Geologic andhydrologic studies in the Birmingham red-iron-ore district, Alabama

Journal Article · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1965 · U.S. Geol. Surv., Prof. Pap.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6895004

Simpson, T A

The Birmingham red-iron-ore district in N.-central Alabama is underlain by consolidated Paleozoic rocks that have been extensively folded and faulted. The iron-ore seams are overlain by the Fort Payne chert of Mississippian age and by a limestone unit of Warsaw age. The Fort Payne is cavernous in places and about 140 ft thick. The limestone unit contains an extensive solution-cavity system and is about 150 ft thick. These formations are water- bearing and are the source of most of the groundwater in the mines in Red Mt. Groundwater flow in the district can be classified according to 3 zones: (1) an upper or water- table zone; (2) an intermediate artesian zone; and (3) a deeper water-table and artesian zone. Accordingly, the movement in each zone ranges from a slow rate on flat gradients to a rapid rate on steeply inclined and nearly vertical gradients. Groundwater occurs in the slope mines and in waterbearing fractures under high hydrostratic pressures near highly faulted and folded rocks. (30 refs.)

• OSTI ID: 6895004
• Journal Information: U.S. Geol. Surv., Prof. Pap.; (United States), Journal Name: U.S. Geol. Surv., Prof. Pap.; (United States) Vol. 473-C; ISSN XGPPA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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