BGS flood response

BGS is actively involved in flood research and data provision for the UK. We aim to respond to major flood events wherever possible and any new data will be fed back into our work. Examples of this research are provided below.

Geological maps show where all the floodplains and coastal plains in Britain are located and therefore the main areas at greatest vulnerability from flooding. From this information BGS has produced a map dataset called Geological Indicators of Flooding; GIF.

To investigate the link between floodplain extent and extreme flooding events BGS has undertaken a number of aerial surveys. This photographic collection will be used to improve our understanding of floodplain processes and management of floodplains. It will also be essential data to validate the GIF dataset by extracting and digitising the real extent of the flooding.

Browse case studies

Cornwall flooding Cornwall: November 2010

Images and aerial photographs from above the flood areas on 17 November 2010


Dumfries and Lockerbie flooding Dumfries and Lockerbie: November 2009

Images and aerial photographs from above the flood areas on 20 November 2009


Cumbria flooding Cumbria: November 2009

Images and aerial photographs from above the flood areas on 20 November 2009


Glocs and Oxon flooding Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire: July 2007

BGS flew over the worst affected areas of This photographic evidence will be used to improve our understanding of floodplain processes and management of floodplains.


Yorks, Humbs and Notts flooding South Yorkshire, Humberside and Nottinghamshire: June 2007

BGS took to the air in the aftermath of the flooding in South Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire and Humberside to collect photographic evidence of the link between flood plain extent and extreme flooding events.


Yorkshire flooding Yorkshire: June 2005

Photographs and case study on the flooding event around the Thirsk and Hawnby area.


Notts flooding Nottinghamshire Trent Valley flooding: November 2000

Photographs and case study on the river flooding event in the Trent Valley.