Media Alert: Low-level flights to image geology and aquifers over parts of New Mexico and Texas

The flights will be based out of Portales, New Mexico, and will cover an area of about 1,300 square miles surrounding Clovis and Cannon Air Force Base. This survey will support groundwater studies of the region in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force. The new geophysical data will be processed to develop high-resolution three-dimensional representations of geology and aquifer structure to depths up to about 1,000 feet below the surface. Together with independent USGS measurements of depth to groundwater in wells, the airborne data will be used to develop maps that show the thickness of the aquifer that is saturated with groundwater.

"The 3D models and maps are important for improving our understanding of water resources, and this type of airborne survey allows us to cover large areas very effectively," said Burke Minsley, USGS research geophysicist in charge of the airborne survey.

The USGS is contracting with Woolpert, who has subcontracted with New Resolution Geophysics to collect the data.

The survey will use a helicopter equipped with a towed "hoop" that is deployed about 100 feet (30 meters) beneath the helicopter when in flight. Instruments in the hoop will measure variations in Earth's electrical properties and magnetic field created by different rock types.

The scientific instruments on the helicopter create no emissions that pose a risk to humans, animals, or plant life. No photography or video data will be collected. The data collected will be made freely available to the public on ScienceBase once complete. The aircraft will be flown by experienced pilots who are specially trained and approved for low-level flying. The company works with the FAA to ensure flights are safe and in accordance with U.S. law. The surveys will be conducted during daylight hours only.

The helicopter will fly along pre-planned fight paths relatively low to the ground at about 200 feet (60 meters) above the surface. Surveys do not occur over densely populated areas and the helicopter will not directly overfly buildings at low altitude. Flights will follow southwest-northeast lines spaced about 1,600 feet (500 meters) apart.