Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/Z503927/1
NZArC GeoSen (Net Zero Aerial Capability for Geophysical Sensing)
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Mr L Bateson, British Geological Survey, Earth Hazards & Observatories
- Co-Investigator:
- Dr K B Smith, British Geological Survey, Earth Hazards & Observatories
- Co-Investigator:
- Dr TA Jordan, NERC British Antarctic Survey, Science Programmes
- Co-Investigator:
- Dr O Kuras, British Geological Survey, Engineering Geology
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor JE Chambers, British Geological Survey, Engineering Geology
- Grant held at:
- British Geological Survey, Earth Hazards & Observatories
- Science Area:
- None
- Overall Classification:
- Unknown
- ENRIs:
- None
- Science Topics:
- None
- Abstract:
- This project will place NERC at the forefront of subsurface geophysical data collection from Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). We will establish capability to characterise geological structure and composition of the shallow subsurface and thickness and structure of glaciers and ice sheets from UAS. Expected depths of investigation are ~150-300 m in solid geology (TEM) and ~4.5 km in ice (Radar). We propose an interlinked geophysical capability with two complementary assets: 1. A Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) system for catchment-scale 3D subsurface imaging based on time-domain electromagnetics (TEM), developed in cooperation with TEMCompany. Sensors will be suspended from a rotary battery-powered UAS platform (DroneVolt Hercules 20), a 10 kg drone with a maximum payload of 15 kg. This asset will be located at BGS. 2. A Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) system for measuring ice thickness and detecting subglacial water at regional scales using ice-penetrating radar. This will be mounted to a larger fixed-wing UAS platform (e.g. Windracers ULTRA) with a maximum take-off payload of 100 kg. This asset will be located at BAS. In most onshore regions of the world (including the UK), low-altitude semi-airborne TEM surveys will allow us to image the geological structure and composition of the shallow subsurface in 3D at high spatial resolution and with denser coverage than possible with ground-based measurements. This will dramatically improve our understanding of hydrogeological functioning, including flood risk, as demonstrated in studies elsewhere (e.g. Denmark, India, USA). Moreover, within this geological zone the majority of critical infrastructure (road, rail, flood embankments, dams etc) is constructed. Subsurface 3D models from the TEM capability will bring a step-change in our understanding of subsurface conditions associated with shallow geohazards and the failure of such infrastructure - through the rapid and low-cost provision of spatially extensive high-resolution subsurface information. This low-altitude VLOS capability will enable data collection at the local scale, with flights occurring within 500 m of the pilot. In the cryosphere (including Antarctica), drone-mounted ice-penetrating radar will allow us to measure ice thickness at larger scales - a critical metric for understanding the global impact of climate change. Here UAS regulations are less restrictive than in the UK, therefore regional BVLOS UAS flights will enable data collection using less fuel than conventional survey aircraft, thus reducing costs, minimising emissions, and enabling collection of data at higher resolution. These geophysical sensing technologies are well developed and commonly deployed on larger crewed aircraft (BAS PASIN2 ice radar system, or helicopter-borne TEM) or ground-based vehicles (GPR/TEM towed on the surface). However, neither of these technologies are currently available on low-carbon UAS platforms; the proposed capability therefore represents a substantive shift towards Net Zero operations. NERC will be placed in a world-leading position in respect to the flexibility, scales and resolution of data collection offered by the UAS and the science they will enable. By developing sensors underpinning the two complementary strands (VLOS in the UK and BVLOS in polar environments), this project will propel NERC to the forefront of aerogeophysical technology. Developing robust procedures for BVLOS operation in Antarctica is expected to pave the way for changing regulation in the UK, making UAS a platform of choice also for larger-scale surveys. At the same time, sensors developed through the VLOS strand have potential for use on larger BVLOS platforms in the UK, Antarctica and beyond.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/Z503927/1
- Grant Stage:
- Awaiting Event/Action
- Scheme:
- Research Grants
- Grant Status:
- Active
- Programme:
- NZArC UAS
This grant award has a total value of £932,282
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Exception - Equipment |
|---|
| £932,282 |
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