A NEW RESOURCE FOR THE GEOLOGY OF MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK

The completion of digital, 1:24:000-scale geologic mapping for Kentucky is facilitating compilation, analysis, and delivery of diverse types of geologic information in a GIS. In order to create new derivative geologic maps or other related products, diverse data sets are analyzed in a GIS to help create the maps and enhance traditional geologic map information to produce products that are better suited for target audiences.

The Kentucky Geological Survey and the National Park Service have jointly produced a derivative geologic map of Mammoth Cave National Park. The idea is based on a series of county land-use planning maps published by the Kentucky Geological Survey that communicate traditional geologic map information to the general public. The land-use maps relate rock types to various hydrologic, environmental, and geologic-hazard issues. For Mammoth Cave National Park, issues such as geology, karst geomorphology, cave development, groundwater sensitivity, and plant diversity are discussed. The map is a cumulative inventory of the geologic issues, making a product that benefits the general public, park visitors, and park employees. Geographic information systems are used to reclassify the geology to understandable lithologic terms and then add different data overlays, diagrams, and photographs.

KGS and park employees worked together to inventory all Mammoth Cave National Park data and assemble them in a large, hard-copy map format available as a KGS publication. Future work that is to include Cumberland Gap National Historic Park is in progress.