See KGS geologic maps . In this setting, the location of springs is often controlled by bedrock strata, in which a permeable layer rests on an impermeable bed, for example limestone or sandstone on shale. The occurrence of joints, particularly in limestone, may also affect ground-water movement. Springs could be expected at the base of the Oread Formation or where sandstone beds are present in the Douglas Group. The bedrock strata dip gently toward the northwest.
Springs generally emerge from slopes on the downdip sides of hills.
The eastern side of Salt Creek valley or southern side of Plum Creek valley would be good candidates for small springs. Modern human development of the landscape often impacts spring flow by changing conditions of surface drainage or ground-water recharge. In this case, KAP may reveal distinctive geomorphic patterns, in terms of drainage, soils, vegetation vigor, and other aspects of the land surface. Our KAP focus will be the probable race track site in the Missouri River bottomland at Fort Leavenworth. Nonetheless, the oval outline of the race track may yet be preserved in the microtopography, drainage, soils, and vegetation cover of the site.