Airborne Electromagnetic Surveys (AEM) have been conducted in several areas in the state. These surveys provide high resolution maps of aquifers that help water managers identify and optimize local sources of available groundwater.
AEM implements a helicopter that tows an antenna about 100 feet above the ground, which sends and receives electromagnetic signals to characterize the geology beneath the surface. Geophysical data is collected by the helicopter that flies in a grid pattern. The data identifies the deepest and most transmissive part of the aquifer and determines the geometry of the glacial environment – including depth and extent of the aquifers.