Inaug.-Diss.--Erlangen. / "Die wichtigste Literatur ueber das Problem:" p. [55]-58.

Thesis (M.S. - Hydrology and Water Resources)--University of Arizona, 1968. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 123-124).

Thesis (M.S.)--Missouri University of Science and Technology, 2008. / Vita. The entire thesis text is included in file. Title from title screen of thesis/dissertation PDF file (viewed August 26, 2008) Includes bibliographical references (p. 66-67).

Although karst processes in south central Kentucky have been studied extensively, the Haney Limestone Member of the Golconda Formation has not been studied in detail in contrast to limestones stratigraphically below it that are thicker. In addition, the relationship between petrographic features of the Haney Limestone and the formation of caves and karst features has not been studied extensively compared to lithographic, petrographic, or structural variables Petrographic data were collected using core and surface exposures across the study area of south central Kentucky from northern Logan and Warren counties up toward the Rough Creek Graben region, and stratigraphic columns were constructed. Twenty-three petrographic thin-sections were made from samples collected at these sites, described, and photo documented. These studies have revealed that grain size and silica content play a role in how the Haney weathers both in surface exposure and in a cave setting. Petrographic thin-section analysis suggests that the Haney possesses a complex diagenetic history that involves several generations of calcite cementation, dolomitization, silicification, and pressure-dissolution features in the form of microstylolites and stylolites. A basal shale in the Big Clifty occurs commonly at the Big Clifty/Haney contact and acts as a confining hydrogeologic unit, which is favorable for the development of springs and caves. Studying the Haney Limestone petrographically provides an opportunity not only to study a lesser known unit, but also in the context of relating petrographic influences or controls on the morphology of Haney cave-passage development under both vadose and phreatic hydrologic regimens. Heretofore, the vast majority of cave morphological studies have only linked the hydrologic regimen to formation of cave passages, but such studies have not considered petrographic variance. This study not only relates karst features to petrographic variance, but also provides a petrographical description of the Haney across south central Kentucky, whereas many previous studies focused on Illinois and Indiana. Understanding Haney petrographic characteristics also provides context for potential carbonate hydrocarbon reservoirs and groundwater resources in the Illinois Basin region.

Several dams throughout the United States have been built on karst terrains, where soluble limestone bedrock has been dissolved to form features such as caves, sinkholes, and underground rivers. In such karst regions, subsurface hydrology can play an integral role in the condition, operation, and safety of dams and should be considered during risk assessment. Patoka Dam, near Jasper, Indiana, is situated on a well-developed karst landscape/aquifer system, faces significant potential challenges, and recently underwent risk assessment. A groundwater flow investigation using multiple fluorescent tracer tests, analysis of water-table elevations, isopach mapping of the Glen Dean Limestone, and spring hydrograph analysis was performed to better understand local groundwater hydrology in the vicinity of the existing water-control structures. Dye-tracing results identified the local flow direction as south to north and the mean dye travel time from injection locations to Robert Hall Cave Spring (RHCS) as 8- 11 feet per hour. These results also indicate that groundwater is bypassing the control structures in the vicinity of the cut-off wall, but the geometry of these flow paths is not clear. The recharge area for RHCS, a significant groundwater discharge point downstream from Patoka Dam, was delineated and the existence of a groundwater divide in the area of the dike was confirmed. The location of this groundwater-basin boundary follows an estimation of where the Glen Dean Limestone outcrops along the perimeter of the dissected ridge that lies between Patoka Lake and RHCS. Spring hydrograph analysis shows that spring discharge is primarily influenced by local precipitation events. However, precipitation events can result in increased pool elevation making the relationship between spring discharge and pool elevation unclear within the data set. This groundwater investigation has provided a clearer characterization of the hydrogeology within the vicinity of Patoka Dam. In combining the various hydrogeologic results, some insight into the function and geometry of the local karst network that could potentially affect the integrity of the dam and/or dike structures has been provided.