The data collection will be conducted through the USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI), a partnership between the USGS and state geological surveys that is revolutionizing our understanding of the nation’s geology and critical mineral resources which are vital to the U.S. economy, national security, and clean-energy technology.  

“Earth MRI delivers foundational data with broad applications,” said David Applegate, USGS director. “These data are crucial in identifying and providing a fuller picture of the nation’s mineral and other geologic resources.” 

The northern portion of the survey footprint will be flown in conjunction with a contiguous southern block that was funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in fiscal year 2023, resulting in an unprecedented scale of data collection across the four states. 

“The fact that we can cover so much ground with these Earth MRI flights is transformative,” said Anji Shah, a research geophysicist and lead USGS scientist for the survey. “We will learn much about the region’s incredibly diverse geology, and the potential insights are tremendous. Geoscientists will be able to work from this dataset for decades to come.” 

USGS officials worked closely with the respective state geological surveys in designing the survey area across the distinct geology between the Appalachian Mountains to the west and the Cape Fear Arch on the coast. Researchers can use these data to extrapolate broad information about groundwater, infrastructure and remediation needs in these areas, as well as to identify potential natural hazards. 

“More than half our state is covered by coastal plains, which makes it very difficult to study the geologic basement structures there, but this high-resolution data set gives us a chance to see what would otherwise be very difficult to study,” said Scott Howard, state geologist of South Carolina, who referenced data from a USGS aeromagnetic survey in 2023 that revealed the potential for seismic hazards in South Carolina. 

The participating state surveys are also enthusiastic about what these data could show about critical- and industrial mineral potential in the area, and how these data could support local governments in planning their economic futures and managing natural resources.

“These data are important to our geology program but are also vital to our Abandoned Mine Land Program, economic development work and the State Energy Office,” said Tarah Kesterson, a spokesperson for the Virginia Department of Energy.

“This is a generational investment,” said Jessica Moore, state geologist of West Virginia and director of the state’s Geological and Economic Survey. “It’s very exciting as a geologist to have data to move forward in understanding our critical mineral potential, and I’m excited about what it means for my state.” 

Officials from the North Carolina Geological Survey described Earth MRI data as “evergreen,” and said they’re eager to study the forthcoming data and realize the many follow-on benefits made possible by Earth MRI’s unprecedented volume of collected foundational data. 

“Our mission is to provide reliable information to decision makers, and the data from these surveys will support that mission by providing an abundance of foundational geologic information for ongoing and future studies,” said Kenneth Taylor, state geologist of North Carolina. 

These airborne geophysical surveys will collect a combination of magnetic and radiometric data. These data can be used to map rocks from just beneath trees, grass, and shallow sediment cover down to several miles underground. Magnetic data can be used to identify ancient faults, different rock types, and other geologic features and potentially the signatures of mineral deposits. Radiometric data indicate the relative amounts of potassium, uranium and thorium in shallow rocks and soil. 

Scientists use this information to help map rocks that may contain mineral deposits, faults that may rupture during an earthquake, areas that may be prone to increased radon, and areas likely to contain groundwater or energy resources.

The initial airborne geophysical survey may be followed by additional investments, including new geologic maps, topographic surveys, geochemical sampling, and other products and techniques to better understand the region’s geologic framework.

Since 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has advanced scientific innovation through a \$320 million investment for the USGS to better map the Nation’s mineral resources, both still in the ground and in mine wastes, and to preserve historical geologic data and samples. Through the end of fiscal year 2024, more than \$160 million has been obligated for Earth MRI initiatives, propelling efforts to make “once-in-a-generation” advancements in the nation’s geologic and geophysical data collections and mapping.