Media Alert: Low-level Flights to Image Geology over Central Texas

The flights are a collaborative effort between the U.S. Geological Survey's Earth Mapping Resources Initiative and the Texas Bureau of Economic Geology. Earth MRI is an effort to modernize the nation's maps of geology and mineral resources, and to identify energy and groundwater resources and natural hazards.

"Partnership with state surveys helps accomplish national goals like mapping the critical minerals the U.S. needs. The Texas Bureau of Economic Geology is helping with the work of the nation-and adding to state knowledge crucial to water resources, hazards and the resource economy," said Jamey Jones, science coordinator for the U.S. Geological Survey's Earth Mapping Resources Initiative.

"Earth MRI datasets are the result of a coordinated federal-state partnership designed to acquire modern geoscientific data at a statewide scale, make those data publicly available, and significantly advance our understanding of the geology of Texas. The 2026 airborne geophysical survey is one of the largest efforts of its kind in the state, targeting the Llano Uplift in Central Texas, a region of growing interest for its potential to support domestic supplies of critical minerals and rare earth elements," said Texas State Geologist Lorena Moscardelli, director of the Texas Bureau of Economic Geology.

The Llano Uplift survey will cover the Llano Uplift area of central Texas. Including a focus area for graphite, which is needed for advanced batteries. Historical mining records within the survey area indicate other critical minerals such as rare earth elements, tantalum, niobium and tungsten, are present. The Llano Uplift survey will also serve to inform strategic priorities of the Texas Bureau of Economic Geology including a silver-lead-zinc focus area, and ground water resources controlled by regional faults.

The survey includes magnetic and radiometric data collection from aircraft along pre-planned flight lines spaced 660 feet (200 meters) apart at a nominal terrain clearance of 330 feet (100 meters). The USGS has contracted NV5 to collect the airborne magnetic and radiometric data. Their fixed-wing aircraft is equipped with an elongated "stinger" that extends from the tail of the aircraft and houses sensors collecting data. These scientific instruments are completely passive with no emissions that pose a risk to humans, animals, or plant life. No photography or video data will be collected. The aircraft will be flown by experienced pilots who are specially trained and approved for low-level flying. These pilots work with the FAA to ensure flights are safe and in accordance with U.S. law. The surveys will be conducted during daylight hours only.

Flights will be based out of the Llano Municipal County Airport and will fly over the following Texas counties: Blanco, Burnet, Gillespie, Kerr, Kimble, Lampasas, Llano, McCulloch, Mason, Menard, and San Saba.

Earth MRI includes airborne geophysical surveys like this one, geochemical reconnaissance surveys, topographic mapping using LiDAR technology, hyperspectral surveys, and geologic mapping projects. The data collected are made freely available to the public on the USGS ScienceBase website.

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