Computer Mapping and Geographic

Computer Mapping and Geographic Visualization

Animation and thematic maps for some Flint Animation and thematic maps for some Flint Hills Natural Resources

Matt Koch (Land Cover)

Jason Sweet (Vegetation)

Sivakumar Mohandass (Mussel)

Jason:

Matt:

Shiva:

The Flint Hills are familiar to many travelers since this part of the state is traversed by both I-70 and the Kansas Turnpike. Despite disagreement about the exact boundaries of the Flint Hills, most geologists agree that the hills extend from Marshall County, in the north, to Cowley County, in the south. The Flint Hills were formed by the erosion of Permian-age limestones and shales. During the early part of the Permian Period (which lasted from about 286 to 245 million years ago) shallow seas covered much of the state, as they did during Pennsylvanian times. Unlike the Pennsylvanian limestones to the east, however, many of the limestones in the Flint Hills contain numerous bands of chert, or flint. Because chert is much less soluble than the limestone around it, the weathering of the limestone has left behind a clayey soil full of cherty gravel. Most of the hilltops in this region are capped with this cherty gravel.

Because the flint hills area represents a largest stretch of natural tall grass prairie in N. America and a unique ecosystem, we chose three indicators of natural resources for the project.

Last Updated on: 08.03.05