Stratigraphic history, deposition and lithologic study of the Topeka Limestone in Greenwood County, Kansas.

Abstract

The Shawnee Group, Virgilian Series of the Upper Pennsylvanian System consists of seven formations. They are, in ascending order: Oread Limestone, Kanwaka Shale, Lecompton Limestone, Tecumseh Shale, Deer Creek Limestone, Calhoun Shale, and Topeka Limestone. In Northern Greenwood County, the Topeka Limestone consists of the basal two limestone members, Hartford Limestone and Curzon Limestone. In central Greenwood County, The Coal Creek Limestone, which is the upper part of Topeka Limestone, is identified. From north-central Greenwood County southward, a persistent limestone-to-shale facies change occurs within the Topeka Limestone. The lighology changes are the likely resuIt of an anticlinal feature, the Bourbon Arch. Similar facies changes were also observed within the Howard Limestone. Many good exposures exist in the northern and central portion of the study area provided by nemerous quarries within the Topeka Limestone and Howard Limestone. Good exposures exist on the southern area from Eureka eastward along Highway 54. These and other measured sections are included within the lithology. Illustrations included as part of this paper indicate thickness variations and facies changes.