Understanding our Earth
We are a world-leading independent research organisation providing objective, expert geoscientific data, information and knowledge.
Latest news and events
New community launched to support effective management of the subsurface
03/10/2024
The initiative aims to increase knowledge exchange on subsurface issues between interested parties involved in subsurface policy and planning.
BGS collaborates with Icelandic colleagues to assess windfarm suitability
03/10/2024
Iceland’s offshore geology, geomorphology and climate present all the elements required for renewable energy resources.
40 years and counting: new topsoil data provides most extensive snapshot of environmental pollution effects
01/10/2024
Scientists have uncovered clear signs of the impact environmental pollution is having across the country’s soil.
Seabed geology data: stakeholder consultation
25/09/2024
BGS are seeking stakeholder feedback as part of a new Crown Estate led initiative to improve understanding of national-scale seabed geology requirements
BGS Groundwater Flooding Susceptibility: helping mitigate one of the UK’s most costly hazards
25/09/2024
Groundwater flooding accounts for an estimated £530 million in damages per year; geoscientific data can help to minimise its impact.
BGS joins new initiative supporting technical career paths
23/09/2024
A new action group has been formed to drive positive change for technical careers in the higher education and research sectors.
Local MP checks in on development of new geothermal ‘living laboratory’ in Nottinghamshire
19/09/2024
BGS has reached the halfway mark on its ambitious ground-source heat pump project at its headquarters in Keyworth, Nottinghamshire.
Mining sand sustainably in The Gambia
17/09/2024
BGS geologists Tom Bide and Clive Mitchell travelled to The Gambia as part of our ongoing work aiming to reduce the impact of sand mining.
New hazard maps set to help safeguard UK offshore energy industry
12/09/2024
Essential geological model detailing seismic hazard published as the pursuit of new renewable energy infrastructure intensifies.
New £38 million project to reduce the impact of floods and droughts
02/09/2024
BGS will take a leading role in efforts to better predict the location and effects of extreme weather events.
New appointments to BGS Science Advisory Committee
29/08/2024
The appointments mark the latest step in the ongoing delivery of BGS’s essential geological expertise.
Visit by Indonesian Embassy representatives to BGS
27/08/2024
Strengthening BGS/Indonesia scientific research partnerships to address the complex challenges Indonesia faces from natural hazards and maximising opportunities from mineral resources and geothermal energy.
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.
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
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
Accessing maps and downloading data, scans, photos and other information via BGS’s free OpenGeoscience service.
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
Providing a wide range of licences for the use and utilisation of our information products by for those interested in an information product and the Open Government Licence is not applicable.
National Geoscience Data Centre
Collecting and preserving geoscientific data, making it available to a wide range of users and communities.
National Geological Repository
Hosting BGS’s 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.