"Fresh evidence of the aerial extent of Chevron's Block 1 target "
Strange phrase, as aerial means "in the air".
"aer·i·al Pronunciation Key (âr-l, -îr-l)
adj.
Of, in, or caused by the air.
Existing or living in the air.
Reaching high into the air; lofty.
Suggestive of air, as in lightness; airy.
Unsubstantial; imaginary.
Of, for, or by means of aircraft: aerial photography.
Botany. Growing or borne above the ground or water: aerial roots. "
I presume the writer was looking for the word "areal".
ar·e·a ( P ) Pronunciation Key (âr-)
n.
A roughly bounded part of the space on a surface; a region: a farming area; the New York area.
A surface, especially an open, unoccupied piece of ground: a landing area; a playing area.
A distinct part or section, as of a building, set aside for a specific function: a storage area in the basement.
A division of experience, activity, or knowledge; a field: studies in the area of finance; a job in the health-care area.
An open, sunken space next to a building; an areaway.
Abbr. A The extent of a planar region or of the surface of a solid measured in square units.
LC