Understanding our Earth
We are a world-leading independent research organisation providing objective, expert geoscientific data, information and knowledge.
Latest news and events
UK’s world-class research organisations launch new collective
10/07/2026
The launch of the National Research Organisations Group, brings together more than 100 leaders from government, research, industry and funding organisations, providing an authorativive voice on science, research policy and long-term investment.
Cheshire Geoenergy Observatory releases key geological datasets for UK thermal energy storage scheme design
09/07/2026
A new report and data packs from BGS will provide a unique resource for scientists working on the geology and hydrogeology of the Sherwood Sandstone Formation, an important aquifer and reservoir rock.
New geological mapping underway to help manage flooding along the River Tweed
08/07/2026
Scientists are surveying the Tweed catchment for the first time in over 100 years to enhance understanding of localised groundwater and improve flood forecasting.
Geological research in North Sea helping to safeguard subsea cables
06/07/2026
Subsea power and telecommunications cables are critical to the UK’s energy infrastructure and global connectivity, yet they remain vulnerable to damage from ship anchors, fishing activity and natural hazards.
UK Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre makes recommendations for the next UK criticality assessment
01/07/2026
CMIC has outlined the enhancements made to the next assessment update to ensure it is better tailored to the structure of the UK economy.
From archive to discovery: historical mineral reports support gold exploration in Scotland
25/06/2026
Digitised geological records show potential to unlock untapped mineral resources in Ardlochan, Argyllshire.
UK and Philippines scientists investigate natural hydrogen generation processes at atomic scale
22/06/2026
BGS researchers were granted access to use the Diamond Light Source facility in order to study hydrogen in light brighter than the sun.
Shortage of end-of-life materials presents challenge to UK critical minerals security
17/06/2026
A new report by the UK Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre reveals insufficient end-of-life material stocks present a supply risk over the coming decade, but offer significant long-term potential to meet critical mineral demand through recycling.
UK geothermal catalogue receives update
16/06/2026
BGS releases the second digital version of the UK geothermal catalogue of subsurface temperature and rock thermal conductivity measurements and heat flow calculations.
Scientists make new discovery in the history of the Giant’s Causeway
15/06/2026
New research is changing our scientific understanding of the formation of one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks and has revealed that Northern Ireland’s volcanic past occurred over a much shorter period than previously thought.
Latest research emphasises climate-related subsidence risk to millions of British homes
11/06/2026
New data from BGS highlights the projected future impact of warmer, drier summers and underlines the need for mitigation measures in susceptible regions.
Ukraine and the UK strengthen their commitment to geological cooperation
10/06/2026
A new Memorandum of Understanding reaffirms the UK’s support of Ukraine’s ambitions to develop its critical mineral resources, paving the way for collaboration through capacity-building programmes.
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.