Understanding our Earth
We are a world-leading independent research organisation providing objective, expert geoscientific data, information and knowledge.
Latest news and events
Update on scientific shale gas report
05/07/2022
Following independent external peer review, a report has been submitted to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) for consideration.
UK’s first Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre to help build a more resilient economy
04/07/2022
The UK’s first-ever centre to collect and analyse information on the supply of critical minerals, which are vital to the UK’s economic success and national security, has officially launched.
The importance of biodiversity in achieving Net Zero
02/07/2022
Protecting the natural world is an important component in achieving Net Zero.
BGS launches new Geology Viewer
30/06/2022
A new app providing easy access to the subsurface of Britain has been released by BGS.
New 3D model will help guide exploration for rare earth element deposits in alkaline igneous systems
30/06/2022
A team of scientists and institutions across Europe have developed a new 3D geological model designed to guide exploration for rare earth elements.
Major research project will support UK’s energy transition
27/06/2022
BGS will lead the new research project ‘Managing the Environmental Sustainability of the Offshore Energy Transition’.
Developing regional-scale landslide forecasting in hazard-prone regions of India
23/06/2022
BGS has been involved in co-developing a prototype regional-scale landslide forecasting system in two hazard-prone districts of India.
Working at BGS as an postgraduate intern
15/06/2022
Environmental geochemistry masters student, Katie Williams, shares her experience following a placement in the Stable Isotope Facility
Climate change and human exploitation linked to historic decline in Atlantic salmon
08/06/2022
New research reveals that both a change in climate and human exploitation played a role in a decline in North Atlantic salmon populations.
Scientists reveal extraordinary ecosystems in the deepest part of the Indian Ocean
08/06/2022
New technology has enabled marine scientists to capture some of the world’s first images of previously unexplored habitats in the deepest point of the Indian Ocean.
Staff sustainability practices around BGS
01/06/2022
BGS recently made time for employees at our sites around the UK to spend a few hours on projects focusing on increasing sustainability, both in their offices and in the local area.
Positively blooming: Japanese flowering cherry trees planted at BGS Keyworth to mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee
31/05/2022
The walkway of eight trees has been planted in the grounds of BGS headquarters in Keyworth to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years on the throne.
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.
Global 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.
Climate change
Climate is the pattern of weather of an area averaged over many years. We can only show whether climate change has occurred after decades of careful measurements and analysis.
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.