Tellus survey 2017

Have you heard of the Tellus survey? It may be relevant to you.

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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.
This latest geophysical phase of the survey involves a low-flying plane, equipped with state-of-the art technology, traversing the skies across County Mayo and western County Donegal.  The aircraft, based at Sligo airport, will be in the air from March 2017 to late autumn 2017 (weather permitting).  During this time, it will traverse over 42 Gribbon locations (listed in full below) including Mweelrea, the highest point in the province of Connacht, and historic pilgrimage trail, Croagh Patrick.

The Tellus survey aircraft

 
The 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.
Hillwalkers and outdoor enthusiasts are advised that the aircraft will fly at a level of 60 metres over rural areas (approximately eight times the height of a standard two storey house), rising to 240 metres over urban areas. The sound of the plane is similar to that of a passing lorry; however it may startle sensitive livestock such as horses, pedigree cattle, sheep-in-lamb and poultry flocks.
 

As it is vital to raise public awareness of the project, particularly amongst farmers and animal owners - the Tellus team is delivering an ongoing communications campaign across the regions. If you have any  concerns about the survey, particularly if you own sensitive livestock, or if you are interested in finding out more about the project,  you can contact the Tellus Freephone information line on 1800 303 516 or visit www.tellus.ie. You can also follow Tellus on Twitter, @TellusGSI.

The County Donegal survey area

 
The Tellus survey will be flying over/in close proximity to the following Gribbon locations in Co. Mayo and Co. Donegal during March –to late autumn 2017:

• No. 010 - Mweelrea (841m)
• No. 011 – Nephin (806m)
• No. 017 – Barrclashcame (772m)
• No. 019 – Croagh Patrick (764m)
• No. 021 – Errigal Mountain (751m)
• No. 024 – Slieve Carr (721m)
• No. 026 – Corranabinnia (716m)
• No. 030 – Birreencorragh (698m)
• No. 034 – Croaghaun (688m)
• No. 038 – Croaghgorm (674m)
• No. 039 – Slievemore, Achill Island (671m)
• No. 048 – Slieve Snaght (615m)
• No. 051 - Slieve League (595m)
• No. 059 – Knockalongy (544m) (in close proximity as the plane taxis to Sligo airport)
• No. 061 - Corraun Hill East Top (541m)
• No. 062 - Moylenanav (539m)
• No. 068 - Arroo (523m) (in close proximity as the plane taxis to Sligo airport)
• No. 072 - Raghtin More (502m)
• No. 074 - Bulbin (494m)
• No. 080 – Loughsalt Mountain (469m)
• No. 081 – Minaun (466m)
• No. 083 – Crockauns (463m) (in close proximity as the plane taxis to Sligo airport)
• No. 084 – Knockmore (462m)
• No. 089 – Barnesmore (451m)
• No. 091 – Croaghmoyle (430m)
• No. 092 – Tievealehid (429m)
• No. 100 – Croaghleheen (385m)
• No. 102 – Maumakeogh (379m)
• No. 107 – Culliagh Southeast Top (369m)
• No. 109 – Knockalla Mountain (363m)
• No. 118 – Tawnaghmore (340m)
• No. 121 – Gregory Hill (336m)
• No. 123 – Crocknasmug (328m)
• No. 137 – Crockalough (282m)
• No. 146 – Benwee Head (255m)
• No. 150 – Croaghnamaddy (252m)
• No. 152 – Croaghegly (245m)
• No. 153 – Knocknascollop Northwest Top (244m)
• No. 157 – Cluidaniller West Top (227m)
• No. 158 – Murren Hill (227m)
• No. 159 – Inch Top (222m)
• No. 164 – Inishturk (191m)
  

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This article was contributed by the Tellus survey team.

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