Additional Studies of the Cenozoic of Western Kansas

Abstract

Subsurface data, obtained largely from ground-water test drilling, are utilized for the preparation of generalized areal geology and topography on the bedrock surface below the Cenozoic deposits of western Kansas. The geologic pattern is consistent with the regional pattern of areal geology shown on the State map of Kansas. The sub-Cenozoic topography reveals a recognizable pattern of bedrock valleys, developed in part during late Tertiary time and in part during Pleistocene time. Structure contours drawn on the "Algal limestone" at the top of the Ogallala formation are compared with structure contours drawn on the top of the Dakota formation. The Tertiary structural development of western Kansas is indicated by a map showing convergence between the Dakota and Ogallala formations.