Kansas, Cherokee County, near Galena
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Geological remnants of Mississippian times are found in the limestone cave region of the 55 square mile Ozark Plateau in the very southeast corner of Kansas. The cherty limestones of the area were developed in marine environments during the late Mississippian Period (345 million years ago). Today it is characterized by sinkholes, caves, swift streams and steep cliffs. The well drained cherty soils are poorly suited for agricultural use. Because of rich veins of lead and zinc below the surface, this tri-state district became a lead and zinc mining center of worldwide importance in the 20th Century. Much of the original Ozark Oak-Hickory forestlands still remain in this region. The white and Shumard's oaks, and bitternut and shagbark hickorys dominate the landscape of steep limestone bluffs and clear streams.
(Environment • Industry & Commerce) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
Geological remnants of Mississippian times are found in the limestone cave region of the 55 square mile Ozark Plateau in the very southeast corner of Kansas. The cherty limestones of the area were developed in marine environments during the late Mississippian Period (345 million years ago). Today it is characterized by sinkholes, caves, swift streams and steep cliffs. The well drained cherty soils are poorly suited for agricultural use. Because of rich veins of lead and zinc below the surface, this tri-state district became a lead and zinc mining center of worldwide importance in the 20th Century. Much of the original Ozark Oak-Hickory forestlands still remain in this region. The white and Shumard's oaks, and bitternut and shagbark hickorys dominate the landscape of steep limestone bluffs and clear streams.
(Environment • Industry & Commerce) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.