USGS begins low-level geology flights over Iowa and Minnesota

The U.S. Geological Survey said in an announcement published Friday 06 November 2026 that low-level airplane flights were scheduled to begin as soon as early November over northeastern Iowa and southeastern Minnesota.

The flights were intended to collect geology data using airborne geophysical technology. The work involved the U.S. Geological Survey’s Earth Mapping Resources Initiative and the Iowa and Minnesota Geological Surveys. The survey was expected to pause over the winter and resume in 2027.

According to the agency, Earth MRI was intended to modernize national maps of geology and mineral resources. It also sought to identify energy and groundwater resources and natural hazards. Jamey Jones said cooperation with state surveys helped national efforts to map critical minerals and added knowledge about water resources, hazards and the resource economy.

Robert Tipping said the program gave the Minnesota Geological Survey an opportunity to improve its understanding of geologic resources in the state. Ryan Clark said the new data would improve understanding of the potential for critical minerals and geologic hydrogen in Iowa.

The flights used magnetic surveys to image the magnetic properties of different rock types. The region included magnetic rock types that could host undiscovered deposits of nickel, copper, platinum group elements and cobalt. Data were to be collected along north-south flight lines spaced 1,310 feet (400 meters) apart at a nominal height of 330 feet (100 meters) above ground.

The aircraft would normally flew at 1,000 feet (300+ meters) above populated areas. Flights were based at several regional airports, including Albert Lea, Mason City and Iowa Falls Airports. The survey covered parts of 40 counties in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The flights were conducted during daylight hours only.