--> Abstract: Stratigraphic Sequences Associated with the Mississippian-Pennsylvanian Unconformity, Shanty Hollow Lake, South-Central Kentucky, by Scott R. Schoefernacker; #90039 (2005)

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Stratigraphic Sequences Associated with the Mississippian-Pennsylvanian Unconformity, Shanty Hollow Lake, South-Central Kentucky

Scott R. Schoefernacker
Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY

The basal Pennsylvanian Caseyville Formation of south-central Kentucky represents an extensive network of paleochannels, which overlie various Mississippian (Chesterian Series) rocks. Questions have been raised about the extent and orientation of paleochannels and the systemic boundary in the region. The problematical systemic boundary is quite significant in cases where marker beds are lacking or where sandstone facies of Pennsylvanian age are juxtaposed on lithologically similar Mississippian-age strata. Discerning the systemic boundary may also be complicated by facies changes in Chesterian strata.

This study employed various data to investigate the unconformity such as well logs, outcrops, and subsurface-to-outcrop cross-sections. Subsurface and outcrop investigation was aided by the Kentucky Geological Survey's newly available Digitally Vectorized Geological Quadrangles (DVGQs) and the Stratigraphic Column Generator (Indiana Geological Survey). These aforementioned data were incorporated into a Geographic Information System (GIS) to produce a dynamic map of the local geology. Results of this study provided a better understanding of the sub-Pennsylvanian topography that evidently is dependent on variation of the Upper Mississippian strata. The addition of DVGQs and GIS provides a new avenue that researchers can use to identify Pennsylvanian paleochannel systems that have proven to be economically important in the Illinois Basin region.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90039©2005 AAPG Calgary, Alberta, June 16-19, 2005