T139 Geology in the National Parks: Research, Mapping, and Resource Management

Tuesday, 30 October 2007
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

DERIVATIVE GEOLOGIC MAP OF MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK: A JOINT PROJECT BETWEEN THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE AND THE KENTUCKY GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

Paper number: T139-6
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 9:15 AM – 9:30 AM

Authors

Abstract

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. 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. Geographic information systems are used to reclassify the geology to understandable lithologic terms and then adding different data overlays, diagrams, and photographs to create a useful product for the public, park visitors, and park employees.

The completion of digital, 1:24:000-scale geology 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. KGS and park employees worked together to inventory all Mammoth Cave National Park data and assemble them in a large, hard-copy map format. Making the map pieces available as an interactive Web-based product has been proposed for the future.