Reconnaissance of surficial geology, regolith thickness, and configuration of the bedrock surface in Bear Creek and Union Valleys, near Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Abstract

A preliminary interpretation of the lithology, thickness of regolith, and configuration of the bedrock surface underlying Bear Creek and Union Valleys near Oak Ridge, Tennessee, was made based on geologic and geophysical data from boreholes and cores in Bear Creek Valley and on the related work of other investigators. Analysis of drillers' logs and lithologic logs and comparison of these data with a topographic map indicated that topography and depth of weathering are interdependent and are ultimately controlled by lithology. Topographic patterns were, therefore, used to extend localized geologic data to a larger scale. Maps of the surficial geology, thickness of regolith, and configuration of the bedrock surface are presented.