SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO)– You might see airplanes closer to the ground in the coming weeks.
A news release from the U.S. Geological Survey says a project to image local geology across the region will start in late September.
Low-level airplane flights are planned over the Sioux Falls region of southeastern South Dakota, southwestern Minnesota, and northwestern Iowa.
According to the release, the purpose of the survey is to provide images that expand the fundamental knowledge of geology underlying the region. The region has the potential for undiscovered deposits of critical minerals, which are important in numerous applications related to national security and energy generation.
Airplanes will fly along pre-planned fight paths relatively low to the ground at about 330 feet above the surface.
The ground clearance will be increased to 1,000 feet over populated areas and will comply with Federal Aviation Administration regulations. Flights will follow lines spaced about 650 feet apart.
