Woolpert Contracted by USGS to Conduct Geophysical Surveys Related to Critical Minerals, Energy Research, Hazard Assessments in Arkansas

DANVILLE, Ark. (April 4, 2022) — The U.S. Geological Survey has contracted with Woolpert to conduct a high-precision geophysical survey and subsurface geologic mapping in Arkansas. The firm will collect, process and deliver high-resolution airborne radiometric and magnetic data that will be used in geologic framework studies related to critical minerals, energy resource research and geologic hazard assessments.

This image of a Piper Cheyenne airplane with tail stinger magnetometer is shared courtesy EON Geosciences. The thumbnail lidar image is shared courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey

Under this task order, Woolpert will image the surface and subsurface geology of 4,020 square miles in west-central Arkansas, which is the focus of a National Geologic Cooperative Mapping Program project. This survey will be flown to ensure seamless alignment with data collected in 2019-2020.

This project follows Woolpert’s recent delivery of geophysical survey data collected over 6,029 square miles in Virginia and North Carolina. That information is enabling the assessment of potential regolith critical mineral deposits, analyses of subsurface geology, and investigations into the varying nature and structural features of the central Virginia seismic zone. The data will inform ongoing studies by the USGS; the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy; and the North Carolina Geological Survey.

Woolpert Geospatial Market Director Shelly Carroll said this type of exploration is key to mineral and energy resource research, as well as geologic hazard assessments.

“Woolpert recognizes that subtle details in the geophysical data acquired are critical to modeling and interpreting mineral structures of a landscape. Providing the highest-quality data is key to scientists performing this work,” Carroll said. “Recent energy and supply chain issues caused by the pandemic have made the world acutely aware of our reliance on geologic resources. We’re honored to support the USGS in this much-needed effort to strengthen and extend geologic mapping programs nationwide.”

Woolpert subcontracted with EON Geosciences, which specializes in high-resolution airborne geophysical surveys, to support its task orders in Virginia and North Carolina. EON also performed the initial geophysical survey in Arkansas, to which this new survey will align.

Geophysical survey data acquisition under this task order is scheduled to begin this spring.

About Woolpert
Woolpert is the premier architecture, engineering, geospatial (AEG) and strategic consulting firm, with a vision to become one of the best companies in the world. We innovate within and across markets to effectively serve public, private and government clients worldwide. Woolpert is an ENR Top 150 Global Design Firm, has earned six straight Great Place to Work certifications and actively nurtures a culture of growth, inclusion, diversity and respect. Founded in 1911 in Dayton, Ohio, Woolpert has been America’s fastest-growing AEG firm since 2015. The firm has close to 1,900 employees and more than 60 offices on four continents. For more, visit woolpert.com.