Airborne electromagnetic survey, northeastern Wisconsin, January 2021

Photo of helicopter with geophysical equipment loop deployed below it via slingload. In January 2021 a helicopter carried an airborne electromagnetic induction sensor over parts of northeastern Wisconsin as part of a USGS study to map the aquifers in the region. The data will be used to inform models of water availability and quality in the region that can be used by resource managers and policy makers. This photo shows the equipment being deployed from a low-flying helicopter operated by specially trained pilots. In addition to the usual field safety procedures, USGS personnel are practicing COVID-19 safety measures including distancing and wearing face coverings during current field work. The project is a collaboration by the USGS Upper Midwest Water Science Center and Water Availability and Use Science Program with Wisconsin Department of Agricultural, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP); Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR); and Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (WGNHS).