Low-Level Flights to Map Geology and Aquifers in Southwest Michigan

Helicopters carrying large sensor hoops will scan the terrain to create 3D maps of the subsurface.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 5:00pm

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The U.S. Geological Survey and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy are collaborating on a project to study groundwater resources in several counties in Southwest Michigan. Helicopters will fly at low altitudes, around 200 feet above ground, towing large 60-foot wide sensor hoops to measure the electrical resistivity of the subsurface. This data will be used to create 3D maps of the geology and aquifers in the region, which can help with better groundwater resource management.

Why it matters

Groundwater is a critical resource for many Michigan residents, with around 40% of the state's population relying on it for drinking water. Understanding the subsurface geology and aquifer systems can lead to more effective management and protection of these vital water resources, especially as demand and environmental pressures increase.

The details

The helicopters will fly in a grid pattern, avoiding populated areas and buildings, to collect the electromagnetic data that will be processed into 3D maps of the subsurface. This technology can differentiate between materials like sands, gravels, clays, and bedrock, providing valuable insights into the region's groundwater systems. The data will be publicly released by the U.S. Geological Survey after processing.

  • The flights will start around the second week of April 2026 and continue for several months.
  • The data will be publicly released by the U.S. Geological Survey after the flights are completed.

The players

U.S. Geological Survey

A scientific agency of the United States government that studies the landscape, natural resources, and natural hazards of the United States.

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

A state government agency in Michigan responsible for protecting the state's environment, natural resources, and public health.

Sydney Ruhala

The Groundwater Data Unit Supervisor at the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

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What they’re saying

“The helicopter tows a large — it looks like a hula hoop, but it's really large and it has these electromagnetic sensors attached to the hoop. And the helicopter will fly at relatively low altitudes, several hundreds of feet above the ground surface.”

— Sydney Ruhala, Groundwater Data Unit Supervisor

“Essentially what it does is it's measuring what's called the electrical resistivity of the subsurface. So it can tell us, when you look at the resistivity, it can tell us about the types of materials beneath the ground surface. So whether you have sands and gravels, or if you have clays. It can also tell you about the bedrock, so the consolidated rock material that you have underground. And it essentially allows us to create a 3D map of the subsurface that then we can use it to study our groundwater resources across the region.”

— Sydney Ruhala, Groundwater Data Unit Supervisor

“Michigan residents, probably about 40%, I want to say, of Michigan residents rely on groundwater for drinking water. We also use groundwater in a lot of other industries. People use it for irrigation. You can withdraw groundwater for industry like non-contact cooling water. Groundwater is also important in the water cycle. It connects to our surface water bodies so it's important for our ecosystems.”

— Sydney Ruhala, Groundwater Data Unit Supervisor

What’s next

The data collected from the low-level flights will be processed and publicly released by the U.S. Geological Survey, which the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy will then use to make further interpretations and inform groundwater management strategies.

The takeaway

This project highlights the importance of understanding the complex subsurface geology and aquifer systems in Michigan, which are critical for providing drinking water, supporting industries, and maintaining healthy ecosystems. The collaborative efforts between state and federal agencies demonstrate a commitment to using advanced technology to better manage this vital natural resource.