, Ill., which forms the eastern 

boundary of Fort Massac State Park. Our fault map (Plate 

3) indicates that the Rock Creek Fault(?) may cross this 

stream between U.S. Highway 45 and the confluence of 

the creek with the Ohio River. The creek flows mainly in 

alluvium, but some Mounds Gravel and McNairy Formation 

sands may be present. No unequivocally structural 

features were noted, but some deformation was present in 

cut banks in the stream. We have regarded this deformation, 

however, as probable Quaternary slumping. 

The third area examined during this phase of the study 

was the south bank of the Ohio River, from the boat ramp 

in downtown Paducah for approximately 2 miles to the 

west. No geologic structures were noted. The only sediments 

present along the river bank were Quaternary alluvium. 

Much of the river bank was covered by concrete 

and rip-rap. 

Little Bayou Creek was examined from the watermonitoring 

station on Kentucky Highway 358, upstream 

toward the plant (Plate 3). No structures were noted in the 

creek bed, which was entirely within Quaternary alluvium. 

Hendricks exited the creek when he encountered signs 

indicating radioactivity and PCB contamination. 

The final stream examined in the Paducah area was 

near Reidland, Ky., where Olive (1966b) mapped a clastic 

dike in the Porters Creek Clay. Numerous excellent exposures 

of Mounds Gravel are in the stream bed and banks. 

The clastic dike is located in a steep stream bank approximately 

1,000 ft east of Reidland High School. This 

feature was described by Kiefer and others (1997) as being 

composed of gray, micaceous sand, nearly vertical in 

attitude, and up to 3 in. wide. Logging operations in the 

area in September 1996 had obscured the dike. 

We visited areas exhibiting abundant clastic dikes in 

the Elva and Oak Level Quadrangles (see the northwestern 

of two red boxes northwest of Benton on Plate 1) on 

September 19, 1996. Numerous clastic dikes are exposed 

in the Porters Creek Clay in a creek south of Kentucky 

Highway 358, west of New Harmony Church in the Elva 

Quadrangle (Olive, 1963, 1972) (see Figs. 4–7). Olive 

(1972) reported these structures to be from less than 1 in. 

to more than 35 ft across, although the larger dikes may 

actually be sills. The Porters Creek Clay in this area is 

dark gray and blocky, with a conchoidal fracture. The unit 

weathers to various shades of medium, olive, and light 

gray. The lithology of the clastic dikes ranges from medium-gray 

to medium-dark-gray, very micaceous, medium-grained 

sandstone (Figs. 4–6) to medium-dark-gray, 

very micaceous, silty clay (Fig. 7). The dikes range from 

less than a few in. to several ft in width, and small waterfalls 

form where the creek crosses the more resistant sandstone 

dikes. Although many dikes are fairly straight, some 

bifurcate, and others make right-angle turns (Fig. 6). One 

sandstone dike in the creek bed and bank is approximately 

16 in. across, widens abruptly upward into a sill-like body 

approximately 8 ft wide and 4 ft high, and then narrows 

upward into a 1-ft-wide dike at the top of the outcrop. The 

Porters Creek Clay is partly brecciated adjacent to the sill, 

and excellent examples of slickensides are present at the 

sill margins. 

We attended the Association of Missouri Geologists 

Field Conference on September 20 and 21, 1996, in Cape 

Girardeau, Mo., principally to examine faulted strata of 

late Quaternary age and associated liquefaction features 

(Palmer and others, 1996). This trip enabled us to examine 

recent faulting and liquefaction features in Missouri 

(Figs. 8–9) in order to better recognize similar phenomena 

in the plant area. 

DISCUSSION 

FAULTS 

In the northern part of the Mississippi Embayment, 

which includes the Jackson Purchase Region of Kentucky, 

strata of Eocene age and older are largely concealed by 

continental deposits (Mounds or “Lafayette” Gravel), alluvium, 

and loess. Outcrops of indurated strata are rare 

throughout the region, and the Paducah area is no exception. 

The scarcity of outcrops, the relatively gentle topography 

with low-gradient streams, the unconsolidated 

sediments present at the surface, and the density of vegetation 

in the plant area make field geologic investigation 

very difficult. Olive (1972) regarded the concentration of 

mapped faults in certain areas of the Jackson Purchase to 

be largely a function of the nature of the surficial materials. 

More faults have been mapped in areas where the 

Paleozoic-Cretaceous boundary and the boundaries of the 

Porters Creek Clay are exposed, because these are easily 

recognized, correlatable horizons. Therefore, many unrecognized 

faults may be present in the plant area. 

The plant area lies at the southwestern edge of the 

Fluorspar Area Fault Complex (Treworgy, 1981). As 

mapped on the surface, the Fluorspar Area Fault Complex 

trends northeastward through Hardin, Pope, and Massac 

Counties in Illinois and Crittenden and Livingston Coun-


ties in Kentucky. The Fluorspar Area Fault Complex 

probably extends for some distance southwestward beneath 

the Cretaceous and younger sediments that fill the 

Mississippi Embayment (i.e., into McCracken and adjacent 

counties in Kentucky). Nelson (1995), Nelson and 

others (1996), and Keifer and others (1996) have confirmed 

faulting in the Quaternary and Tertiary rocks of 

southern Illinois. In addition, the faulting is interpreted to 

continue downward to the Precambrian basement and 

possibly deeper (Plate 4). The northeast-trending faults 

mapped in the plant area (Plates 1 and 3) are probably the 

surface manifestations of buried Fluorspar Area Fault 

Complex faults. In all likelihood, the plant area is as intensely 

faulted as are areas in Pope, Massac, and Hardin 

Counties, Ill. Furthermore, the number of earthquake epicenters 

recognized in the area indicates that active faults 

are present at depth near the plant. The relationship between 

the faults shown on the Precambrian basement map 

(Plate 4) and earthquake epicenters is not well understood, 

and is the subject of continuing research. 

Sparker-profile data from the Ohio River (Alpine 

Geophysical Associates, 1966), available from the U.S. 

Army Corps of Engineers, reveals an abrupt offset in the 

profile of a reflector beneath the river at mile marker 948 

(Plate 3, Fig. 9). The stratigraphic identification of the 

reflector is not known, but it may be equivalent to the top 

of the Mississippian limestone. The offset in the 

immediate vicinity of mile marker 948 is approximately 

100 ft and down to the southeast. The offset on the profile 

may represent a fault. Overlying horizons show no 

evidence of offset or faulting, suggesting that Quaternary 

units have not been affected. The offset may represent a 

down-to-the-southeast normal fault. Because this potential 

fault appears to have a similar magnitude of offset as the 

Barnes Creek and Massac structures farther northeast in 

Illinois (Nelson and others, 1996) and because it appears 

to be on trend, it is referred to as the Barnes Creek- 

Massac Creek Fault Zone(?). 

The predominantly northeast-trending faults in the 

plant area are significant in light of the geometry of the 

contaminant plumes in the regional gravel aquifer in the 

plant area. Because faulting, a clastic dike, and lineaments 

(Plate 2, Fig. 2) in the area all trend northeast, as do the 

contaminant plumes, local faulting and fracturing may be 

significantly affecting ground-water migration. Preliminary 

results from six-fold, seismic-reflection studies carried 

out by Dr. Ron Street of the Department of Geological 

Sciences at the University of Kentucky (written communication, 

1997) confirm faulting at possibly the Clayton-McNairy 

interval north of the plant. The lineament 

along the northwest contaminant plume coincides with the 

southeast seismic-detected fault zone found by Street. 

LIQUEFACTION STRUCTURES (CLASTIC DIKES) 

Clastic dikes have been mapped in a number of outcrops 

of the Porters Creek Clay throughout the Jackson 

Purchase (Olive and McDowell, 1986). For the most part, 

these features are restricted to the Porters Creek. Although 

this association may be related to the time of emplacement, 

it is possible that factors related to the lithology and 

physical properties of the Porters Creek make it particularly 

well suited for the emplacement of clastic dikes, and 

that adjacent strata are not suited. 

Demoulin (1996) described Quaternary clastic dikes in 

Belgium that were prevalent in alluvial sands and silts, but 

either ended abruptly at the base of overlying gravel beds 

or penetrated them, at a reduced angle, for only short distances. 

Only the major dikes crossed the gravel beds 

without significantly changing dip, but no gravel beds 

thicker than 15 cm were traversed by dikes. 

The Porters Creek Clay is particularly well suited for 

the emplacement of clastic dikes because it is predominantly 

a fairly brittle clay that overlies sandy, liquefactionprone 

sediments of the Clayton and McNairy Formations. 

The Porters Creek itself also contains sandy layers that 

may liquefy during earthquakes and be intruded into 

overlying material. Furthermore, the Mounds Gravel and 

reworked Mounds Gravel may possess liquefactioninhibiting 

properties similar to the gravels in Belgium 

described by Demoulin (1996). This may help explain 

why no true clastic dikes have been recognized in the 

Mounds, reworked Mounds, or other overlying sediments 

in the Paducah area (we have determined that suspected 

clastic dikes in Quarternary reworked Mounds gravels 

were not intruded, but rather are erosional features over 

which the gravels were subsequently deposited). 

Only two clastic dikes were mapped in the area of the 

Paducah West, Metropolis, Joppa, and Heath 7.5-minute 

quadrangles during the U.S Geological Survey-Kentucky 

Geological Survey mapping program (Finch, 1966; Olive, 

1966a) (Plate 3). The dike mapped in the Paducah West 

Quadrangle is composed of reddish-brown sand intruded 

into the Porters Creek Clay; the dike is vertical and trends 

approximately N85ºW (Lambert, unpublished USGS field 

notes). The dike mapped in the Heath Quadrangle in the 

bed of Bayou Creek by Olive (1966a) was reported to be 

from 3 to 4 in. in width, trending N70ºW (Olive, unpublished 

USGS field notes). The Heath Quadrangle dike is at 

an angle of about 35° to the lineaments mapped in the 

area of the plant (Fig. 2). 

The areas of abundant clastic dikes in the Oak Level 

Quadrangle (Olive and Davis, 1968) and the Elva Quadrangle 

(Olive, 1963) (see northwestern of two red boxes 

just northwest of Benton on Plate 1) were described in 

detail by both Olive and Davis in unpublished USGS field


notes. A rose diagram was prepared for this study using 

the orientations of all dikes described on the Elva, Oak 

Level, Paducah West, and Heath geologic quadrangle 

maps (288 individual measurements) (Fig. 10). The many 

measurements make these data particularly significant. 

The primary trend among the clastic dikes is northeastward, 

and the secondary trend is northwestward (normal 

to the primary trend). The coincidence of the primary 

trend of the clastic dikes and the direction of faulting in 

the plant area probably reflects that the faults and dikes 

formed under similar stress conditions. 

If a sufficient number of clastic dikes are present in the 

vicinity of the plant, they may exert a significant control 

on ground-water flow in the area. However, because the 

Porters Creek Clay is not well exposed in the Paducah 

area, the density of these features cannot be accurately 

assessed. 

LINEAMENTS 

As part of this initial study, photographic and digital 

imagery available to the Kentucky Geological Survey was 

assessed for use in the project, particularly as a means of 

suggesting areas of potential faulting and extensive fracturing 

(i.e., lineament studies). Only data in KGS files and 

some data easily obtainable from the Illinois State Geological 

Survey were considered. Most of the data available 

at KGS consisted of 1:1,000,000- and 1:500,000- 

scale Landsat satellite imagery for the Paducah area. Because 

of the small scale, this imagery was only very generally 

examined, and was not considered appropriate for 

lineament studies. Because of the lack of funding for remotely 

sensed data in this project, other potentially available, 

but expensive products were not considered for purchase. 

A SLAR image mosaic for the Paducah area was made 

available for study by the Illinois State Geological Survey. 

The mosaic includes the Paducah 30 x 60 minute area 

covered by the conventional U.S. Geological Survey map 

and is at a scale of 1:250,000. The image was produced by 

the SAR system and is west-looking, X-band, near-range 

synthetic-aperture radar data printed as a photographic 

mosaic by the U.S. Geological Survey. The imagery was 

produced by Aero Service Division, Western Geophysical 

Company of America, from data flown during November 

1984 at 30,000 ft above mean sea level. Part of the mosaic 

used in the analysis is shown here as Figure 1 and represents 

the area in the vicinity of the plant and to its east and 

north. 

The study area was examined for lineaments that might 

represent faults or fractures important to understanding 

the ground-water flow system of the area. This examination 

was made using the unenhanced photographic version 

of the data. The examination was made by eye, looking at 

low angles along approximate northeast and southwest 

directions on the photograph. Linear features were drawn 

by fine-point pen on a Mylar overlay and transferred to a 

1:250,000-scale base map using landmarks such as the 

configuration of the Ohio River as registration points. 

This procedure revealed many northeast-oriented 

lineaments, some of which correspond to mapped faults, 

but all of which are parallel or subparallel to the structural 

grain of the area (compare Plates 1 and 2). The lineaments 

in the vicinity of the plant site were transferred onto a 

larger scale map (Fig. 2). The placement of the lineaments 

on Figure 2 is not highly accurate, however, because of 

the vast difference in scale between the lineaments interpreted 

on the 1:250,000-scale mosaic and the roughly 

1:45,000-scale of Figure 2. More accurate lineament 

mapping is beyond the scope of this study. 

The results of this preliminary lineament study, however, 

are encouraging. Several lineaments have been interpreted 

in the vicinity of the plant that are oriented 

N45°E. All of the lineaments are subparallel to the two 

northeast-oriented Tc99 and TCE ground-water pollution 

plumes shown on Figure 2. The lineaments form an angle 

of about 35° with the clastic dike mapped by Olive (1966a– 

b). 

One of the prominent northeast-oriented lineaments is 

closely coincident with the northwest contaminant plume 

and is centered on a major fault zone interpreted by Ron 

Street of the UK Department of Geological Sciences 

(written communication, 1997) from a six-fold seismicreflection 

profile run along a part of State Highway 385 

north of the plant site. The lineament extends southwest of 

the plant site, as well as northwest to the Ohio River. It is 

unknown north of the river. The lineament is subparallel 

to a short road segment, but extends to the southwest and 

northeast beyond the extent of the road. Another fault 

zone detected by Street to the northwest along the road 

does not correspond to a lineament detected in this study. 

These results suggest that further lineament studies 

with higher resolution, larger scale, remotely sensed data 

could be a fruitful avenue for future research. 

CONCLUSIONS 

In all likelihood, the plant area is traversed by the 

Fluorspar Area Fault Complex, and is therefore underlain 

by a series of northeast-trending faults. These structures 

are predominantly obscured by Cretaceous and younger 

sediments of the Mississippi Embayment, but a few northeast-trending 

structures have been mapped in the Paducah 

area (Plate 3). The number of modern-day earthquakes 

reported in the area indicates that these structures remain


active and therefore constitute a possible threat to foundation 

stability. 

The two linear, northeast-trending, contaminant plumes 

in the regional gravel aquifer beneath the plant closely 

parallel the strikes of the faults and lineaments mapped in 

the area. Furthermore, fault zones identified on seismicreflection 

profiles (Street, written communication, 1997) 

are coincident with the lineaments and the contaminant 

plumes. This strongly suggest that the northeast-oriented 

fault zones are controlling ground-water flow in the region 

and the distribution of the contaminants. 

Although only two clastic dikes have been mapped in 

the area of the Paducah West, Metropolis, Joppa, and 

Heath 7.5-minute quadrangles, these features are abundant 

in areas south of Paducah. The dikes are predominantly 

restricted to the Porters Creek Clay, principally because 

the lithology of the Porters Creek and the underlying units 

is conducive to their formation. Perhaps dikes are not 

found in the Mounds Gravel or the reworked Mounds 

Gravel because such gravel deposits inhibit the upward 

migration of liquefied sediment. 

Analysis of the orientations of 288 clastic dikes exposed 

in the Paducah West, Heath, Oak Level, and Elva 

7.5-minute quadrangles indicates the presence of two 

major dike trends, including a primary northeast trend and 

a secondary northwest trend (Fig. 10). If a sufficient number 

of clastic dikes are present in the vicinity of the plant, 

it is possible that these structures exert a significant control 

on ground-water flow in the area. Because clastic 

dikes are predominantly or wholly restricted to the Porters 

Creek Clay, and because the Porters Creek is not well 

exposed in the Paducah area, the density of these features 

cannot be accurately determined. 

RECOMMENDATIONS 

This study has revealed a number of interesting facts, 

but the subsurface structure of the plant area remains 

largely unknown. Future studies of the area should be 

comprehensive, and incorporate detailed field work, seismic 

investigations, and analysis of aerial photographs and 

satellite imagery. 

Field reconnaissance, although difficult in the area of 

the Mississippi Embayment, may add to the understanding 

of the nature, distribution, and timing of the structural 

deformation and liquefaction phenomena in the area. It 

may also suggest areas for further investigations with 

other tools, such as reflection-seismic profiling and 

trenching. Reflection-seismic investigation, if executed 

using the proper acquisition parameters, will help delineate 

local faults that may affect the migration of groundwater 

contaminants in the area, or, if reactivated, pose a 

threat to the structural stability of the plant. 

Analysis of aerial photographs and satellite imagery 

may help delineate local and regional structures in the 

plant area and provide a relatively inexpensive tool to 

highlight areas for further investigations. Any analysis of 

aerial photographs should include the examination of historic 

photographs from the late 1930’s, which are now 

housed in the National Archives. Because these photographs 

predate the construction of the Kentucky Ordnance 

Works and the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, many 

features may be visible on the historic photographs that 

are obscured on modern photographs. Of particular importance 

is the search for sand blows, which can delineate 

hydrogeologically significant clastic dike trends. In addition, 

it is important that the transmissivity ranges of clastic 

dikes in the subsurface be investigated. 

Many of the recommendations discussed above are part 

of a preproposal submitted to the U.S. Department of Energy 

through Dr. Lyle Sendlein of the Federal Facilities 

Oversight Unit: Environmental Remediation of the Kentucky 

Water Resources Research Institute on September 

26, 1996, entitled “Geologic Features Relevant to 

Ground-Water Flow in the Vicinity of the Paducah Gaseous 

Diffusion Plant: Geologic Field Reconnaissance and 

Reflection-Seismic Data Collection.” Such a study would 

be the next step in achieving the overall goal of defining 

any geologic structure in the vicinity of the plant that 

could significantly alter ground-water flow and affect the 

dispersal of associated water-borne contaminants or that 

could affect current or future foundation stability of the 

facility and nearby supporting facilities. 

REFERENCES CITED 

Alpine Geophysical Associates, 1966, Final report: Geophysical 

site investigation for two dams on Ohio River 

in vicinity of Mound City, Illinois and Smithland, 

Kentucky: Alpine Geophysical Associates, unnumbered 

pages. 

Demoulin, A., 1996, Clastic dykes in east Belgium: Evidence 

for upper Pleistocene strong earthquakes west of 

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Center Earthquake Data Base System, 

http://gldss7.cr.usgs.gov/neis/pANDs/13.html


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APPENDIX B 

PHOTOINTERPRETATION OF SIDE-LOOKING AIRBORNE RADAR OF THE PADUCAH QUADRANGLE 

FOR FRACTURE TRACES AND LINEAMENTS 

CHRISTOPHER STOHR, ILLINOIS STATE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY, 615 EAST PEABODY DRIVE, CHAMPAIGN, IL 61820 

KGS Disclaimer: This report has been edited only for grammar and style. It has not been through a thorough review 

process, and the data and conclusions are therefore presented “as is.” 

ABSTRACT 

Linear drainage patterns are often formed in response to geologic structures, such as faulting and 

prominent fractures in unglaciated southern Illinois, southeastern Missouri, and northern Kentucky. Thirtyseven 

percent of the lineaments identified on side-looking airborne radar (SLAR) imagery were coincident 

with known structures. Imagery of confirmed structures was used for extrapolating known features and 

interpreting structures where detailed mapping is incomplete. Seven criteria were used to identify 

lineaments. 

Criteria for distinguishing lineaments were: 

1. Linear and curvilinear drainage 

2. Drainage pattern 

3. Wide valleys with linear segments and escarpments 

4. Wide mouth at confluence of streams 

5. Orientation of drainage 

6. Topographic expression of structure 

7. Prominent changes in imagery texture or tone not attributable to shadowing or mosaicking. 

A total of 266 lineaments were identified on the U.S. Geological Survey 1:250,000 SLAR mosaic. 

Thirty-three (12 percent) of the traces were coincident with known structures. Thirty-nine (15 percent) of 

the lineaments were coincident with known structures and extended. One hundred seventy-five (66 percent) 

were probable traces not coincident with known structures. One syncline could be matched with drainage 

indications on the SLAR imagery, but two other known synclines could not be identified.


BACKGROUND AND STUDY AREA 

The purpose of this study is to extend mapped folds and 

faults and the unmapped joints and fractures in the Paducah 

1 X 2 degree quadrangle as part of a Conterminous United 

States Mineral Assessment Program (CUSMAP) with the 

U.S. Geological Survey. The Paducah Quadrangle covers 

southern Illinois and parts of southeastern Missouri, northwestern 

Kentucky, and a small area of southwestern Indiana. 

Detailed geology of part of the quadrangle is mapped 

at 1:24,000 scale. 

Fluorite and other minerals have been mined or occur in 

fractures and faults in the area covered by the Paducah 

Quadrangle. Extraction of coal and other economic resources 

occurring in the region can be adversely affected by 

unknown geologic structures. Ground control problems in 

mines have been related to lineaments identified on satellite 

imagery (Moebs and Sames, 1988; Peters and others, 

1988). Furthermore, the region lies to the north of the Mississippi 

Embayment and the New Madrid Seismic Zone. 

Consequently there is interest in extrapolating structural 

geology information to areas not geologically mapped in 

detail at 1:24,000 scale. 

Structural geology of many parts of the region is known 

from evidence gathered during field reconnaissance and 

mapping (Baxter and Potter, 1963; Baxter and Desborough, 

1965; Baxter and others, 1965; Nelson and Lumm, 1986a– 

c). However, indications of geologic structure such as faults 

and fracture zones may be covered or offset [and] may not 

be exhibited at the surface (Sabins, 1978; Collins, 1990). 

Sources of information such as photointerpretation can be 

used to extrapolate field data or to construct a preliminary 

map based upon geomorphic evidence such as lineaments, 

drainage patterns, and other landscape elements. Interpretation 

in this study was confined to the unglaciated part of the 

Paducah Quadrangle. 

A lineament is defined as a 

mappable simple or composite linear feature of a surface, whose 

parts are aligned in a straight or slightly curving relationship, and 

which differs distinctly from the patterns of adjacent features and 

presumably reflects a subsurface phenomenon (O’Leary and others, 

1976). 

Lineaments may be tonal or topographic. Topographic 

lineaments can be escarpments, valley walls, or more commonly 

stream segments. Alignments can be in a single watershed 

or in contiguous watersheds. 

Heather and others (1991) were unable to find 1- to 20- 

m-wide mineralized fractures in Ontario on satellite imagery, 

airborne radar, or aerial photography; however, the 

radar imagery provided the most data on the regional deformation 

zone which contains the gold ore. Sabins (1978), 

citing an example in Ethiopia, called lineaments observed 

on LANDSAT imagery but not observed on 1:250,000- 

scale imagery “zones of weakness in the crust” where surface 

displacement has not occurred. Observation of lineaments 

on one scale of imagery but not another occurs in 

comparison of the interpretations by Kisvarsanyi and Martin 

(1977) and McHaffie (1983) with interpretations of 

1:250,000-scale SLAR imagery by this author. 

METHODS AND MATERIALS 

Aero Service Division, Western Geophysical Company 

of America, under contract to the U.S. Geological Survey, 

collected synthetic aperture radar (SAR) in November 1984 

in north–south west-looking flightlines over the Paducah 

Quadrangle (1:250,000 scale) of southern Illinois, southeastern 

Missouri, northern Kentucky, and southwestern 

Indiana. The X-band, side-looking SAR transmitted and 

received horizontally polarized (HH) signals. Imagery was 

collected from an altitude of 30,000 feet. Resolution of the 

original imagery is calculated to be 10 m. The mosaic is 

prepared from near-range imagery with a depression angle 

between 14 to 27 degrees. 

Interpretation was made manually using positive image 

transparency (no digital data is available for this quadrangle), 

transparent compilation of geologic structure (Nelson, 

1990), and USGS topographic quadrangle at 1:250,000 

scale). The SLAR imagery was overlain with Nelson’s 

geologic structures map in order to discern whether and 

how faulting [was] related to drainage features. Extrapolation 

made on the basis of drainage characteristics associated 

with the known faults is discussed in detail below. 

The advantage of using imagery and overlays for this 

project is the capability to roam and view large section[s] of 

the imagery synoptically rather than be confined to the 

rather small field of view of a monitor. This was particularly 

advantageous in comparing topographic expression of 

drainage in areas which did not adjoin. Repeated use of the 

imagery transparency for production of diazo copies distorted 

the image; consequently, there are problems in 

positional accuracy. Diazo copies of imagery made at different 

contrasts and colors enhanced copies used in interpretation. 

Season of imagery, the eastern illumination angle of the 

SLAR, and enhancement of the imagery by lighting influenced 

interpretation. Illusions recognized in interpretation 

include SLAR look direction, arcuate and circular lineaments 

not in contiguous drainage basins, very long lineaments 

not in contiguous drainage basins, and poorly manifested 

lineaments suggested by an absence of lines drawn 

on a portion of a map. 

IMAGERY INTERPRETATION


Systematic interpretation of imagery is a function of (1) 

relating physical phenomena to patterns and spectra on 

SLAR imagery, (2) relating the imagery patterns and spectra 

to known features of interest on the ground, then (3) 

extrapolating features having similar patterns and spectra 

on the imagery to adjacent or nearby areas. Extrapolation is 

based upon the patterns of tone, texture, shape, contrast, 

and context of features on the imagery. 

RELATING PHYSICAL PHENOMENA TO IMAGERY 

PATTERNS AND SPECTRA (BRIGHTNESS) 

Radar backscatter energy from natural materials is most 

influenced by topography and is modified by surface 

roughness (wavelength and depression angle of the radar 

system) and complex dielectric constant (moisture). Placid 

water acts as a natural specular reflector which has virtually 

no backscatter; consequently, it appears dark on the imagery. 

Moist ground reflects more energy than dry ground. 

Metallic objects such as bridges and brain bins reflect 

highly (Sabins, 1978). 

Topography, moisture, and surface roughness account 

for the predominant changes in backscatter patterns of natural 

features. Because of the considerable foliage at the time 

of overflight, interpretation is complicated. Except for obvious 

field patterns and speckle, tonal variation on the imagery 

was considered [an] indication of topographic relief—i.e., 

bright areas faced the east, dark areas faced the 

west (shadows). 

RELATING IMAGERY PATTERNS TO GROUND FEATURES 

Valleys are an indication of weak, fractured rock. Bauer 

(1987) tested rock cores for strength, finding rock 60 m 

beneath preglacial valleys was up to 26 percent weaker than 

rock from the same depth away from the valley. His tests 

also showed that rock strength (acoustic wave velocities, 

slaking, and compressive strength) is reduced from shallow 

to deep parts of a valley. Consequently, deep, welldeveloped 

valleys suggest profound fracturing in response 

to stresses such as caused by displacement along a fault. 

Topography and drainage patterns are indications of ancient 

stresses and structural geology events. Parvis (1949, 

1950), Thornbury (1969), and Gudilin (1973) inferred 

geologic structure, soil, and rock types from drainage patterns. 

Black (1989) defined lineaments on the basis of parallel 

alignments of surface structures, linear trends of geophysical 

data, drainage patterns controlled by structure, and 

geomorphic and vegetation contrasts observed on aerial 

photography and SLAR imagery. Black noted that lineaments 

related to ancestral basement blocks in Kentucky are 

expressed at the surface by faults and folds. However, indications 

of geologic structure such as faults and fracture 

zones may be covered or offset may not be exhibited at the 

surface (Sabins, 1978; Collins, 1990). Consequently, SLAR 

lineaments apparently unrelated to surface phenomena may 

be related to deep, ancient structures. 

EXTRAPOLATING FEATURE PATTERNS ON THE IMAGERY 

TO ADJACENT AREAS 

Lineaments were used in this study to extend previously 

mapped faults into areas where geology has not been 

mapped in detail on the ground, and to indicate areas of 

jointing a fracturing of rock. The value of lineaments was 

recognized by Brock (1972), as quoted in O’Leary and others 

(1976): 

In ignoring lineaments until faulting is proved, one is denying 

oneself a vast potential source of information concerning fundamental 

crustal patterns which would remain grossly incomplete 

without the help of lineaments. 

Distinct linear features, drainage, escarpments, etc. 

(lineaments) not shown on field maps but observed on the 

SLAR imagery are shown as dashed lines. A few linear 

features which were less well manifested on this imagery 

were noted as dotted lines. Several field-mapped faults and 

structural features were not observed on the SAR/SLAR 

imagery. Features found and mapped underground, or buried 

beneath glacial drift, are not visible on the surface. 

Features in the vicinity of Hicks Dome are too numerous 

to be drawn at small (1:250,000) scale; consequently, only 

prominent features are shown. Escarpments in Kentucky 

near Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake have steep scarps 

with gentle cuestas, reminiscent of dipping rock rather than 

faulting. Dipping rock can be inferred from escarpments 

with asymmetrical slopes (prominent in Illinois and Kentucky), 

fine parallel drainage on a dip slope, and change in 

lithology observed by texture, tone, and drainage patterns 

and density, such as in southwestern Illinois and southeastern 

Missouri. 

Owing to the north–south flightlines and eastern illumination, 

some east–west-trending features were subdued or 

not seen in interpretation. Agricultural field patterns particularly 

obscured drainage patterns in Missouri. 

Imagery interpretation of lineaments was based upon 

certain evidence or “rules”: 

1. Linear and curvilinear drainage 

(a) Continuous linear drainage segment in single 

drainage basin suggests faulting, prominent 

jointing at the surface. 

(b) Numerous segments that align across adjacent 

drainage basins suggests ancient faults obscured 

by subsequent geologic developments.


(c) Offset drainage where streams in contiguous 

drainage basins are diverted from their course 

suggests faulting at the surface. 

(d) Contiguous curvilinear drainage on outside of 

meander, accompanied by diversion of river 

drainage, suggests landslide (gullies parallel 

to scarp indicate additional stress relief). 

2. Drainage pattern 

(a) Parallel drainage pattern suggests strike valleys 

of inclined, alternately hard and soft rock. 

(b) Fine, parallel drainage pattern suggests dip direction 

of homogenous rock unit. 

(c) Rectilinear or offset drainage pattern indicates 

fault or fracture traces. 

(d) Annular, radial drainage pattern suggests 

dome or basin composed of both relatively 

erodible and resistant rock. 

3. Wide valleys with linear segments and escarpments 

(a) Wide, linear valley suggests fault system with 

wide fracture/fault zone, deep or profound 

(tectonic) tensile stress, or recurring displacement 

or fracture. 

(b) Wide valley with escarpments suggests multiple 

fractures or fault zone (e.g., graben). 

4. Wide mouth at confluence 

(a) Tributary with a wide mouth and isolated hills 

suggests a relief point for intersecting faults or 

fractures or point of stress relief. 

5. Orientation of drainage 

(a) Annular and radial drainage pattern suggests a 

basin or dome; deviation from expected orientation 

indicates minor flexures and displacements. 

(b) Orthogonal drainage pattern suggests drainage 

developed along fractures that relieve compressive 

stress occurring from direction bisecting 

the large angle. 

(c) Parallel drainage pattern suggests strike-, dip-, 

or fault-controlled drainage development. 

6. Topographic expression of structure 

(a) Abrupt offset or gap in an escarpment/outcrop 

pattern suggests relatively recent faulting 

along offset. 

(b) Prominent escarpments with contiguous 

aligned faceted slopes, hogbacks, and cuestas 

suggests recent faulting with significant displacement. 

(c) Alignment of preserved topographic prominences 

suggests ancient fault scarp or remnant 

structurally controlled erosion surface. 

7. Prominent changes in imagery texture or tone not attributable 

to shadowing or mosaicking 

(a) Change in drainage density and pattern suggests 

a change in lithology. Gross changes in 

lithology are observable by changes in land 

use/cover, drainage pattern, and density, tone, 

and texture. Limestone-sandstone juxtapositions 

in southwestern Illinois and southeastern 

Missouri are particularly noticeable. 

RESULTS 

A total of 266 lineaments were identified on the U.S. 

Geological Survey 1:250,000 SLAR mosaic. Thirty-three 

(12 percent) of the traces were coincident with known 

structures. Thirty-nine (15 percent) of the lineaments were 

coincident with known structures and extended. One hundred 

seventy-five (66 percent) were probable traces not 

coincident with known structures. Nineteen (7 percent) 

were weakly manifested lineaments not coincident with 

known structures. One syncline could be matched with 

drainage indications on the SLAR imagery, but two other 

known synclines could not be identified. 

CONCLUSIONS 

Interpretation of lineaments from SLAR imagery can be 

performed systematically by (1) relating physical phenomena 

to patterns and spectra on SLAR imagery, (2) relating 

the imagery patterns and spectra to known features of interest 

on the ground, then (3) extrapolating features having 

similar patterns and spectra on the imagery to adjacent or 

nearby areas. Seven criteria for distinguishing lineaments 

were based upon drainage characteristics and topography. 

Twenty-seven percent of the lineaments identified on 

side-looking airborne radar (SLAR) imagery of the Paducah 

Quadrangle were entirely or partially coincident with 

known structures. Fifteen percent of all lineaments were 

extrapolations of previously mapped faults. 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 

Don Lumm suggested comparison of the lineaments with 

mapped streams. Allan Kover, Alden Warren, and John 

Jones, U.S. Geological Survey, provided helpful sugges-


tions regarding acquisition and interpretation of the SLAR 

imagery. 

REFERENCES 

Bauer, R.A., 1987, The effects of valleys on the strength of 

rock materials at depth: 28th U.S. Symposium on Rock 

Mechanics, Tucson, Ariz., June 29–July 1, 1987, p. 

345–349. 

Baxter, J.W., and Desborough, G.A., 1965, Aerial geology 

of the Illinois Fluorspar District, part 2: Karbers Ridge 

and Rosiclare Quadrangles: Illinois State Geological 

Survey Circular 385, 40 p., 2 plates. 

Baxter, J.W., Desborough, G.A., and Shaw, C.W., 1965, 

Aerial geology of the Illinois Fluorspar District, part 3: 

Herod and Shetlerville Quadrangles: Illinois State Geological 

Survey Circular 413, 41 p., 2 plates. 

Baxter, J.W., Potter, P.E., and Doyle, F.L., 1963, Aerial 

geology of the Illinois Fluorspar District, part 1: Saline 

Mines, Cave in Rock, Dekoven, and Repton Quadrangles: 

Illinois State Geological Survey Circular 342, 43 

p., 2 plates. 

Black, D.F.B., 1989, Tectonic evolution in central and eastern 

Kentucky: A multidisciplinary study of surface and 

subsurface structure: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File 

Report 89-106, 151 p. 

Collins, T.K., 1990, New faulting and the attenuation of 

fault displacement: Bulletin of the Association of Engineering 

Geologists, v. 27, p. 11–22. 

Gudilin, I.S., 1973, Interpretation of landscape as an indicator 

of geologic structure, in Chikishev, A.G., Landscape 

indicators: New techniques in geology and geography 

(tr. from Russian by J.P. Fitzsimmons): New 

York, Consultants Bureau, p. 92–105. 

Heather, K.B., Mussakowski, R.S., and Trowell, N.F., 

1991, Geological and structural interpretation of remote 

sensing and high resolution aeromagnetic data for the 

Missanabie-Renabie area, districts of Algoma and Sudbury, 

Ontario: Eighth Thematic Conference on Geologic 

Remote Sensing, Denver, Colo., April 29–May 2, 1991, 

p. 1279–1290. 

Kisvarsanyi, G., and Martin, J.A., 1977, Structural lineament 

and pattern analysis of Missouri, using LANDSAT 

imagery: Final report for contract no. NAS-5-20937, 

Missouri Dept. of Natural Resources, Division of Geology 

and Land Survey, Rolla, Mo., 5 plates. 

McHaffie, P.H., 1983, Linear features map of Kentucky, 

sheet 1, Paducah Quadrangle: Kentucky Geological Survey, 

ser. 11, Open-File Report, 4 p., 1 plate, scale 

1:250,000. 

Moebs, N.N., and Sames, G.P., 1988, Lineaments: A predictive 

tool for a bad roof?: Coal, March 1988, p. 94–96. 

Nelson, W.J., 1990, Structural geology map of the Paducah 

1 X 2° quadrangle: Illinois State Geological Survey, 1 

plate. 

Nelson, W.J., and Lumm, D.K., 1986a, Geologic map of 

the Shawneetown Quadrangle, Saline County, Illinois: 

Illinois State Geological Survey, IGQ 1. 

Nelson, W.J., and Lumm, D.K., 1986b, Geologic map of 

the Equality Quadrangle, Saline County, Illinois: Illinois 

State Geological Survey, IGQ 2. 

Nelson, W.J., and Lumm, D.K., 1986c, Geologic map of 

the Rudiment Quadrangle, Saline County, Illinois: Illinois 

State Geological Survey, IGQ 3. 

O’Leary, D.W., Friedman, J.D., and Pohn, H.A., 1976, 

Lineament, linear, lineation: Some proposed new standards 

for old terms: Geological Society of America 

Bulletin, v. 87, no. 10, p. 1463–1469. 

Parvis, M., 1950, Drainage pattern significance in airphoto 

interpretation of soils and bedrock: Photogrammetric 

Engineering and Remote Sensing, v. 16, p. 387–409. 

Peters, D.C., Speirer, R.A., and Shea, V.R., 1988, Lineament 

analysis for hazard assessment of coal mining: Proceedings 

of the 6th Thematic Conference on Remote 

Sensing for Exploration Geology, May 16–19, 1988, 

Houston, Tex.: Ann Arbor, Environmental Research Institute 

of Michigan, p. 253–264. 

Thornbury, W.D., 1969, Principles of geomorphology (2d 

ed.): New York, John Wiley, 594 p. 

U.S. Geological Survey, 1984, Synthetic-aperture radar 

imagery, X-band, near range, west look, Paducah, Ky., 

Ill., Mo., Ind. quadrangle: Sioux Falls, S. Dak., EROS 

Data Center, scale 1:250,000.


Figure 1. Part of a side-looking airborne radar (SLAR) image in the vicinity of the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion 

Plant. From the U.S. Geological Survey.

James A Drahovzal and R. Todd Hendricks 24 

Figure 2. Lineaments in the vicinity of the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant. Circled line represents the clastic 

dike. The two short, northwest-oriented lines along Kentucky Highway 385 represent fault zones defined by Ron 

Street. Base map modified from U.S. Department of Energy map, “Water Policy and Groundwater Contamination 

Areas.”


Figure 3. Sparker profile obtained on the Ohio River for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Mile markers show the 

position and horizontal scale. Note the abrupt offset in the dashed reflector at mile marker 948, which may 

represent the Barnes Creek-Massac Creek Fault Zone.


Figure 4. Clastic dike composed of resistant sandstone in the Porters Creek Clay, Elva Quadrangle, Kentucky. 

Shovel for scale.


Figure 5. Clastic dike composed of resistant sandstone in the Porters Creek Clay, Elva Quadrangle, Kentucky. 

Shovel for scale.


Figure 6. Clastic dike composed of resistant sandstone in the Porters Creek Clay. Note that the dike makes a 

right-angle turn near the shovel blade. Elva Quadrangle, Kentucky.


Figure 7. Clastic dike composed of medium-dark-gray, micaceous, silty clay in the Porters Creek Clay, Elva 

Quadrangle, Kentucky.


Figure 8. Clastic dike composed of light-gray sand in Quaternary alluvium, Dudley Main Ditch, Missouri. Lens cap 

for scale is 52 mm in diameter.


Figure 9. Faulted loess in the Old Quarry Trench, Scott County, Mo.


Figure 10. Rose diagram of the clastic dikes described on the Elva, Oak Level, Paducah West, and Heath 

geologic quadrangle maps (Olive, 1963, 1966a; Finch, 1966; Olive and Davis, 1968).

CartographybyTerryHounshell 

GRAVES CO 

Creek 

Obion 

KENTUCKY GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY 

Donald C. Haney, State Geologist and Director 

PLATE 1 0F 4 

OF-97-02 

Series XI, 1997 

89°00' 

37°30' 

88°45' 

88°30' 

88°15' 

88°00' 

37°30' 

45 

Creek 

24 

RIVER 

OHIO 

Lusk 

Hurricane 

Crooked 

Cache 

Bay 

Creek 

60 

64 

Creek 

Bay 

Creek 

45 

River 

Creek 

Creek 

Creek 

Crooked 

BAY 

Buck 

60 

CREEK 

DITCH 

Bay 

Cache 

River 

641 

24 

(2) 

Creek 

CUTOFF 

Creek 

Bayou 

Bayou 

60 

Creek 

CREEK 

OHIO 

641 

Creek 

POST 

45 

Barnes 

Livingston 

Creek 

Joppa 

24 

OHIO 

Massac 

RIVER 

60 

CUMBERLAND 

RIVER 

Bayou 

Metropolis 

Creek 

Little 

358 

Bayou 

Creek 

PADUCAH GASEOUS 

RIVER 

Livingston 

DIFFUSION PLANT 

Creek 

641 

Humphrey 

Creek 

Humphrey 

Branch 

60 

Heath 

West 

Paducah 

Massac 

Creek 

45 

45 

Paducah 

62 

68 

641 

24 

62 

60 

68 

Clarks 

Fork 

60 

TENNESSEERIVER 

Calvert 

City 

62 

641 

RIVER 

BARKLEY 

24 

62 

37°00' 

(4) 

(3) 

62 

45 

24 

Clarks 

68 

Reidland 

(2) 

24 

62 

LAKE 

CUMBERLAND 

CUMBERLAND 

MARSHALL CO 

LIVINGSTON CO 

37°00' 

BALLARD CO 

LYON CO 

River 

BALLARD CO 

CARLISLE CO 

Mayfield 

CARLISLE CO 

Creek 

MC CRACKEN CO 

GRAVES CO 

West 

Fork 

MC CRACKEN CO 

GRAVES CO 

MARSHALL CO 

68 

TENNESSEE 

LAKE BARKLEY 

RIVER 

Mayfield 

RIVER 

(2) 

West 

62 

Fork 

Benton 

Clarks 

LYON CO 

TRIGG CO 

MARSHALL CO 

KENTUCKY 

River 

Creek 

Creek 

West 

68 

CARLISLE CO 

HICKMAN CO 

Obion 

Creek 

HICKMAN CO 

CARLISLE CO 

GRAVES CO 

Fork 

45 

Panther 

GRAVES CO 

Duncan 

MARSHALL CO 

CALLOWAY CO 

Creek 

68 

LAKE 

MARSHALL CO 

CALLOWAY CO 

TRIGG CO 

Mayfield 

(4) 

River 

CALLOWAY CO 

51 

45 

TRIGG CO 

STEWART CO 

KENTUCKY 

TENNESSEE 

Brush 

West 

Mayfield 

Creek 

Clarks 

Bayou 

de Chien 

Creek 

Fork 

Murray 

TENNESSEE 

Creek 

HICKMAN CO 

FULTON CO 

Bayou 

de 

Chien 

Fork 

Middle 

East Fork 

RIVER 

36°30' 

89°00' 


OBION CO 

KENTUCKY 

TENNESSEE 

BYP 

51 

51 

Fulton 

45 

HICKMAN CO 


OBION CO 

HICKMAN CO 

WEAKLEY CO 

88°45' 

88°30' 

GRAVES CO 

CALLOWAY CO 

88°15' 

36°30' 

88°00' 

N 

1 0 5 10 

1 0 5 

15 

KILOMETERS 

10 

MILES 

Earthquake epicenter; number in parentheses 

indicates number of earthquake occurences 

Area of abundant clastic dikes 

PLATE1 

Synclinal axis 

Anticlinal axis 

Normal fault 

Approximate northern limit 

of Mississippi Embayment 

Structural data for the northern half of the map (Paducah Quadrangle) are from digital files compiled by the Illinois State 

Geological Survey as part of the Conterminous United States Mineral Assessment Program (CUSMAP). The primary source of these 

data was 7.5-minute geologic quadrangle maps (1:24,000 scale) published by the U.S. Geological Survey (in cooperation with the 

Kentucky Geological Survey) and the Illinois State Geological Survey. Revisions were made to the digital files in 1993, 1994, and 

1995. Other sources include Kolata, D.R., Treworgy, J.D., and Masters, J.M., 1981, Structural framework of the Mississippi Embayment 

of southern Illinois—A reexamination: Illinois State Geological Survey Circular 516, 38 p.; Nelson, W.J., 1995, Structural features in 

Illinois: Illinois State Geological Survey Bulletin 100, 144 p.; and Nelson, W.J., Denny, B.F., Devera, J.A., Follmer, L.R., Masters, J.M., 

and Sexton, J., 1996, Quaternary faulting in the New Madrid Seismic Zone in southernmost Illinois: Final technical report to the U.S. 

Geological Survey under the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, award no. 1434-95-G-2525, 41 p. Not all sources 

for the mapped faults have distinguished between faults verified by field evidence (normally shown with solid lines) and inferred faults 

(normally shown with dashed lines). Because of this inconsistency, all faults are shown here with solid lines, though some are inferred. 

Faults, folds, and areas of abundant clastic dikes on the southern half of the map (Murray Quadrangle) were digitized directly from 

the U.S. Geological Survey 7.5-minute geologic quadrangle maps. Earthquake epicenters were obtained via the Internet from the 

U.S. Geological Survey–National Earthquake Information Center Earthquake Data Base System; the information is complete and 

accurate as of August 1996. 

REGIONAL STRUCTURAL FEATURES IN THE 

PADUCAH AND MURRAY 30x60 MINUTE QUADRANGLES 

Compiled by J.A. Drahovzal and R.T. Hendricks,1996 

Digital compilation by M.Ll. Murphy,1996 

Copyright 1997 


Kentucky Geological Survey

GRAVES CO 

Creek 

Obion 




PLATE 2 0F 4 

OF-97-02 


89°00' 

37°30' 

88°45' 

88°30' 

88°15' 

88°00' 

37°30' 

45 

Creek 

24 

RIVER 

OHIO 

Lusk 

Hurricane 

Crooked 

Cache 

Bay 

Creek 

60 

64 

Creek 

Bay 

Creek 

45 

River 

Creek 

Creek 

Creek 

Crooked 

BAY 

Buck 

60 

CREEK 

DITCH 

Bay 

Cache 

River 

641 

24 

Creek 

CUTOFF 

Creek 

Bayou 

Bayou 

60 

Creek 

CREEK 

OHIO 

641 

Creek 

POST 

45 

Barnes 

Livingston 

Creek 

Joppa 

24 

OHIO 

Massac 

RIVER 

60 

CUMBERLAND 

RIVER 

Bayou 

Metropolis 

Creek 

Little 

358 

Bayou 

Creek 


RIVER 

Livingston 


Creek 

641 

Humphrey 

Creek 

Humphrey 

Branch 

60 

Heath 

West 

Paducah 

Massac 

Creek 

45 

45 

Paducah 

62 

68 

641 

24 

62 

60 

68 

Clarks 

Fork 

60 


Calvert 

City 

62 

641 

RIVER 

BARKLEY 

24 

62 

37°00' 

62 

45 

24 

Clarks 

68 

Reidland 

24 

62 

LAKE 

CUMBERLAND 

CUMBERLAND 

MARSHALL CO 


37°00' 

BALLARD CO 

LYON CO 

River 

BALLARD CO 

CARLISLE CO 

Mayfield 

CARLISLE CO 

Creek 

MC CRACKEN CO 

GRAVES CO 

West 

Fork 

MC CRACKEN CO 

GRAVES CO 

MARSHALL CO 

68 

TENNESSEE 

LAKE BARKLEY 

RIVER 

Mayfield 

RIVER 

West 

62 

Fork 

Benton 

Clarks 

LYON CO 

TRIGG CO 

MARSHALL CO 

River 

Creek 

Creek 

West 

Obion 

Creek 

Fork 

Panther 

Duncan 

Creek 

68 

KENTUCKY LAKE 

68 

CARLISLE CO 

HICKMAN CO 

HICKMAN CO 

CARLISLE CO 

GRAVES CO 

45 

GRAVES CO 

MARSHALL CO 

CALLOWAY CO 

MARSHALL CO 

CALLOWAY CO 

TRIGG CO 

Mayfield 

River 

CALLOWAY CO 

51 

45 

TRIGG CO 

STEWART CO 

KENTUCKY 

TENNESSEE 

Brush 

West 

Mayfield 

Creek 

Clarks 

Bayou 

de Chien 

Creek 

Fork 

Murray 

TENNESSEE 

Creek 

HICKMAN CO 


Bayou 

de 

Chien 

Fork 

Middle 

East Fork 

RIVER 

36°30' 

89°00' 


OBION CO 

KENTUCKY 

TENNESSEE 

BYP 

51 

51 

Fulton 

45 

HICKMAN CO 


OBION CO 

HICKMAN CO 

WEAKLEY CO 

88°45' 

88°30' 

GRAVES CO 

CALLOWAY CO 

88°15' 

36°30' 

88°00' 

Lineament features from McHaffie (1983) 



Lineament features interpreted as part of this study 

N 

1 0 5 10 

1 0 5 

15 

KILOMETERS 

10 

MILES 

PLATE 2 

Regional linear features are from McHaffie, P.H., 1983, Linear 

features map of Kentucky—Sheet 1, Paducah Quadrangle: Kentucky Geological 

Survey, ser. 11, Open-File Report, 4 p., 1 plate, scale 1:250,000. Linear features 

in the vicinity of the plant were mapped by Drahovzal from 1:250,000-scale sidelooking 

airborne radar (SLAR) imagery. 

LINEAMENT FEATURES OF THE 



Digital compilation by M.L. Murphy,1996 





Creek 




PLATE 3 0F 4 

OF-97-02 


88°52'30" 

37°15' 

88°45' 

88°37'30" 

37°15' 

24 

Lusk Creek Fault Zone 

45 

Raum Fault Zone 

Massac Creek Structures 

Barnes 

fault exposed 

Barnes Creek Fault 

Creek 

Joppa 

24 

? 

OHIO 

Mile 948 

fault zone on sparker data 

Barnes Creek - Massac Creek Fault Zone (?) 

Massac 

? 

Bayou 

Little 

Metropolis 

Rock Creek Fault (?) 

Metropolis Graben 

? 

FORT MASSAC 

358 

fault zones on sesmic 

reflection data 

STATE PARK 

? 

Creek 

RIVER 

Bayou 

fault exposed 

FORT MASSAC 

STATE PARK 

37°07'30" 

Creek 

Brookport 

37°07'30" 



? 

Creek 

clastic dike 

? 

Massac 

45 

Bayou 

Heath 

60 

West 

Paducah 

24 

Paducah 

60 

Creek 

Branch 

clastic dike 

37°00' 

88° 52'30" 

88°45' 

37°00' 

88°37'30" 

1 0.5 0 1 mile 

N 

1000 0 

7000 

1 0.5 0 1 kilometer 

feet 

Earthquake epicenter 

Normal faults; bar and ball on downthrown side 

Fault and dike data are from three sources: (1) 1:24,000-scale structure maps hand-drawn on Mylar by Nelson, W.J., Denny, B.F., Devera, J.A., 

Follmer, L.R., Masters, J.M., and Sexton, J., 1996, Quaternary faulting in the New Madrid Seismic Zone in southernmost Illinois: Final technical report 

to the U.S. Geological Survey under the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, award no. 1434-95-G-2525, 41 p.; (2) U.S. Geological Survey 

geologic quadrangle maps (Finch, W.I., 1966, Geologic map of the Paducah West and part of the Metropolis Quadrangles, Kentucky-Illinois: U.S. 

Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ-557; Finch, W.I., 1967, Geologic map of part of the Joppa Quadrangle, McCracken County, Kentucky: 

U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ-652; and Olive, W.W., 1966, Geologic map of the Heath Quadrangle, McCracken and Ballard 

Counties, Kentucky: U.S. Geological Survey Geologic Quadrangle Map GQ-561); and (3) interpretations by Drahovzal and Hendricks, including those 

based on sparker data acquired on the Ohio River for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Faults shown here are in addition to the regional faults shown 

on Plate 1. Earthquake epicenters were obtained via the Internet from the U.S. Geological Survey–National Earthquake Information Center Earthquake 

Data Base System; the information is complete and accurate as of August 1996. 

PLATE 3 

STRUCTURE ON TOP OF THE PRECAMBRIAN BASEMENT IN THE 








-14 

GRAVES CO 

-15 

-15 

-17 

-22 




PLATE 4 0F 4 

OF-97-02 


89°00' 

37°30' 

88°45' 

88°30' 

88°15' 

88°00' 

37°30' 

45 

-21 

24 

-16 

-18 

-21 

-22 

-21 

-22 

RIVER 

-22 

-21 

-16 

OHIO 

-16 

-18 

-21 

-21 

-21 

60 

64 

-15 

-21 

-21 

-15 

-20 

45 

-20 

-15 

-16 

-21 

-20 

-16 

-16 

-19 

-15 

-16 

-15 

-18 

-20 

-20 

-19 

60 

-14 

-15 

24 

-14 

-16 

-15 

-17 

-18 

-19 

-18 

-19 

-18 

-19 

641 

-21 

-16 

-17 

60 

-22 

OHIO 

45 

-15 

-18 

-20 

-23 

641 

-16 

Joppa 

24 

OHIO 

-15 

-18 

-18 

-21 

-19 

60 

CUMBERLAND 

-16 -16 

RIVER 

RIVER 

Metropolis 

-19 

358 

-18 

-22 


RIVER 

-20 


-18 

641 

37°00' 

-14 

60 

62 

-14 

Heath 

West 

Paducah 

-18 

-18 

45 

45 

45 

-19 

Paducah 

-19 

-19 

-18 

62 

68 

641 

24 

62 

60 

68 

24 

Clarks 

60 

68 

Reidland 


62 

-18 

Calvert 

City 

24 

62 

-19 

62 

641 

MARSHALL CO 


LAKE 

CUMBERLAND 

RIVER 

BARKLEY 

CUMBERLAND 

24 

BALLARD CO 

LYON CO 

-13 

-14 

-15 

-14 

-16 

-17 

-15 

-15 

37°00' 

-13 

-14 

River 

-17 

BALLARD CO 

CARLISLE CO 

CARLISLE CO 

MC CRACKEN CO 

GRAVES CO 

-17 

Fork 

MC CRACKEN CO 

GRAVES CO 

MARSHALL CO 

68 

TENNESSEE 

-13 

LAKE BARKLEY 

RIVER 

RIVER 

62 

-16 

-16 

-13 

-15 

-15 

-12 

Benton 

Clarks 

MARSHALL CO 

KENTUCKY 

LYON CO 

TRIGG CO 

-12 

-13 

-14 

-14 

-14 

-12 

River 

-14 

-13 

-12 

68 

CARLISLE CO 

HICKMAN CO 

-17 

-18 

-14 

-14 

HICKMAN CO 

CARLISLE CO 

GRAVES CO 

-13 

45 

Mayfield 

GRAVES CO 

MARSHALL CO 

CALLOWAY CO 

-13 

-14 

68 

LAKE 

MARSHALL CO 

CALLOWAY CO 

TRIGG CO 

-13 

-12 

River 

51 

-16 

-11 

45 

TRIGG CO 

STEWART CO 

KENTUCKY 

TENNESSEE 

CALLOWAY CO 

West 

-10 

-15 

-12 

Clarks 

-14 

Fork 

-14 

HICKMAN CO 

-14 

Murray 

-13 

TENNESSEE 


-13 

-13 

Middle 

Fork 

East Fork 

-12 

RIVER 

36°30' 

89°00' 

-12 


OBION CO 

KENTUCKY 

TENNESSEE 

BYP 

51 

51 

Fulton 

45 

HICKMAN CO 


OBION CO 

HICKMAN CO 

WEAKLEY CO 

88°45' 

88°30' 

GRAVES CO 

CALLOWAY CO 

88°15' 

36°30' 

88°00' 

N 

1 0 5 10 

1 0 5 

15 

KILOMETERS 

10 

MILES 



-12 

Contour line; values given in thousands of feet 

below sea level, dashed where inferred 

Normal fault; bar on downthrown side, 

dashed where inferred 

PLATE 4 

STRUCTURE ON TOP OF THE PRECAMBRIAN BASEMENT IN THE 


Geology by J.A. Drahovzal,1996

GEOLOGIC FEATURES RELEVANT TO GROUND-WATER FLOW ...

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