Marine geoscience
The BGS marine team, made up of geoscientists, operation experts and skilled engineers, have been undertaking an integrated program of research since 1966 — see marine operations and engineering history.
Today their work takes them from the lochs and shores of the UK to the depths of the Arctic Ocean.
The study of marine environments, both locally and globally, enables us to better understand many of the big challenges facing our planet today, including climate change, coastal erosion and renewable energy.
It also allows us to maximise development of our marine resources including oil, gas, marine aggregates, aquaculture, fishing, plus helps conserve our rich biodiversity and marine archaeological inheritance.
Areas of research and operations
Hydrocarbon prospectivity
Working with UK and overseas governments to provide geological and oil prospectivity advice.
Marine & geological mapping
Developing detailed seabed geology maps based on multibeam and sidescan data.
Marine geohazards
Research into tsunamis, submarine landslides, fluid escape features and the distribution of gas hydrates
Marine operations
Geophysical surveys, sea-bed sampling, coring & drilling operations; from equipment hire to a full operations team & vessel.
Ocean research drilling
Drilling and coring seabed samples from ships and platforms, inc. ECORD/ IODP co-ordination.
Future research projects
Gulf of Mexico
Voyage to the ‘Chicxulub‘ meteor crater, which is suspected to have wiped out the dinosaurs.
Baltic Sea
Expedition with the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP). Date to be confirmed, but likely Spring/Summer 2013
Contact
Contact enquiries for more information about BGS marine geoscience
