An examination of the factors governing the development of karst topography in the Cumberland Valley of Pennsylvania

Conference · Mon Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1993 · Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs; (United States)

OSTI ID:5768434

Ackerman, R V ^[1]

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1. Rutgers, The State Univ. of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ (United States). Dept. of Geological Sciences

The landscape of the Cumberland Valley of South Central Pennsylvania is dominated by karst topography. A study was initiated to determine if the development of karst was controlled primarily by geologic structure or by lithologic differences. Existing data concerning the geographic locations of karst features, the hydrogeologic characteristics of the Cumberland Valley, and the chemistry of the eleven carbonate formations within the 518 km[sup 2] study area were compiled. Data concerning 366 mapped sinkholes and over 9,000 additional karst features and their relations to the structural, lithological and spatial characteristics of the study area were collected and compiled into the database. Other factors contributing to karst development such as groundwater flow, soil and colluvium characteristics, and geographic distribution were considered. The data suggest that structure dominates lithology in the development of karst features within the study area. Structural features such as fractures, joints and folds, which create secondary porosity, are prerequisite for solution of the carbonate bedrock. Joint systems, fold axes, igneous intrusions, caves, springs and groundwater flow have a significant impact on the development of karst features. The presence of faults proved inconclusive. There are a greater number of karst features per unit area in areas of purer limestones (units with a lower percentage of acid insoluble residue). Lithological variations impact karst development only when structural features are present to provide secondary porosity that enhances chemical weathering. The distribution of karst features and the geologic factors governing their development and distribution should be taken into account when land-use decisions in karst terrains are made.

• OSTI ID: 5768434
• Report Number(s): CONF-9303211--
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs; (United States) Journal Volume: 25:2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

58 GEOSCIENCES
580000* -- Geosciences
CARBONATE ROCKS
CAVES
CAVITIES
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
DISSOLUTION
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GEOLOGY
GEOMORPHOLOGY
GROUND WATER
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
HYDROLOGY
LAND USE
NORTH AMERICA
ORIGIN
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PENNSYLVANIA
REGIONAL ANALYSIS
ROCKS
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
TOPOGRAPHY
USA
WATER