What's Happening?
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) and NASA are collaborating on a hyperspectral survey to map critical minerals across the western United States. Utilizing NASA's ER-2 high-altitude aircraft, the survey captures spectral fingerprints of minerals from
65,000 feet above the Earth's surface. This initiative, part of the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI), aims to identify mineral resources essential for the U.S. economy and national security. The survey, which began on April 1 and will continue until May 20, covers approximately 400,000 square miles. It involves analyzing wavelengths of light reflected off the Earth's surface to detect minerals that are otherwise difficult to identify. The data collected will help in understanding the geology of the region, including potential sources of critical minerals like copper, aluminum, nickel, and titanium.
Why It's Important?
This survey is crucial for regaining America's mineral independence by identifying domestic sources of critical minerals. The U.S. currently relies heavily on imports for these minerals, which are vital for various industries, including technology and defense. By mapping these resources, the USGS and NASA aim to reduce dependency on foreign sources, thereby enhancing national security and economic stability. The initiative also supports scientific research and geologic mapping, providing valuable data on water availability and geologic hazards. The collaboration between federal agencies, state geological surveys, and academic institutions underscores the importance of modern geoscience data collection in addressing national challenges.
What's Next?
Following the airborne survey, ground-truthing will be conducted to validate the data collected from the air. This involves using backpack-mounted spectrometers to measure the same areas from the ground, accounting for atmospheric conditions and confirming mineral identifications. The USGS and NASA plan to continue their partnership, expanding the survey to other regions and collaborating with commercial groups on targeted surveys of legacy mine sites. The data will be made publicly available, supporting further research and policy-making aimed at securing the nation's mineral resources.
