ST. LOUIS — You may be seeing helicopters flying low over farmland in the Show-Me-State. Scientists are launching a search for underground water in three drought-affected northeastern Missouri counties. They are using helicopter surveys and ground testing to map potential aquifers.
The Missouri Geological Survey is flying specially equipped helicopters over Clark, Scotland and Schuyler counties. These aircraft will carry large hexagonal sensors suspended 100 feet below them. They are capable of mapping underground structures and water sources to depths of 900 feet. The helicopters will avoid residential areas and livestock operations.
The project combines aerial mapping with ground-based testing, including seismic measurements and test drilling on public lands. Scientists are particularly interested in studying layers of sand and gravel left behind by ancient glaciers, which often contain significant water resources. Similar mapping techniques have already proven successful in other Midwestern states.
Missouri’s drought conditions worsened this week, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, with more than three-quarters of the state now experiencing abnormally dry conditions—up from about 71% last week. The situation is particularly severe in some regions, with 18% of Missouri in severe drought and 4.5% facing extreme drought conditions.
The Missouri River Basin is also experiencing significant drought conditions, with Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota facing the most severe impacts. Summer months saw worsening conditions, particularly in the western basin, leading to low soil moisture and large wildfires that have affected agriculture and tourism.
Below-normal precipitation and above-normal temperatures will impact river navigation and agriculture. Drought is likely to persist and expand along the South Dakota-Nebraska border.
