Understanding our Earth
We are a world-leading independent research organisation providing objective, expert geoscientific data, information and knowledge.
Latest news and events
BGS aboard research vessel in Japan in major marine research collaboration
25/11/2022
Experts from the BGS marine team are part of a major international marine research collaboration to understand more about earthquakes associated with the Japan Trench.
Building underneath the Colosseum: the importance of urban geology
21/11/2022
Tim Kearsey reports on his underground excursion around Rome.
Introducing the BGS Debris Flow Susceptibility Model for Great Britain
21/11/2022
Debris flows are a landslide hazard of particular concern to transport infrastructure managers and local authorities.
BGS Strategy: public consultation
18/11/2022
We would welcome responses from anyone interested or involved in the geosciences as part of the wider consultation on our new BGS Strategy
BGS supports development of a local land-use framework for Devon
10/11/2022
The framework will help to identify data improvements to support more joined-up decision making about land use in Devon.
Understanding long-term burial of organic carbon deposits
07/11/2022
Carbon sequestration is one method of reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, by capturing and storing it, contributing to climate change reduction.
Spooky geology
31/10/2022
Explore thirteen of our favourite spooky geological hotspots around the UK.
Deep-sea mining evidence review published
31/10/2022
The deep-sea mining independent evidence review report was commissioned by the UK Government to inform its policy in relation to deep-sea mining.
Notes from an applied glacial geology field course in Norfolk
28/10/2022
Marine geoscientist Catriona MacDonald and urban geologist Raushan Arnhardt share their experiences from a recent trip to north Norfolk to learn more about glacial geology.
New lead isoscape map for archaeological provenance studies in Great Britain
28/10/2022
A new study aims to determine lead isotope ratios in soil and rock across Great Britain which could inform future archaeological studies about human and animal origins.
Accumulation of toxic substances in Nairobi’s river sediments
27/10/2022
Researchers have warned of the presence of toxic contaminants and untreated wastes accumulating in Nairobi’s Mathare, Ngong and Nairobi rivers.
Parts of UK listed among world’s most important geological sites
25/10/2022
Parts of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have been named among 100 of the world’s most important geological sites by UNESCO and international scientists.
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.
Environmental change, adaptation and resilience
We are undertaking research aimed at reducing vulnerability, protecting resources and building resilience in response to substantial environmental changes.
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
The BGS is active across the globe delivering institutional strengthening programmes and applied research projects across a wide variety of sectors.
National geoscience
The National Geoscience programme is a forward-looking investment in UK geology that provides relevant, coherent and enriched geoscience knowledge for our stakeholders.
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
OpenGeoscience is a free service where you can view maps, download data, scans, photos and other information.
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
If you are interested in an information product and the Open Government Licence is not applicable, we encourage the use and exploitation of our information products by providing a wide range of licences.
National Geoscience Data Centre
The National Geoscience Data Centre collects and preserves geoscientific data, making it available to a wide range of users and communities.
National Geological Repository
The National Geological Repository holds our 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.