Press releases

Press releases and announcements are compiled and issued by the BGS Press Office.

Press statement: Landslides triggered by Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis in the UK

Landslides map
On Sunday 9 February 2020, Storm Ciara hit the UK with very high winds and intense rainfall causing widespread disruption and flooding.


25 February 2020
Groundwater flood warnings and alerts

Flooding alerts
As a result ofabove average rainfall over the last six months, parts of the country are currently suffering from extensive flooding. This is primarily due towater in rivers, such the River Severn and River Wye, flowing out of their banks. The Environment Agency have issueda record number of river flood warnings and alerts, and these include warnings and alerts for groundwater flooding.The groundwater flood warnings and alerts cover parts of Dorset, Hampshire and Berkshire and are primarily onareas underlain by the Chalk aquifer.


21 February 2020
British Geological Survey welcomes visit from Rushcliffe MP Ruth Edwards

Ruth Edwards MP and BGS group

Scientists at the British Geological Survey (BGS) welcomed newly elected Rushcliffe MP, Ruth Edwards, to its headquarters in Keyworth on Friday (7 February).



12 February 2020
BGS Director, Dr Karen Hanghøj, is recognised with honorary doctorate

Karen Hanghoj recieving Honorary Doctorate

The Director of the British Geological Survey (BGS), Dr Karen Hanghøj, has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to geological research by one of Sweden’s top-ranked universities.

Dr Hanghøj was awarded an honorary doctorate degree by Uppsala University at a special graduation ceremony in Sweden on Friday 31 January 2020.



4 February 2020
Professor Mike Stephenson appointed to the EPSRC Energy Strategic Advisory Committee

Professor Michael Stephenson

British Geological Survey (BGS) executive chief scientist, Professor Mike Stephenson, has been appointed to the Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPSRC) Energy Strategic Advisory Committee.

The Energy Strategic Advisory Committee (SAC) is an independent body of advisors responsible for providing advice to help guide the UK’s energy agenda in support of government targets, led by EPSRC.



4 February 2020
Prof John Rees appointed BGS Chief Scientist for Multi-Hazards and Resilience

Prof John Rees

Professor John Rees has been appointed by the British Geological Survey (BGS) to be its new Chief Scientist for Multi-Hazards and Resilience.



10 January 2020
Will Santa get home safe? New World Magnetic Model reveals movements in the Earth's magnetic field

Compass
If you’ve ever wondered how Santa visits millions of homes across the globe in just one night, it’s because he has a little help from science. And the good news is, he won’t get lost on his travels this year - provided that he follows his compass home.


19 December 2019
10 Years of sharing: How Open Geoscience is changing the face of research

BGS logo
December 2019 marks a decade since the British Geological Survey (BGS) launched OpenGeoscience, an online portal which has made a vast array of open UK geological data searchable and more accessible for everyone to use.


4 December 2019
Untapped heat source beneath UK streets could pave the way for greener towns and cities

Cardiff Urban Geo Observatory

Natural water in the ground below us could be used as a low-carbon heat source in many UK towns and cities, new research from the British Geological Survey (BGS) says. The public research body is now calling for more research to understand how geothermal technologies could be scaled up across the UK.



22 October 2019
Sustainable energy first on the agenda for BGS new Director

Dr Karen Hanghøj

The British Geological Survey (BGS) is set to welcome Dr Karen Hanghøj this week, as she prepares to mark her permanent start in the UK with attendance at the AAPG Energy Transition (ET) Forum on Wednesday (16th October).



14 October 2019