The USGS is bringing expertise in the use of airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys to support groundwater studies. Like medical imaging allows us to non-invasively measure inside the human body, AEM surveys help to investigate Earth's subsurface without the need for expensive drilling.
Burke Minsley
Burke Minsley is a Research Geophysicist with the Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center.
Burke Minsley joined the USGS in 2008 as a Research Geophysicist with the Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center in Denver, Colorado. After receiving a B.S. in Applied Physics from Purdue University in 1997, Burke began his career as a field geophysicist working on offshore seismic vessels before receiving a Ph.D. in Geophysics from MIT in 2007. His work involves the development and implementation of innovative ground-based and airborne geophysical methods used in interdisciplinary studies to improve our understanding of Earth's geosphere, hydrosphere, and cryosphere. Burke's projects are interdisciplinary and geographically diverse, including permafrost mapping in Alaska, critical zone studies in a mountain headwater system in Colorado, and a large regional water availability study in the lower Mississippi River valley. He also works on development of computational methods for uncertainty quantification in geophysical datasets and associated geologic or hydrologic interpretations. In 2012, Burke received the PECASE award for his fundamental research on advancing airborne electromagnetic survey methodology and its use in studying permafrost. He is currently serving as President of the Near-Surface Geophysics Section of AGU from 2021-2022.
Science and Products
Expansion of the Geophysical Survey (GS) data standard and open-source tools
Advancement of GS standard and GSPy software for improved functionality and interoperability of geophysical datasets
Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) Survey 2023 - Illinois River Basin
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting an Airborne ElectroMagnetic (AEM) Survey starting in late January 2023 and lasting three to four weeks. A helicopter towing a large hoop from a cable will begin making low-level flights over the Illinois River Basin, covering much of central Illinois and parts of northwest Indiana.
Arctic Biogeochemical Response to Permafrost Thaw (ABRUPT)
Warming and thawing of permafrost soils in the Arctic is expected to become widespread over the coming decades. Permafrost thaw changes ecosystem structure and function, affects resource availability for wildlife and society, and decreases ground stability which affects human infrastructure. Since permafrost soils contain about half of the global soil carbon (C) pool, the magnitude of C losses...
Interdisciplinary Methods and Applications in Geophysics (IMAGe)
The project focuses on the development of novel geophysical techniques that improve our ability to understand Earth's subsurface, with broad relevance to the Mineral Resources Program and the USGS Science Strategy. Our goal is to develop and maintain state-of-the art geophysical capabilities that support the diverse science needs of USGS projects that aim to meet the challenges of the 21st century...
Arctic Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE)
ABoVE: Vulnerability of inland waters and the aquatic carbon cycle to changing permafrost and climate across boreal northwestern North America. Carbon released from thawing permafrost may fuel terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems or contribute to greenhouse gas emission, leading to a potential warming feedback and further thaw.
Nome Creek Experimental Watershed
The Nome Creek Experimental Watershed (NCEW) has been the site of multiple studies focused on understanding hydrology, biogeochemistry, and ecosystem changes related to permafrost thaw and fire in the boreal forest.
NGWOS AEMs For Illinois - Aerially Mapping the Illinois River Basin
The USGS is bringing expertise in the use of airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys to support groundwater studies. Like medical imaging allows us to non-invasively measure inside the human body, AEM surveys help to investigate Earth's subsurface without the need for expensive drilling.
NGWOS AEMs For Illinois - Aerially Mapping the Illinois River Basin (AD)
The USGS is bringing expertise in the use of airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys to support groundwater studies. Like medical imaging allows us to non-invasively measure inside the human body, AEM surveys help to investigate Earth's subsurface without the need for expensive drilling.
The USGS is bringing expertise in the use of airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys to support groundwater studies. Like medical imaging allows us to non-invasively measure inside the human body, AEM surveys help to investigate Earth's subsurface without the need for expensive drilling.
NGWOS Takes Flight
The USGS conducted an aerial electromagnetic survey of the Delaware Bay to collect data on groundwater salinity. Rising sea level, increasing frequency and intensity of coastal storms, and increasing demand for groundwater have amplified the risk of saltwater impacting water supplies in the region.
The USGS conducted an aerial electromagnetic survey of the Delaware Bay to collect data on groundwater salinity. Rising sea level, increasing frequency and intensity of coastal storms, and increasing demand for groundwater have amplified the risk of saltwater impacting water supplies in the region.
NGWOS Takes Flight (AD)
The USGS conducted an aerial electromagnetic survey of the Delaware Bay to collect data on groundwater salinity. Rising sea level, increasing frequency and intensity of coastal storms, and increasing demand for groundwater have amplified the risk of saltwater impacting water supplies in the region.
The USGS conducted an aerial electromagnetic survey of the Delaware Bay to collect data on groundwater salinity. Rising sea level, increasing frequency and intensity of coastal storms, and increasing demand for groundwater have amplified the risk of saltwater impacting water supplies in the region.
Electromagnetic geophysical survey hoop on ground
Geophysical survey equipment hoop on ground with people learning from SkyTEM member. In January 2021 a helicopter carried an airborne electromagnetic induction sensor over parts of northeastern Wisconsin as part of a USGS study to map the aquifers in the region.
Geophysical survey equipment hoop on ground with people learning from SkyTEM member. In January 2021 a helicopter carried an airborne electromagnetic induction sensor over parts of northeastern Wisconsin as part of a USGS study to map the aquifers in the region.
Helicopter towing hoop for airborne electromagnetic survey northeastern Wisconsin, January 2021
linkPhoto of helicopter with geophysical equipment loop deployed below it via slingload. In January 2021 a helicopter carried an airborne electromagnetic induction sensor over parts of northeastern Wisconsin as part of a USGS study to map the aquifers in the region.
Helicopter towing hoop for airborne electromagnetic survey northeastern Wisconsin, January 2021
linkPhoto of helicopter with geophysical equipment loop deployed below it via slingload. In January 2021 a helicopter carried an airborne electromagnetic induction sensor over parts of northeastern Wisconsin as part of a USGS study to map the aquifers in the region.
Helicopter with geophysical survey equipment loop deployed below for airborne electromagnetic survey, Northeastern Wisconsin, January 2021
linkPhoto of helicopter with geophysical equipment loop deployed below it via slingload. Technician for scale. In January 2021 a helicopter carried an airborne electromagnetic induction sensor over parts of northeastern Wisconsin as part of a USGS study to map the aquifers in the region.
Helicopter with geophysical survey equipment loop deployed below for airborne electromagnetic survey, Northeastern Wisconsin, January 2021
linkPhoto of helicopter with geophysical equipment loop deployed below it via slingload. Technician for scale. In January 2021 a helicopter carried an airborne electromagnetic induction sensor over parts of northeastern Wisconsin as part of a USGS study to map the aquifers in the region.
Geophysical equipment loop with sensor for airborne electromagnetic survey January 2021
Geophysical equipment loop with sensor from SKYTEM. In January 2021 a helicopter carried an airborne electromagnetic induction sensor over parts of northeastern Wisconsin as part of a USGS study to map the aquifers in the region.
Geophysical equipment loop with sensor from SKYTEM. In January 2021 a helicopter carried an airborne electromagnetic induction sensor over parts of northeastern Wisconsin as part of a USGS study to map the aquifers in the region.
Helicopter towing geophysical survey hoop via slingload
Helicopter with geophysical equipment loop deployed below it via slingload. In January 2021 a helicopter carried an airborne electromagnetic induction sensor over parts of northeastern Wisconsin as part of a USGS study to map the aquifers in the region.
Helicopter with geophysical equipment loop deployed below it via slingload. In January 2021 a helicopter carried an airborne electromagnetic induction sensor over parts of northeastern Wisconsin as part of a USGS study to map the aquifers in the region.
Electromagnetic geophysical survey hoop
Geophysical equipment survey hoop resting on ground in between flights. In January 2021 a helicopter carried an airborne electromagnetic induction sensor over parts of northeastern Wisconsin as part of a USGS study to map the aquifers in the region.
Geophysical equipment survey hoop resting on ground in between flights. In January 2021 a helicopter carried an airborne electromagnetic induction sensor over parts of northeastern Wisconsin as part of a USGS study to map the aquifers in the region.
Explanation of electromagnetic geophysical survey equipment
A SkyTEM team member explains technology behind geophysical equipment loop to USGS employees. In January 2021 a helicopter carried an airborne electromagnetic induction sensor over parts of northeastern Wisconsin as part of a USGS study to map the aquifers in the region.
A SkyTEM team member explains technology behind geophysical equipment loop to USGS employees. In January 2021 a helicopter carried an airborne electromagnetic induction sensor over parts of northeastern Wisconsin as part of a USGS study to map the aquifers in the region.
Laying Ground Cable to Measure Permafrost
USGS scientist Burke Minsley and project partners from the U. Alaska Fairbanks lay ground cable to measure permafrost depth at Nome Creek site north of Fairbanks, Alaska.
USGS scientist Burke Minsley and project partners from the U. Alaska Fairbanks lay ground cable to measure permafrost depth at Nome Creek site north of Fairbanks, Alaska.
Wildfire and Alaskan Permafrost
Deploying geophysical equipment in the Nome Creek (AK) area to assess the effect of wildfire on permafrost. Small electrical signals are injected into the ground through metal stakes connected to the orange cable in the foreground. The measured response is used to detect belowground permafrost conditions.
Deploying geophysical equipment in the Nome Creek (AK) area to assess the effect of wildfire on permafrost. Small electrical signals are injected into the ground through metal stakes connected to the orange cable in the foreground. The measured response is used to detect belowground permafrost conditions.
Science and Products
Expansion of the Geophysical Survey (GS) data standard and open-source tools
Advancement of GS standard and GSPy software for improved functionality and interoperability of geophysical datasets
Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) Survey 2023 - Illinois River Basin
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting an Airborne ElectroMagnetic (AEM) Survey starting in late January 2023 and lasting three to four weeks. A helicopter towing a large hoop from a cable will begin making low-level flights over the Illinois River Basin, covering much of central Illinois and parts of northwest Indiana.
Arctic Biogeochemical Response to Permafrost Thaw (ABRUPT)
Warming and thawing of permafrost soils in the Arctic is expected to become widespread over the coming decades. Permafrost thaw changes ecosystem structure and function, affects resource availability for wildlife and society, and decreases ground stability which affects human infrastructure. Since permafrost soils contain about half of the global soil carbon (C) pool, the magnitude of C losses...
Interdisciplinary Methods and Applications in Geophysics (IMAGe)
The project focuses on the development of novel geophysical techniques that improve our ability to understand Earth's subsurface, with broad relevance to the Mineral Resources Program and the USGS Science Strategy. Our goal is to develop and maintain state-of-the art geophysical capabilities that support the diverse science needs of USGS projects that aim to meet the challenges of the 21st century...
Arctic Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE)
ABoVE: Vulnerability of inland waters and the aquatic carbon cycle to changing permafrost and climate across boreal northwestern North America. Carbon released from thawing permafrost may fuel terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems or contribute to greenhouse gas emission, leading to a potential warming feedback and further thaw.
Nome Creek Experimental Watershed
The Nome Creek Experimental Watershed (NCEW) has been the site of multiple studies focused on understanding hydrology, biogeochemistry, and ecosystem changes related to permafrost thaw and fire in the boreal forest.
NGWOS AEMs For Illinois - Aerially Mapping the Illinois River Basin
The USGS is bringing expertise in the use of airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys to support groundwater studies. Like medical imaging allows us to non-invasively measure inside the human body, AEM surveys help to investigate Earth's subsurface without the need for expensive drilling.
The USGS is bringing expertise in the use of airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys to support groundwater studies. Like medical imaging allows us to non-invasively measure inside the human body, AEM surveys help to investigate Earth's subsurface without the need for expensive drilling.
NGWOS AEMs For Illinois - Aerially Mapping the Illinois River Basin (AD)
The USGS is bringing expertise in the use of airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys to support groundwater studies. Like medical imaging allows us to non-invasively measure inside the human body, AEM surveys help to investigate Earth's subsurface without the need for expensive drilling.
The USGS is bringing expertise in the use of airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys to support groundwater studies. Like medical imaging allows us to non-invasively measure inside the human body, AEM surveys help to investigate Earth's subsurface without the need for expensive drilling.
NGWOS Takes Flight
The USGS conducted an aerial electromagnetic survey of the Delaware Bay to collect data on groundwater salinity. Rising sea level, increasing frequency and intensity of coastal storms, and increasing demand for groundwater have amplified the risk of saltwater impacting water supplies in the region.
The USGS conducted an aerial electromagnetic survey of the Delaware Bay to collect data on groundwater salinity. Rising sea level, increasing frequency and intensity of coastal storms, and increasing demand for groundwater have amplified the risk of saltwater impacting water supplies in the region.
NGWOS Takes Flight (AD)
The USGS conducted an aerial electromagnetic survey of the Delaware Bay to collect data on groundwater salinity. Rising sea level, increasing frequency and intensity of coastal storms, and increasing demand for groundwater have amplified the risk of saltwater impacting water supplies in the region.
The USGS conducted an aerial electromagnetic survey of the Delaware Bay to collect data on groundwater salinity. Rising sea level, increasing frequency and intensity of coastal storms, and increasing demand for groundwater have amplified the risk of saltwater impacting water supplies in the region.
Electromagnetic geophysical survey hoop on ground
Geophysical survey equipment hoop on ground with people learning from SkyTEM member. In January 2021 a helicopter carried an airborne electromagnetic induction sensor over parts of northeastern Wisconsin as part of a USGS study to map the aquifers in the region.
Geophysical survey equipment hoop on ground with people learning from SkyTEM member. In January 2021 a helicopter carried an airborne electromagnetic induction sensor over parts of northeastern Wisconsin as part of a USGS study to map the aquifers in the region.
Helicopter towing hoop for airborne electromagnetic survey northeastern Wisconsin, January 2021
linkPhoto of helicopter with geophysical equipment loop deployed below it via slingload. In January 2021 a helicopter carried an airborne electromagnetic induction sensor over parts of northeastern Wisconsin as part of a USGS study to map the aquifers in the region.
Helicopter towing hoop for airborne electromagnetic survey northeastern Wisconsin, January 2021
linkPhoto of helicopter with geophysical equipment loop deployed below it via slingload. In January 2021 a helicopter carried an airborne electromagnetic induction sensor over parts of northeastern Wisconsin as part of a USGS study to map the aquifers in the region.
Helicopter with geophysical survey equipment loop deployed below for airborne electromagnetic survey, Northeastern Wisconsin, January 2021
linkPhoto of helicopter with geophysical equipment loop deployed below it via slingload. Technician for scale. In January 2021 a helicopter carried an airborne electromagnetic induction sensor over parts of northeastern Wisconsin as part of a USGS study to map the aquifers in the region.
Helicopter with geophysical survey equipment loop deployed below for airborne electromagnetic survey, Northeastern Wisconsin, January 2021
linkPhoto of helicopter with geophysical equipment loop deployed below it via slingload. Technician for scale. In January 2021 a helicopter carried an airborne electromagnetic induction sensor over parts of northeastern Wisconsin as part of a USGS study to map the aquifers in the region.
Geophysical equipment loop with sensor for airborne electromagnetic survey January 2021
Geophysical equipment loop with sensor from SKYTEM. In January 2021 a helicopter carried an airborne electromagnetic induction sensor over parts of northeastern Wisconsin as part of a USGS study to map the aquifers in the region.
Geophysical equipment loop with sensor from SKYTEM. In January 2021 a helicopter carried an airborne electromagnetic induction sensor over parts of northeastern Wisconsin as part of a USGS study to map the aquifers in the region.
Helicopter towing geophysical survey hoop via slingload
Helicopter with geophysical equipment loop deployed below it via slingload. In January 2021 a helicopter carried an airborne electromagnetic induction sensor over parts of northeastern Wisconsin as part of a USGS study to map the aquifers in the region.
Helicopter with geophysical equipment loop deployed below it via slingload. In January 2021 a helicopter carried an airborne electromagnetic induction sensor over parts of northeastern Wisconsin as part of a USGS study to map the aquifers in the region.
Electromagnetic geophysical survey hoop
Geophysical equipment survey hoop resting on ground in between flights. In January 2021 a helicopter carried an airborne electromagnetic induction sensor over parts of northeastern Wisconsin as part of a USGS study to map the aquifers in the region.
Geophysical equipment survey hoop resting on ground in between flights. In January 2021 a helicopter carried an airborne electromagnetic induction sensor over parts of northeastern Wisconsin as part of a USGS study to map the aquifers in the region.
Explanation of electromagnetic geophysical survey equipment
A SkyTEM team member explains technology behind geophysical equipment loop to USGS employees. In January 2021 a helicopter carried an airborne electromagnetic induction sensor over parts of northeastern Wisconsin as part of a USGS study to map the aquifers in the region.
A SkyTEM team member explains technology behind geophysical equipment loop to USGS employees. In January 2021 a helicopter carried an airborne electromagnetic induction sensor over parts of northeastern Wisconsin as part of a USGS study to map the aquifers in the region.
Laying Ground Cable to Measure Permafrost
USGS scientist Burke Minsley and project partners from the U. Alaska Fairbanks lay ground cable to measure permafrost depth at Nome Creek site north of Fairbanks, Alaska.
USGS scientist Burke Minsley and project partners from the U. Alaska Fairbanks lay ground cable to measure permafrost depth at Nome Creek site north of Fairbanks, Alaska.
Wildfire and Alaskan Permafrost
Deploying geophysical equipment in the Nome Creek (AK) area to assess the effect of wildfire on permafrost. Small electrical signals are injected into the ground through metal stakes connected to the orange cable in the foreground. The measured response is used to detect belowground permafrost conditions.
Deploying geophysical equipment in the Nome Creek (AK) area to assess the effect of wildfire on permafrost. Small electrical signals are injected into the ground through metal stakes connected to the orange cable in the foreground. The measured response is used to detect belowground permafrost conditions.
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government