Geologists show how to search for gold at geoscience open day in Strandhill airport
MORE than 2,000 people visited a Geological survey plane based at Strandhill airport last Sunday as part of National Heritage week.
Airport Manager Joe Corcoran said the level of interest from the public was phenomenal.
“There was a footfall of about 2,500 people at the Strandhill Market yesterday where the plane was stationed. The plane is operated by the Geological Survey of Ireland and the pilots and geologists were on hand to educate visitors about what they do. The aircraft has been based in Strandhill since March and will continue to carry out local survey works until October,” he said.
The Tellus Family Open Daywas part of Geological Survey Ireland’s activities for National Heritage Week.
Spokeswoman Emma Scanlon said: “Tellus is a national geo- environmental mapping project which examines the chemical and physical properties of the soil, rocks and water across Ireland. Tellus involves two types of surveying – airborne geophysical surveying using a low- flying aircraft and ground- based geochemical surveying of soil, stream water and stream sediment.
“This year the Tellus survey plane has been operating out of Sligo Airport as it carries out its geophysical survey across counties Mayo and Donegal.”
Emma added: “The family event, which teamed up with the Strandhill Peoples Market, showcased Irish geoscience and offered something for all ages. The local communities had the opportunity to see the Tellus survey plane up close and chat with the pilots.
“People also had a chance to pan for gold, chat with geologists from the Geological Survey Ireland about the geology and environment of their local area and of course learn more about the Tellus mapping programme.”
The aircraft with a crew of 9 will stay stationed at Strandhill until October. Joe Corcoran said he was delighted with the success of the open day.