Tellus takes off this spring over Mayo

THE next phase of Tellus – a geological mapping project which collects geophysical and geochemical data on rocks, soil and water across Ireland – is set to ‘take off’ over counties Mayo and Donegal in early March.

Involving a low-flying plane equipped with state-of-the-art geophysical technology, the aircraft will be based at Sligo airport and traverse the skies of Mayo into the autumn months, weather permitting.

Survey activity will help better identify and map variations in the rocks and soils, which will assist in understanding the local environment, soil management and natural resource potential for these counties.

Previous phases of Tellus have prompted significant international interest in mineral exploration and provided information for more detailed radon risk maps by providing an up-to-date, comprehensive picture of the country’s geology.

Data collected throughout the Tellus project is made freely available via the Tellus website (www.tellus.ie).

Airborne activity over Donegal follows on from previous surveying by the Tellus Border project across eastern Donegal in 2011. The completion of the western part this year will allow for county-wide geological insights.

The Tellus team, led by the Geological Survey Ireland and funded by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE), expect to have surveyed 50% of Ireland by late 2017.