Media Alert: Low-level flights to image geology over Western Georgia

The flights are a collaborative effort between the U.S. Geological Survey's Earth Mapping Resources Initiative and the Association of American State Geologists, and are part of a national effort to modernize mapping of the nation's geology and locate the critical minerals that drive the U.S. economy and national security.

"Partnership with state surveys helps accomplish national goals like mapping the critical minerals the U.S. needs. Georgia 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.

"Thanks to the efforts and cooperation of the Alabama and Florida geological surveys in collaboration with USGS, this new work is possible in Georgia. The results will benefit the citizens of all three states," said Edward Rooks, Georgia's State Geologist.

Instruments on the aircraft will measure variations in the Earth's magnetic field and natural, low-level radiation created by different rock types beneath vegetation and up to several miles below the surface. This information will help researchers develop geologic maps in three dimensions. Applications include evaluating natural resources such as critical minerals and water, preparing for natural hazards such as earthquakes and radon, and characterizing legacy mining areas.

The aircraft will fly along pre-planned fight paths relatively low to the ground at about 300 feet (100 meters) above the surface in some areas. Experienced pilots who are specially trained and approved for low-level flying will operate the aircraft. All flights will occur during daylight hours and are coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure accordance with U.S. law. The ground clearance will be increased to 1,000 feet (300+ meters) over populated areas. Flights may be based out of several regional airports, with the Griffin-Spalding County Airport as the initial base of operations.

The aircraft will be equipped with an elongated "boom" that extends from the tail of the aircraft that houses sensors. 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 data collected will be made freely available to the public on the USGS data server, ScienceBase, once complete.

The survey is designed to advance interpretations of the geology extending from the crystalline rocks of the Piedmont Province southeast of Atlanta to the sediments and sedimentary rocks of the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain. Survey data will aid in mapping areas known to host graphite, bauxite, titanium, zirconium, and rare earth elements. Rare earth elements are used in magnets for electric motors, wind turbines, and hard drives, as well as defense applications such as radar and guidance systems in fighter jets and missile systems. In 2024, the U.S. was reliant on imports for 80% of rare earth element use.

The USGS has contracted with Dewberry and Sander Geophysics Ltd. to collect data.

The survey fits into a broader effort by the USGS, state geological surveys, and other partners-including private companies, colleges, universities and state and federal agencies-to modernize our understanding of the Nation's fundamental geologic framework and knowledge of mineral resources. Funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has facilitated coverage of such a large area. This effort is known as the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative, and it includes airborne geophysical surveys like this one, geochemical reconnaissance surveys, topographic mapping using LiDAR technology, hyperspectral surveys, and geologic mapping projects.

Outline of survey boundaries. The fixed wing survey will take place within the blue polygon on the map.

Photo of the contractor's fixed-wing survey aircraft with a "tail boom" containing sensors that measure the magnetic field. (Photos courtesy of Sander Geophysics Ltd)