Understanding our Earth
We are a world-leading independent research organisation providing objective, expert geoscientific data, information and knowledge.
Our core challenge areas
Latest news and events
Mine water heating and cooling: a 21st century resource for decarbonisation
20/04/2021
With interest in geothermal heat recovery and storage increasing, the British Geological Survey alongside BEIS and IEA Geothermal held a mine water heating and cooling symposium to connect industry professionals from around the world.
UK’s mineral production, consumption and trade revealed in new report
06/04/2021
BGS has published the United Kingdom Minerals Yearbook 2020, with partners the Confederation of British Industry Minerals Group and Mineral Products Association
GeoClimate launch event – reducing subsidence risk due to climate change
Event on 20/05/2021
Success for Sustainable Labs Initiative
31/03/2021
Improving the sustainability of our laboratories is integral to the British Geological Survey’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy
Uncovering secrets of the Mariana Trench
31/03/2021
Scientists have discovered that the true extent of the deepest parts of our oceans may be far larger than they previously thought.
CO2 storage testbed consultation
30/03/2021
BGS and NERC are now seeking views on possible research priorities for a potential new storage testbed
ODA statement
29/03/2021
BGS is currently working across NERC/UKRI and with all its partners to understand the impact on our current ODA funded projects.
Insights into the ‘missing link’ of how copper ore deposits form
26/03/2021
Porphyry deposits provide around 75 per cent of the world’s copper, which is in increasing demand as a major raw material in power infrastructure and green technologies.
Funding for a new type of mass spectrometer to aid net zero research
25/03/2021
This new instrument will be used to characterise the geochemistry of microscopic, solid-rock materials.
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.
Geological processes
Planet Earth is dynamic with a surface that is always changing.
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, policy-makers 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.