US Geological Survey performing low-level flights for imaging over Arkansas, two other states

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) says it will conduct low-level flights over Northwest Arkansas and parts of Kansas and Missouri starting later this month.

USGS said in a news release that low-level flights will take place in Benton, Carroll, Madison, Franklin, Crawford, and Washington counties in Arkansas and dozens of counties in Missouri and Kansas.

The release said the purpose of the flights is to provide images “that expand the fundamental knowledge of geology underpinning the Ozark Plateau physiographic region.” It continued by saying that by imaging the surface and geology, the data from the survey will help facilitate geologic mapping related to mineral resource potential.

USGS said the imaging will start in early October and last around eight months, weather permitting. Flights in Arkansas will mainly be based out of Rogers Municipal Airport.

A specially trained crew approved for low-level flight will pilot the planes and will travel on pre-planned paths at around 260 feet above the ground and 1,000 feet in populated areas. They will only conduct the flights during daylight hours.

For more information, visit the U.S. Geological Survey’s website .

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