Last updated: July 11, 2024
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NPS Geodiversity Atlas—Obed Wild and Scenic River, Tennessee
Geodiversity refers to the full variety of natural geologic (rocks, minerals, sediments, fossils, landforms, and physical processes) and soil resources and processes that occur in the park. A product of the Geologic Resources Inventory, the NPS Geodiversity Atlas delivers information in support of education, Geoconservation, and integrated management of living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components of the ecosystem.
Introduction
The Obed Wild and Scenic River (OBED) is situated on the Cumberland Plateau in Cumberland and Morgan Counties, Tennessee. Encompassing approximately 2,053 hectares (5,073 acres), OBRI preserves and protects 72 km (45 mi) of free-flowing streams, rich wildlife and plant resources, and the rugged character of this area on the Cumberland Plateau (Anderson 2017). OBED was authorized a park unit on October 12, 1976 and was designated for outstandingly remarkable aesthetics, wildlife, fish, and recreational, cultural, ecological, geological, and aquatic values (Anderson 2017). The history of OBED can be traced back many centuries, but the scenery still looks much the same as when Americans Indians and early pioneers walked along its banks.
Geologic Setting
The regional geology of Obed Wild and Scenic River consists predominantly of Pennsylvanian-age (323–300 million years ago) sedimentary rocks that are relatively flat-lying but have been dissected by the Obed River. The rocks of OBED are predominantly sandstone and shale, and include siltstone, conglomerate, and coal that have been slowly weathered and sculpted to produce an array of geologic formations that include arches, mesas, chimneys, cracks, and rock shelters. Geologic units commonly exposed along the river in OBED are the Rockcastle Conglomerate, Dorton Shale, and Crossville Sandstone. The landscape of OBED is characterized by a dendritic river drainage pattern and narrow, V-shaped gorges with river valleys dotted by huge boulders which have broken from the cliff faces. Rivers and streams at OBED consist of stretches of rugged whitewater rapids and quiet pools nestled below towering cliffs and forested talus slopes.
Regional Geology
Obed Wild and Scenic River is a part of the Appalachian Plateaus Physiographic Province and shares its geologic history and some characteristic geologic formations with a region that extends well beyond park boundaries.
The Geologic Resources Inventory produces digital geologic maps and reports for more than 270 natural resource parks. The products listed below are currently available for this park, check back often for updates as many maps, reports, and posters are still in progress.
- Scoping summaries are records of scoping meetings where NPS staff and local geologists determined the park’s geologic mapping plan and what content should be included in the report.
- Digital geologic maps include files for viewing in GIS software, a guide to using the data, and a document with ancillary map information. Newer products also include data viewable in Google Earth and online map services.
- Reports use the maps to discuss the park’s setting and significance, notable geologic features and processes, geologic resource management issues, and geologic history.
- Posters are a static view of the GIS data in PDF format. Newer posters include aerial imagery or shaded relief and other park information. They are also included with the reports.
- Projects list basic information about the program and all products available for a park.
Source: Data Store Saved Search 3036. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store.
A NPS Soil Resources Inventory project has been completed for Obed Wild and Scenic River and can be found on the NPS Data Store.
Source: Data Store Saved Search 3083. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store.
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National Park Service Geodiversity Atlas
The servicewide Geodiversity Atlas provides information on geoheritage and geodiversity resources and values within the National Park System. This information supports science-based geoconservation and interpretation in the NPS, as well as STEM education in schools, museums, and field camps. The NPS Geologic Resources Division and many parks work with National and International geoconservation communities to ensure that NPS abiotic resources are managed using the highest standards and best practices available.