Understanding our Earth
We are a world-leading independent research organisation providing objective, expert geoscientific data, information and knowledge.
Latest news and events
BGS to lead new research project on barrier systems to support more sustainable coastal management
06/12/2023
Scientists at BGS will lead a new four-year project that will enhance our understanding of gravel barrier systems across the coastlines of the UK.
BGS publication included in Environment Agency’s review of drought in the UK
05/12/2023
A BGS essay on groundwater and drought has been included in the Environment Agency’s review of the research and scientific understanding of drought.
BGS receives award at the World Landslide Forum 2023
30/11/2023
BGS’s landslide team has been designated a World Centre of Excellence on landslide risk reduction by the International Consortium on Landslides.
Natural flood management: is geology more important than trees?
23/11/2023
Looking at innovative ways of creating resilience to flooding hazards with natural flood management.
First annual Critical Mineral Intelligence Centre conference takes place
23/11/2023
The conference took place at BGS’s headquarters in Keyworth, Nottinghamshire, on 21 November 2023.
Evidence report on deep geothermal energy opportunities in the UK released
16/11/2023
BGS has published a detailed evidence report that underpins a deep geothermal White Paper.
The optimisation of plutonium separation
07/11/2023
BGS research leads to advancements in the detection of plutonium and ultimately the determination of soil erosion rates in tropical soils.
Antarctic mountain named in honour of BGS scientist
06/11/2023
BGS’s Ian Millar has been honoured for his geological research in Antarctica by having a mountain on the continent named after him.
Industry-leading data sharing partnership announced
02/11/2023
A data sharing partnership has been agreed between BGS and Ossian, allowing BGS to advance its knowledge of the rock and soil conditions under the seabed.
The art of boreholes: Essex artists visit the BGS to be inspired by our library of geological core
02/11/2023
Two UK-based artists visitors aim to turn art and earth science into a collaborative experience that facilitates discussion on land usage.
New method developed to identify wetland inhabitants
01/11/2023
BGS-led research has helped develop a method to identify ancient human and animal wetland inhabitants.
New book launched on groundwater in Northern Ireland
30/10/2023
BGS and the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) have launched a new book and map on Northern Ireland’s groundwater.
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.