Website services disruption – Wednesday 10 June 2026
Please be aware that due to essential server updates some of our online services may be temporarily unavailable between 19:00 and 22:00 on 10 June 2026
Applications that may experience disruption include scanned images, location maps and report downloads. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Understanding our Earth
We are a world-leading independent research organisation providing objective, expert geoscientific data, information and knowledge.
Latest news and events
Newly released core could hold clues on potential mineral prospectivity in Perthshire
05/06/2026
A comprehensive collection of geological samples from the vicinity of a former mine in Scotland is now available to scientists for further research.
Extractive Industry Geology (EIG) Conference 2026
Event from 08/09/2026 to 11/09/2026
University of Liverpool
Latest data on world mineral production now available
25/05/2026
BGS has released the updated statistics on the global production of over 70 commodities between 2020 and 2024.
International science consortium to survey the health, economic value and social importance of Lake Victoria
22/05/2026
The project will replicate the 1927 survey to assess changes in the lake’s health, economic value and social importance.
New geological maps of Berwick-upon-Tweed to help future-proof natural water supply
20/05/2026
Scientists have mapped the geology under the town to better understand the groundwater system to inform decisions around abstraction.
BGS contributes to UN sand and sustainability report
19/05/2026
The new report highlights the impact of poor governance and unsustainable sand mining practices, calling on policymakers to take action.
BGS GeoClimate – dataset launch webinar
Event on 02/06/2026
The virtual launch of our new BGS GeoClimate dataset – helping mitigate the economic risk from shrink-swell subsidence. Event recording now available
BGS engineering geologist elected to CCOP
29/04/2026
Marcus Dobbs has been elected as vice-chair of the advisory group for the Coordinating Committee for Geoscience Programmes in East and Southeast Asia.
Strengthening capacity through partnership: a critical minerals perspective
28/04/2026
BGS has been working in partnership with the Geological Survey Department of Zambia (GSD) to build national capacity, improve data accessibility and support long-term, sustainable development.
UK Minerals Yearbook 2025 now available
21/04/2026
The annual publication provides essential information about the production, consumption and trade of UK minerals up to 2025.
UK scientists unite for seabed mapping survey of the UK’s south-west coastline
15/04/2026
BGS geologists join research voyage, gathering crucial geological data to support offshore energy and infrastructure projects.
Our core challenge areas
Decarbonisation and resource management
Decarbonisation of power production, heat, transport and industry is a major challenge and one that intrinsically involves geoscience.
Multi-hazards and resilience
We work with partners worldwide to enhance understanding of hazards, vulnerability, exposure and risk to ensure our science is useful, usable and used.
International geoscience
BGS is active across the globe delivering institutional strengthening programmes and applied research projects across a wide variety of sectors.
National Geoscience
Creating multi-scale geological map data, 3D models and applied geological knowledge to meet stakeholder needs in the UK.
Digital geoscience
The BGS is a data-rich organisation. Our data science and data infrastructure are fundamental to our future research and underpin our strategic challenges.
Map viewers
Data published through map viewers allowing you to reveal more about the ground beneath your feet.
Technologies
Applications, software and online services created by the BGS and our collaborators.
Information hub
Data collections, publications, scanned records and other data gathered by BGS and provided by external organisations.
OpenGeoscience
Accessing maps and downloading data, scans, photos and other information via BGS’s free OpenGeoscience service.
Digital geoscience
The BGS is a data-rich organisation. Our data science and data infrastructure are fundamental to our future research and underpin our strategic challenges.
Digital data licensing and resellers
Providing a wide range of licences for the use and utilisation of our information products by for those interested in an information product and the Open Government Licence is not applicable.
National Geoscience Data Centre
Collecting and preserving geoscientific data, making it available to a wide range of users and communities.
National Geological Repository
Hosting BGS’s collections of borehole cores, cuttings, samples, specimens, and related subsurface information from the UK landmass and continental shelf.
Discovering Geology
Discovering Geology introduces a range of geoscience topics to school-age students and learners of all ages. Explore these pages to discover the fascinating processes and properties that shape our dynamic planet.
Rocks and minerals
Find out more about the differences between rocks and minerals and how they are formed.
Discovering Geology: climate change
What is the difference between weather and climate? what causes the Earth’s climate to change and what are the impacts? Find out more with our Discovery Geology climate change resources.
Earth hazards
The Earth beneath our feet is constantly shifting and moving, and violently with catastrophic and immediate results. Find out more about earth hazards.
Geological processes
Planet Earth is dynamic with a surface that is always changing. Find out about the processes that cause these changes.
Fossils and geological time
Take a look at the history of the Earth, from its formation over four and a half billion years ago to present times.
About BGS
As the national geological survey, we are the UK’s premier provider of objective and authoritative scientific data, information and knowledge to help society understand our Earth.
Our data and services
The BGS offers a range of services and information for businesses, home-owners, policymakers and the general public.
Working with us
BGS is committed to being an employer of choice and strives to embrace a culture of inclusivity and flexibility.
Offices and locations
Find out more about our offices and facilities located across the UK.
Contact us
Find out more about the BGS and the services we offer through our enquiries and customer services team.