Media Alert: Low-level Flights to Image Geology over Northeastern Iowa and Southeastern Minnesota

The flights are a collaborative effort between the U.S. Geological Survey's Earth Mapping Resources Initiative and the Iowa and Minnesota geological surveys. 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 Iowa and Minnesota geological surveys are 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 USGS Earth MRI.

"This USGS program offers the Minnesota Geological Survey an opportunity to improve our understanding of geologic resources in the state, including materials needed for cleaner sources of energy and national security. It accelerates our ongoing mission to provide the geologic information necessary to protect and manage mineral and water resources across the state," said Robert Tipping, director of the Minnesota Geological Survey.

"These new data will greatly enhance our understanding of the potential for critical minerals and geologic hydrogen in Iowa," said Ryan Clark, associate Iowa state geologist for energy and minerals.

Magnetic surveys like this image the different magnetic properties carried by different types of rocks, allowing instruments to noninvasively "see" underground. The region of this survey contains rock types that are magnetic and which may host undiscovered deposits of critical minerals such as nickel, copper, platinum group elements, and cobalt.

Data will be collected along north-south flight lines spaced 1,310 feet (400 meters) apart at a nominal height of 330 feet (100 meters) above ground, increasing to 1,000 feet (300+ meters) above populated areas. The USGS has contracted with Dewberry and Sander Geophysics Ltd. (SGL) to collect the airborne data. Their fixed-wing aircraft will be equipped with an elongated "stinger" that extends from the main cabin which 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 several regional airports, including Albert Lea, Mason City, and Iowa Falls Airports and fly over parts of 40 counties: Allamakee, Black Hawk, Boone, Bremer, Butler, Cerro Gordo, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Greene, Grundy, Hamilton, Hancock, Hardin, Howard, Humboldt, Marshall, Mitchell, Story, Tama, Webster, Winnebago, Winneshiek, Worth, and Wright Counties in Iowa; Blue Earth, Dodge, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Olmstead, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, and Winona Counties in Minnesota; and Buffalo County in Wisconsin.

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.