Geologic Cross Section I–I′ Through the Appalachian Basin from the Eastern Margin of the Illinois Basin, Jefferson County, Kentucky, to the Valley and Ridge Province, Scott County, Virginia

Scientific Investigations Map 3343
By: , and 

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Abstract

Geologic cross section I‒I’ is the fourth in a series of cross sections constructed by the U.S. Geological Survey to document and improve understanding of the geologic framework and petroleum systems of the Appalachian basin. Cross section I‒I’ provides a regional view of the structural and stratigraphic framework of the Appalachian basin from the eastern margin of the Illinois basin in central Kentucky, across the Cincinnati arch (Lexington dome), to the Valley and Ridge province in southwestern Virginia, a distance of approximately 280 miles. This cross section is a companion to cross sections E‒E’, D‒D’, and C‒C’ that are located about 200 to 300 miles to the northeast. Cross section I‒I’ either updates or complements earlier geologic cross sections through the central Kentucky and southwestern Virginia part of the Appalachian basin. Although other published cross sections through parts of the basin show more structural and stratigraphic detail, these other cross sections are of more limited extent geographically and (or) stratigraphically.

Cross section I‒I ’ contains much information that is useful for evaluating energy resources in the Appalachian basin. Many of the key elements of the Appalachian basin petroleum systems (such as source rocks, reservoir rocks, seals, and traps) can be inferred from lithologic units, unconformities, and geologic structures shown on the cross section. Other aspects of petroleum systems (such as the timing of petroleum generation and petroleum migration pathways) may be evaluated by burial history, thermal history, and fluid flow models on the basis of what is shown on the cross section. Cross section I‒I’ also provides a stratigraphic and structural framework for the Pennsylvanian coal-bearing section. In addition, geologists and engineers could use cross section I‒I’ as a reconnaissance tool to identify plausible geologic structures and strata for the subsurface storage of liquid waste or for the sequestration of carbon dioxide.

Suggested Citation

Ryder, R.T., Trippi, M.H., and Swezey, C.S., 2015, Geologic cross section I–I′ through the Appalachian basin from the eastern margin of the Illinois basin, Jefferson County, Kentucky, to the Valley and Ridge province, Scott County, Virginia: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Map 3343, 2 sheets and pamphlet A, 41 p.; pamphlet B, 102 p., http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/sim3343.

ISSN: 2329-132X (online)

ISSN: 2329-1311 (print)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • Construction of the Cross Section
  • Structural Framework
  • Stratigraphic Framework
  • Acknowledgments
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Geologic Cross Section I–I′ Through the Appalachian Basin from the Eastern Margin of the Illinois Basin, Jefferson County, Kentucky, to the Valley and Ridge Province, Scott County, Virginia
Series title Scientific Investigations Map
Series number 3343
DOI 10.3133/sim3343
Year Published 2015
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Eastern Energy Resources Science Center
Description Pamphlet A: iii, 41 p.; Pamphlet B: Appendix; 2 Sheets: 51.0 x 41.0 inches and 47.31 x 41.00 inches
Country United States
State Kentucky, Pensylvania
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details