CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF THE BURLINGTON-KEOKUK LIMESTONE, WITH FOCUS ON HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL SPATIAL VARIABILITY

The Burlington-Keokuk limestone covers about 65% of Greene County and comprises a mid-stage karst area. The lithology of the limestone contains horizontal bedding planes that may create a preferential horizontal flow path throughout the formation. Through chemical analysis of different beds, as well as enriched tritium analysis of water seepage, a greater representation of water transport through the Burlington-Keokuk can be established. This analysis will help establish a greater understanding of sinkhole development within Greene County and surrounding counties. Samples will encompass Greene County as quarries, core samples, and caves from around the area will be used for data collection. These results will enhance knowledge about spatial variability of the rock units. From the sampled areas, a columnar chemical analysis will be performed on the core samples and the quarried samples, whereas water samples are anticipated from the cave sites and the quarry. With analysis, seepage rate estimates throughout the Burlington-Keokuk may be found to be dependent on the chemical composition of limestone. This study will benefit development wherever the Burlington-Keokuk is found, as well as any area with similar chemical makeup, in creating a profile of what is happening below ground surface. Further studies should continue to develop understanding of interactions between groundwater and the Burlington-Keokuk limestone.