Understanding our Earth
We are a world-leading independent research organisation providing objective, expert geoscientific data, information and knowledge.
Latest news and events
Hemsby coastal erosion: the scale of the transformational challenge around the coastlines of England and Wales
24/03/2023
The recent closure of Hemsby beach in Norfolk provides key information on the transformational challenge of coasts around England and evidence of historical change along the coastlines of England and Wales.
Six ways we’re improving recycling at BGS Keyworth
24/03/2023
Sustainability at the BGS site in Keyworth, Nottingham, is being improved by recycling, managing our waste, making our labs more efficient and more…
World Water Day 2023: groundwater photo stories
22/03/2023
A showcase of groundwater use from around the world highlighting how developing groundwater has benefited the lives of many people.
A tale of two groundwaters
21/03/2023
Why the United Nations 2023 Water Conference needs to know more about groundwater.
UK Geoenergy Observatories — open events in Glasgow
Event from 26/04/2023 to 27/04/2023
You are invited to visit the UK Geoenergy Observatory in Glasgow, to find out more about what the facility can offer you as a potential user.
New seabed geology maps for offshore Yorkshire
14/03/2023
Offshore Yorkshire is the latest map to be released in BGS’s series of fine-scale digital seabed maps.
New BGS karst report released for Hampshire and Wiltshire
10/03/2023
The report details the evidence for karst processes in areas of soluble rocks that have not previously been considered karstic.
Dr Corinna Abesser appointed BGS Policy Director
08/03/2023
Dr Abesser will be supporting BGS staff in the translation of their science outputs to inform policy and regulation as well as advising senior management on policy-related issues.
Below the bonnie banks: mapping Loch Lomond’s underwater landslides
07/03/2023
Using high-resolution, multibeam bathymetry and shallow seismic imaging, BGS’s marine geoscience and landslides teams are mapping historic landslides under the waters of Loch Lomond.
Melinda Lewis awarded prestigious Whitaker Medal for outstanding contribution to hydrogeology
01/03/2023
Melinda Lewis, BGS Honorary Research Associate, has been awarded the Geological Society Whitaker Medal, recognising outstanding long-term contributions to hydrogeology.
When did the cows come home?
23/02/2023
PhD student David Osborne is exploring Bronze Age animal husbandry using isotopes and X-rays.
BGS welcomes two new board appointments for 2023
22/02/2023
Prof Carol Frost, professor emerita of the faculty of geology and geophysics at the University of Wyoming, and Dr Jenny Pyper, former CEO of the Utility Regulator for Northern Ireland and interim head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, will take up their positions on the BGS Board from 1 March 2023.
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.