27 Geological Surveys and Resource Mapping/Evaluation Studies (Posters)
This session highlights studies from state geologic surveys and the U.S. Geological Survey regarding natural resource evaluations. We welcome submissions with relevance to critical minerals, rare earth elements, various energy sectors, and the construction industry.
Tuesday, 10 March 2026
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
RCC, Lower Level Hall
The Kentucky Geological Survey’s Real-Time Kentucky Groundwater Observation Network
Paper number: 27-0
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 9:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Authors
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E BeckUniversity of Kentucky, Henderson, Kentucky
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Charles TaylorUniversity of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
Abstract
Prior to an exceptional drought in 2012, there were approximately 244 center-pivot irrigation systems in Kentucky. However, as of 2022, the total number of center-pivots is about 750, with most of those systems located in western Kentucky and utilizing groundwater resources. Because of this increasing reliance on groundwater resources for agricultural practices, in addition to existing public water supply and industrial demands, the Kentucky Geological Survey (KGS) established the Kentucky Groundwater Observation Network (KGON) in 2015 to monitor continuous groundwater level elevations in major aquifers across the state. The network consists of 11 preexisting wells and 4 additional wells specifically installed by KGS to collect groundwater measurements. Two of the network wells are center-pivot irrigation documented change wells. In late 2025, seven network wells were upgraded to real-time status (1 hr updates), and the data can be viewed on the KGS website. Groundwater level elevation data collected between 2015 and 2025 indicate that groundwater levels generally fluctuate seasonally. Groundwater level measurements for the upper and lower Claiborne, McNairy, and limestone bedrock aquifers show no overall decreases. However, groundwater level measurements for the Wilcox aquifer dropped approximately 1.22 m between April 2020 and December 2024. In early 2026, by partnering with the Kentucky Division of Water and the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, three additional wells in western Kentucky will be instrumented and added to the network. In addition, plans are underway to locate potential network wells in south central, northern, and eastern Kentucky. Current KGON partners include Mammoth Cave National Park, Murray State University, Kentucky Horse Park, University of Kentucky Research and Education Center, and six landowners.
Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 1
doi: 10.1130/abs/2026SE-411652
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