AEM Surveys in southern New Mexico

In Winter 2025 the Bureau of Geology began Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) Surveys to map and characterize aquifers across the state. Surveys began in 5 different regions in New Mexico - the Mimbres Basin, Estancia Basin, Middle Rio Grande Region, Lower Rio Grande Region, and Gila-Animas. Highly-trained helicopter pilots fly a specialized hoop instrument 100 feet above the ground in a series of carefully-planned transects that avoid homes, roads, and populated areas. The hoop emits a non-invasive electromagnetic signal into the subsurface while a receiver on the hoop receives its "echo" showing the electrical resistivity of different materials beneath the ground. Measuring the resistivity helps determine the location of fresh and brackish (salty) water down to 600 to 1500 ft beneath the surface. Geologists then combine this data with other data points such as well logs and geologic maps to create cross-sectional maps of the subsurface. These subsurface maps can then be used to identify ideal locations for water wells and aquifer recharge projects and improve management of water resources. For more information visit https://geoinfo.nmt.edu/geoscience/research/home.cfml?id=149