(03) Groundwater Flow Studies of the Karst Terrain in Lost Cove, Sewanee, TN

Lost Cove is a large solution valley located southeast of Sewanee, TN and is situated partly on the University of the South’s property and on private land. An extensive karst system has developed in the Bangor and Monteagle... [ view full abstract ]

Lost Cove is a large solution valley located southeast of Sewanee, TN and is situated partly on the University of the South’s property and on private land. An extensive karst system has developed in the Bangor and Monteagle Limestones, which are both Mississippian in age. This study builds upon previous studies in the area conducted by Dr. Martin Knoll and students, Dr. Bran Potter, and Dr. Nicholas Crawford of Western Kentucky University. Two different types of dye (fluorescein and FD&C #3) were injected at two separate sinks to determine direction of flow through the karst system. The dye tracing has revealed a complex subterranean flow pattern from the Bangor Formation through the underlying Hartselle Formation and Monteagle Limestone. The flow pattern is also heavily controlled by the amount of water moving through the system. At high flow volumes, the karst system is overwhelmed and surface stream flow takes place.