Density of Mapped Karst Features in South-Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania

Map 68 shows the density of karst data points relative to areas of carbonate rock in south-central and southeastern Pennsylvania. The data points are based on mapped karst features, which were published in a series of county-based open-file reports between 1987 and 1995 (see "References"). The digital compilation includes more than 111,000 data points from 14 counties and 107 7.5-minute quadrangles. Map 68 was created using ESRI ArcMap software and exported at 1:300,000 scale in Portable Document Format (PDF).

Use of the map

Map 68 provides a clear regional view of the trends and concentrations of known karst features. Karst terrains are often associated with ground instability and the damage that occurs to buildings, utilities, and roads when the underlying earth surface gives way. Karst features represent pathways for direct groundwater recharge and, with them, an increased vulnerability for groundwater contamination. Map 68 is useful for regional planning and preliminary site studies in karst terrain, but it is not a substitute for site-specific subsurface investigations. An understanding of the limits of the data is crucial to responsible use of the data. Please see the map disclaimer for a more detailed discussion of limitations of this map. The text and the map credits also provide information on the data layers and development of the map.

More information

For general information on karst geology and sinkholes, see Educational Series 11, Sinkholes in Pennsylvania.* For more information on the karst data points, contact Bill Kochanov at 717-702-2033. For additional information on the karst density analysis, contact Stuart Reese at 717-702-2028.

Download

Download Map 68 from map68.pdf* (2.49 MB).

This file can be used to print the color map at its full size of 43 by 27 inches (300 dpi). Images in a mapbook version provide 14 segments of the map that can be printed on desktop printers on legal-sized paper.

Mapbook images

Mapbook images of Map 68 are centered on each county in the map area and are at the same scale (1:300,000) as the map publication. These color images can be printed on legal-sized (8.5- by 14-inch) paper.

 

*You will need the Acrobat Reader 3.0 or later to successfully view/print some information. This program can be downloaded to your computer for free; simply click on the "Get Acrobat Reader" button at right to download now.