A series of high-resolution aeromagnetic maps of western Newfoundland now publicly available represent the first major release of geoscience information under the new Petroleum Exploration Enhancement Program (PEEP), a $5-million, two-year program to boost new exploration activity on the province�s west coast.

The maps were published Wednesday by the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Branches.

"Increased geoscientific information will enable us to further promote our onshore oil and gas potential by assisting industry in identifying the best prospects for future drilling and exploration," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources. "These maps provide important information in regards to the presence of hydrocarbons and provide the basis for future growth and development in our largely unexplored western region."

In its 2007 Energy Plan, the Provincial Government committed to investing in PEEP. The objective of this program is to increase the province�s geoscientific knowledge of the onshore petroleum potential that exists in its west coast basins. The program is administered jointly by the Department of Natural Resources and the province�s energy corporation, Nalcor Energy.

Aeromagnetic surveys measure the magnetic properties of rock from low-flying aircraft. A fixed-wing aircraft was used for the survey, allowing a large area to be studied in great detail. The survey was completed last winter in the vicinity of Stephenville, Deer Lake and Port au Choix at a cost of approximately $600,000.

Thirty-two maps were produced and are now publicly available as part of this survey. The maps cover 16 National Topographic System (NTS) areas. The full-colour maps can be viewed in PDF format at www.nr.gov.nl.ca/mines&en/geosurvey/publications/openfiles. Airborne survey profile data and interpolated grids are available from the Newfoundland and Labrador Resource Atlas at gis.geosurv.gov.nl.ca. A CD-ROM version of the maps is also available upon request by calling 709-729-1721.

These latest surveys complement the Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador�s release of aeromagnetic data in July that was obtained in the Corner Brook and Deer Lake areas.

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