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The $1.1 million project is funded by the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023. The aerial survey will map the geologic landscape with the goal of better understanding natural hazards and identifying surface materials that could be used to build and enhance hazard-resilient infrastructure.
The study, conducted by flying at low altitudes (about 11,000 feet), collected high-resolution data on sunlight reflected from three areas: western Puerto Rico near the city of Mayaguez, southern Puerto Rico near Ponce, and the central mountain range near Jayuya.
Sensors on the aircraft record reflected solar radiation from visible to near-infrared and shortwave infrared wavelengths, as well as thermal radiation at longer infrared wavelengths. Together, these sensors are called hyperspectral sensors because they span the electromagnetic spectrum. This allows researchers to distinguish between various surface materials, including different rock, soil and vegetation types, because of their unique reflective properties or “spectral signatures.”
“Looking for these patterns or spectral signatures can help identify areas with high mineral resource potential and allow us to map landslide source areas and study vegetation recovery in these areas,” he said. Bernard Hubbard, Research Geologist, Geology, Energy, and Minerals (GEM) Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey Located in Reston, Virginia.
Areas of particular focus for the survey include landslide areas affected by Hurricanes Maria and Fiona, the island’s only exposed limestone quarry, and several cement– Factories producing industrial minerals and building materials, such as Quartz sand and gravel; and other critical minerals necessary for post-hurricane reconstruction, home and business construction, and future storm resilience.
The USGS also works with the University of Puerto Rico. At the Rio Piedras campus, Dr. Kara Restrepo is a professor of biology in the university’s College of Natural ResourcesThe data will be used to study the ways in which organisms influence landslide formation.
“Specifically, hyperspectral data may help identify vegetation covers that better protect slopes from damage,” Restrepo said. “These data may help describe conditions that are favorable for microbial weathering, a process in which microorganisms drive the breakdown of rocks.
Hyperspectral imaging was originally developed by NASA and has a long history of use in mineral, natural disaster and ecological studies. The U.S. Geological Survey and NASA have previously collaborated to collect and analyze hyperspectral data, including the 17-year Earth Observing 1 mission.
These data points also provide insights into a variety of other geoscience and biological issues, including acid mine drainage, debris flows, agriculture, wildfires, and biodiversity. The U.S. Geological Survey has since used these methods to collect data and create geologic maps across the country, including Alaska and the Greater Antilles.
The U.S. Geological Survey provides scientific data for a changing world. For more information, visit United States Geological Survey Or follow us on Facebook @USGeologicalSurveyYoutube @U.S. Geological SurveyInstagram @U.S. Geological Surveyor Twitter @U.S. Geological Survey.
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