Girkin Formation

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The Girkin Formation is a geologic formation located in the Chester Escarpment of central Kentucky. It comprises a level of Mammoth Cave and lies above the Ste. Genevieve Limestone and St. Louis Limestone and below the Big Clifty Sandstone in that area. The Girken is a limestone Mississippian in age.

It is slowly eroding away, and once the Girkin completely dissolves, Mammoth Cave will begin to shrink in size.

Members of the Girkin are as follows in descending order:

  • Beech Creek Member
  • Elwren Member
  • Reelsville Member
  • Sample Member
  • Beaver Bend Member
  • Bethel Member
  • Paoli Member