News Release, Kansas Geological Survey, June 28, 2000
LAWRENCE--A new map that shows the geology at the surface of Greenwood County is now available from the Kansas Geological Survey, based at the University of Kansas.
The full-color map, which shows the type and age of rocks at the surface, was developed by Survey geologist Daniel Merriam.
In addition to the county's geology, the map shows roads, railroads, quarries, streams, lakes, and other features. Because geologic maps show the rock formations likely to be encountered in a given location, they are useful in construction, in understanding soils and agriculture, in searching for water and mineral deposits, and in a variety of engineering and environmental uses.
Much of the eastern half of Greenwood County is part of the Osage Cuestas region, an area of limestone-capped hills. The rocks in this area were deposited during the Pennsylvanian Period of geologic history, about 300 million years ago.
The western portion of the county is part of the Flint Hills, where rocks were deposited during the Permian Period, about 270 million years ago. Limestones and shales are abundant in this area. Many of those limestone layers contain nodules of chert, or flint, which give the hills their name.
In addition, much younger sands, gravels, and other geologic materials were deposited along the rivers and streams in the region, particularly along the Fall River and the Verdigris River.
The map is drawn at a scale of 1:50,000, so that one inch on the map equals about 3/4 mile of actual distance. The map measures about 48 inches by 56 inches.
Copies of the new map are available from the Kansas Geological Survey, 1930 Constant Ave., Lawrence, KS 66047 (or phone 785-864-3965). The cost is $15.00, plus $5.00 for handling. Kansas residents should add 6.9% sales tax. More information about the maps and other Survey products is available at the Survey's web site (www.kgs.ku.edu).