If
you are interested in finding out about the rocks beneath your house, there are several ways to do it.
For general interest
Search the GeoIndex. Zoom into
your area using the tools or enter your postcode, name of village or town. See the underlying rock types (superficial/drift or bedrock/solid)
at 1:625 000 scale — not recommended for site specific commercial work.
Then look at the BGS lexicon to find a full description of the named rocks.
Look at the geology of the UK and Europe through the OneGeology Portal. It shows the rocks beneath your house in a similar way to Google Earth.
Make-a-map also gives a generalised overview of the geology of the UK.
For a more detailed look
Refer to the relevant 1:50 000 scale paper map or the more detailed 1:10 000 map. First locate your area via the map index or map search facilities on the online bookshop, decide which map you require and order online. The geology of the 1:50 000 scale maps is explained in detail in our memoir or sheet description books. Before you buy, check if your local library has a copy of the map or memoir you require. 1:50 000 sheets cost £12 and 1:10 000 sheets cost £80 plus postage and packing.
GeoReports
You could purchase a Geology Map Extracts report via GeoReports online — £26 inclusive. This includes up-to-date extracts of BGS digital geology at a scale of 1:50 000.
For a site specific report
If you are interested in a description of the rocks to a depth of around 30m including a geological cross section to show their relationships, the map extracts and a table to show the geohazard potential (swelling clay, compressible ground etc.). Have a look at the sample Geological Assessment reports. The standard report (£310) for your property includes work completed by a geoscientist with specialist knowledge of your area.
BGS data resellers
Low cost geology map extracts (using BGS data) geology data extracts and reports are available for instant selection and download in PDF format from these websites:
3D geology models
LithoFrame 1M is a 3D geological model of the UK at 1:1 000 000 scale. It shows the subsurface geology — the 3D equivalent of the geological map. Download a 3D pdf or animation of the UK 3D geological model at LithoFrame 1M visualisations or learn more about 3D Geology
Contact Enquiries
British Geological Survey
Keyworth
Nottingham
NG12 5GG
