For the past several years, ISGS has been developing a helicopter-based time-domain electromagnetics (HTEM) aquifer mapping program. This new geophysical survey method of collecting data uses a helicopter to collect data on the upper 600 feet of the subsurface, and is particularly beneficial for groundwater resource mapping studies.
One of the highest ISGS priorities for this program is the HTEM-based mapping and characterization of the Mahomet aquifer. A new HTEM-based map will be significantly more accurate than maps developed using traditional mapping methods. Because each survey is fairly expensive, the plan is to break the mapping effort into separate pieces, with each part being separately funded and producing a new map describing the extent and characteristics of that portion of the Mahomet aquifer. Together, these projects will incrementally produce the most comprehensive measurements and maps of the Mahomet aquifer to date. Data from each project will add to our understanding of sediment distribution, allowing us to build detailed three-dimensional maps of the Mahomet aquifer system. The evolving three-dimensional map from this program will be used to help answer important questions regarding sustainable water use, protection of water quality, estimation of groundwater recharge, and protection of resource security. For more information, visit the Mahomet Aquifer Airborne Mapping Program website.