Title: Karst Potential, Dane County, Wisconsin (2015; 1:100,000-scale)
DESCRIPTION
Abstract: This dataset provides a general spatial estimate of the potential for development of karst features in Dane County, Wisconsin. It was created by intersecting a map of bedrock geology (Brown, B., R. Peters, and K. Massie-Ferch, 2013, Preliminary Bedrock Geology of Dane County, Wisconsin, Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey Open-file Report 2013-01, scale 1:100,000) with a map of the depth to bedrock that was derived from a map of bedrock elevation (Olcott, P., 1972, Bedrock Topography of Dane County, Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey Open-file Report 1972-03, scale 1:62,500). Areas underlain by the dominantly-carbonate Sinnipee (Os), Prairie du Chien Group (Op), and Trempealeau (_t) Groups, and where the depth to bedrock is less than 50 feet, were interpreted to have the potential for development of karst features and are included in this dataset. The Trempealeau Group has no major karst features associated with it and could be considered as having a lower karst potential than the other two units. The attribute field “UnitCode” provides the geologic map unit identifier.
Purpose: Areas of Dane County, Wisconsin are underlain by carbonate bedrock. These rocks show features such as vertical fractures and conduits that provide primary pathways for groundwater movement and can dramatically increase groundwater susceptibility when present. The presence of carbonate rock is not generally enough to create conditions for karst and associated increased groundwater susceptibility. However, when shallow carbonate bedrock is present it is very likely that issues associated with karst will be present, such as increased groundwater susceptibility and sinkhole formation. This dataset provides an estimate of the spatial extent of shallow carbonate bedrock in the county. Note that these data were derived from 1:62,500- and 1:150,000-scale maps and should not be used at larger scales or for site-specific applications.
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Map Projection: NAD 1983 HARN Wisconsin TM