Media Alert: Low-level flights to image geology of northeast Nevada

The flights are a collaborative effort between the USGS's Earth Mapping Resources Initiative and the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology. The USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative is a national effort to modernize the nation's maps of geology and mineral resources, and to identify energy and groundwater resources and natural hazards.

"Earth MRI is mapping the critical minerals needed to drive the U.S. economy and bolster national security. By partnering with the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology we are also adding to state knowledge of water resources, hazards and the resource economy," said Jamey Jones, science coordinator for the U.S. Geological Survey's Earth Mapping Resources Initiative.

"Understanding the geology of Nevada is crucial to identifying new areas for mineral and geothermal exploration. This survey will provide new, modern data that will help us understand the geology of the Silver State and aid in the discovery of domestic critical, base and precious metal resources, all of which are vital for the U.S. economy," said Simon Jowitt, director and state geologist of the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology.

The survey is designed to map rocks within northeastern Nevada. The planned survey includes magnetic and radiometric data collected from a helicopter along flight lines spaced 660 feet (200 meters) apart at a height of 320 feet (100 meters). The helicopter will carry an elongated "stinger" that extends from the main cabin and houses sensors that collect the data. All instrumentation is passive, with no emissions that pose a risk to humans, animals or plant life. No photography or video data will be collected. The USGS has contracted with New Resolution Geophysics to collect the airborne data. 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 Elko and Winnemucca airfields and will fly over the following Nevada counties: Elko, Eureka and Lander.

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 will be made freely available to the public on the USGS ScienceBase website.

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