DOGAMI And USGS To Collect Geophysical Data In Northeastern Oregon - 10/10/25

DOGAMI and USGS to collect geophysical data in northeastern Oregon

Baker City, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) and the U.S. Geologic Survey (USGS) have contracted with Merrick-Surdex JV and New-Sense Geophysics to collect airborne geophysical data over portions of northeastern Oregon and western Idaho. This airborne geophysical[1] data is being collected as part of the USGS’s Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (EarthMRI) to support research into Oregon’s critical minerals, water resources, and geologic hazards.

Who is conducting these surveys?

DOGAMI is an independent agency of the state of Oregon. DOGAMI develops maps, reports, earth science data, and other geographical information to help Oregonians understand the state’s unique geologic setting, geologic history, manage its natural resources, and prepare for natural hazards. Learn more about DOGAMI’s role in Oregon and explore geologic publications at the agency website, https://www.oregon.gov/dogami.

The USGS is a U.S. federal agency that works to provide objective and impartial science to resource managers, emergency response, and the public. EarthMRI is an initiative within the USGS Mineral Resources Program that aims to modernize mapping of the Nation’s surface and subsurface to deliver high-quality data to advance the understanding of the Nation’s geology and mineral resources, and to inform decisions about how the Nation will meet its evolving needs. https://www.usgs.gov/news/state-news-release/media-alert-low-level-flights-image-geology-over-portions-blue-mountains

When and where will these surveys be conducted?

The geophysical data collection flights will be conducted over portions of the Blue Mountains and adjacent areas in northeastern Oregon and western Idaho. Flights began in early October and will continue until snowfall begins to impact data quality. Flights will resume in the Spring of 2026 and continue through the Summer of 2026.

Geophysical data will be collected over portions of northeastern Oregon and western Idaho.

Geophysical data will be collected by a helicopter with instruments on a forward mounted boom.

How will DOGAMI use this data?

Airborne geophysical data is essential information needed to produce new high-resolution geologic maps, better understand geologic hazards such as earthquakes, and inventory and manage natural resources, such as groundwater and critical minerals. Northeast Oregon is a key focus area for DOGAMI to conduct geologic mapping due to the importance of conservation and sustainability of water resources and the strategic need to identify critical minerals necessary for modern technologies, economies, and national security.

High-resolution geophysical data from the Pendleton area of northeast Oregon was used by DOGAMI to create detailed geologic maps showing the distribution of faults. See McClaughry and Azzopardi (2023) for more information. https://pubs.oregon.gov/dogami/gms/p-GMS-129.htm The upper image here shows fault lines mapped using a total-field high-resolution aeromagnetic anomaly map shown in the lower image.

Will these surveys cause any disturbances on the ground, and will any additional information over the target areas be collected during data acquisition?

• No. All sensors used in the collection of data for these surveys are passive recording devices with no emissions that pose a risk to humans, animals, or plant life.
• No photographic or video images will be collected during survey operations.
• Aircraft will be flown by experienced pilots specially trained and approved for low-level flying.

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