(WWLP has picked up this story. See their report here.)
In collaboration with neighboring states’ geological surveys, the Massachusetts Geological Survey has secured funding from the federal Earth MRI program to do geophysical surveys of a wide swath of southern New England. This newly funded work, totaling $750,000, involves low-level airplane flights over parts of the Connecticut River Valley to image geology using airborne geophysical technology, starting this month. The flights are partof a national effort to modernize mapping of the nation’s geology, increasing knowledge of resources such as critical minerals and water, and natural hazards such as earthquakes and radon.
Massachusetts and the region will benefit in several ways from the new data, helping us better map bedrock minerals and mitigate geologic hazards. This region is home to several types ofrocks and tectonic settings that can help us understand complex mineral systems. The survey is part of USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative, a partnership with the geological surveys of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont as well as other states.
“Increasing knowledge of New England’s geologic framework will help with national priorities, like sourcing critical minerals, and regional concerns – like mapping pyrrhotite to minimize its use in local infrastructure,” said Jamey Jones, science coordinator for the USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative.
The corrosive mineral pyrrhotite in concrete represents an emerging hazard in central Massachusetts. When incorporated into concrete aggregate, it can cause structures like home foundations to crumble. Better geologic maps will help us screen for the presence of this mineral, ultimately protecting homeowner investments. The newly appointed director of theMassachusetts Geological Survey, Brian Yellen elaborated, “We have a broad sense of where these corrosive minerals are, but not enough detail yet to assure that they don’t end up in concrete that makes its way into people’s home foundations.” Indeed, some 35,000 houses have been identified in neighboring Connecticut whose foundations are crumbling, with similar numbers in central Massachusetts.
During the survey, which will be conducted in spring to fall 2025, instruments on the airplane willmeasure variations in the Earth’s magnetic field and natural, low-level radiation created bydifferent rock types beneath vegetation and up to several miles below the surface. Thisinformation will help researchers develop geologic maps of resources and hazards in threedimensions.
The aircraft will be equipped with an elongated “boom” that extends either in front of or behind the main cabin 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 willbe collected.