Newly released maps show three very different ways of looking at Kilkenny

Geological Survey Ireland has today published three beautiful, geophysical maps of County Kilkenny, showcasing the country from a completely new perspective.  

Since 2011, the Tellus programme of Geological Survey Ireland — a division of the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications — has been collecting geophysical data via onboard instruments on low-flying aircraft.

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The data, showing the magnetic, electromagnetic, and radiometric properties of the land, has now been compiled into a series of county maps with explanations on the information shown and key facts on the findings. 

Koen Verbruggen, Director of Geological Survey Ireland, said: “Geologists and geophysicists have a different way of looking at things, both in terms of time and space. They use colour to represent different properties of rock or millions of years in time. 

“People may remember the aircraft flying low above their homes and might have wondered was there anything unusual found in their county. These maps are a chance to show the results in a form that’s accessible to all and to show people a different way to look at County Kilkenny.” 

The granites surrounding Thomastown are highlighted by the magnetics map, appearing as intense areas of magnetism.

In the radiometric map, saturated soils appear black, and as a result, the River Nore can be seen winding its way south.

Finally, in the electromagnetics map, a slight contrast can be seen between the low resistivity limestone of central Kilkenny, and the high resistivity sandstone to the south.

Airborne geophysics is a cost-effective means of detecting the physical properties of soil, rock, and water beneath the ground.

The data can be used for various purposes, for example, geological mapping, mineral exploration, radon risk mapping, and geothermal energy exploration through the understanding of the subsurface.

The Tellus programme started in Northern Ireland, and it is planned that surveys of the island of Ireland will be completed by 2026.

The Tellus maps of County Kilkenny also available, in higher resolution, here.

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