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
Real-time monitoring of faecally contaminated drinking water
04/12/2020
Tryptophan-like fluorescence (TLF) represents an approach to instantaneously assess microbial risks in drinking water. Particularly suited to high-level screening, the technique could be used to identify high-risk sites, prioritise treatment or other interventions and potentially reduce the consumption of faecally contaminated drinking water.
New maps reveal heat stored in Britain’s abandoned coal mines
01/12/2020
The British Geological Survey (BGS) and Coal Authority have released maps which for the first time, reveal the extent to which heat is stored in Britain’s abandoned coal mines.
BGS’ Dr Kathryn Goodenough features in 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining 2020
25/11/2020
Dr Kathryn Goodenough, Principal Geologist, of the British Geological Survey (BGS) has been recognised in the 2020 edition of ‘100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining’, a bi-annual publication which celebrates the extraordinary contribution of women in the global mining industry and identifies role models for future generations.
BGS data supports new tool to track geological changes in abandoned coal mines
20/11/2020
The British Geological Survey (BGS) is part of a multi-disciplinary team led by the University of Nottingham to develop a remote monitoring tool designed to help authorities manage public safety and environmental issues in recently abandoned coal mines.
BGS responds to Government’s ambitious Ten Point Plan for net zero transition
18/11/2020
BGS has welcomed the Government’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution which highlights the importance of geology and the ongoing need to support essential geoscientific research that will underpin the UK’s long term energy transition.
BGS to play its part in circular economy centres to drive UK to sustainable future
13/11/2020
The British Geological Survey (BGS) will be at the heart of two pioneering new research centres designed to help drive the UK towards a circular economy and a more sustainable future.
BGS shortlisted for Ground Engineering awards
04/11/2020
The British Geological Survey (BGS) has been shortlisted for an award for its high-resolution geological characterisation of the Lower Thames Crossing.
BGS study to investigate potential for CO2 storage testbed
30/10/2020
A new study to be undertaken by the British Geological Survey (BGS), on behalf of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), will scope out the potential for a deep borehole carbon dioxide (CO2) storage research testbed.
Methane release from UK shale gas site equivalent to 142 trans-Atlantic flights
28/10/2020
Operations at the Preston New Road shale gas site led to an atmospheric venting of 4.2 tonnes of methane gas that was detected at a nearby station installed by researchers from the University of Manchester as part of a project led by the British Geological Survey (BGS).
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.
Multihazards 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 (NGDC) collects and preserves geoscientific data, making it available to a wide range of users and communities.
National Geological Repository
The National Geological Repository (NGR) 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 BGS and the services we offer through our enquiries team.