The Lake Marion study site highlights unique
rock exposures, significant historical sites, and land use characteristic
of a tourist-based economy. The Santee Limestone is an important
Coastal Plain rock formation. It is exposed at the surface only in
the south-central part of the state in the Lake Marion vicinity, even though
it is buried beneath other sedimentary rocks throughout a much larger area.
The formation tilts gently towards the Atlantic Ocean. The Santee
Limestone is significant because it is the major aquifer or water producing
unit for most Coastal Plain wells. Also, its occurrence around Santee
has allowed the development of the only major area in South Carolina featuring
Karst topography. A further attraction of the Lake Marion area is
the Santee National Wildlife Refuge, a wintering area for migratory birds
such as Canadian geese, pintail and mallard ducks. Fort Watson, the
Indian Mound that was the site of Francis Marion's skirmish with the British
is located in this area. These features provide the geological, environmental,
and historical significance of the site.
Background Information Description of Landforms,
Drainage Patterns, and Geologic Processes Characteristic Landforms
of Karst Topography
Geographic Features of Special
Interest
How Limestone Forms
Fossils
Development of Karst Topography
Caves
Ground Water Flow and the
Groundwater Table
Influence of Topography
on Historical Events and Cultural Trends Santee Indian Mound
Francis Marion Captures
Fort Watson
Natural Resources, Land
Use, and Environmental Concerns Storage of Hazardous Waste
Mining of Limestone
Caves and Bats
Karst Topography as a Unique
Natural Habitat
Study Site 7A--Lake Marion (Limestone Outcropping) Brief Site Description Santee National Wildlife
Refuge
Tourism and Fishing on Lake
Marion
Activity 7A-1: The Effects
of Ground Water Activity 7B-1: Lake Marion
Brings About Changes in Land Use
