By Brenna Angel/KPR
Frankfort, KY – The Kentucky Geological Survey is celebrating a major milestone in the field of geologic mapping. Scientists believe Kentucky is the first in the country to digitally publish all maps detailing the state's rock composition. State Geologist Jim Cobb says the effort was built on several decades of data.
"It's a very labor-intensive process. So it's not easy. It takes people, human resources, and computers. So it took 40 years."
Hundreds of people worked on the map, including former research geologist Wayne Newell. He spent 40 years with the U.S. Geological Survey covering Kentucky.
"We identify points and elevations and we contour a surface and then we project that onto the topography. And it does require a lot of rigor going up and down hill slopes and fighting your way through laurel and briars and a few other hazards.
Scientists say the geologic map is useful for developers, engineers, government officials, and land owners to locate resources, protect groundwater, and avoid sinkholes and landslides. The map is available for free online through the Kentucky Geological Survey.