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
Virtual fieldwork during a global pandemic
03/03/2021
Virtual field reconnaissance can help maintain research momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Cardiff Urban Geo Observatory: ‘a city-scale observatory for city-scale challenges’
02/03/2021
Heat recovery and storage in the urban subsurface could offer part of the solution to decarbonise energy supplies.
Delivering geoenergy research infrastructure in Glasgow
25/02/2021
Data from the Glasgow Observatory will help us to understand coal-mine-water heat and sustainable ways of heating our cities.
The Prees Borehole and the JET Project
24/02/2021
A recent borehole in Shropshire is unearthing new information about the chronology and environments of the Lower Jurassic
BGS to support novel scientific ocean drilling expedition to explore Arctic Ocean paleoceanography and climate
18/02/2021
BGS is pleased to be part of a joint IODP expedition focused on the Arctic Ocean – a key location in global climate change.
Resolving the unresolved- new insights into soil chemical reactions using microdialysis
15/02/2021
New techniques in soil sampling could be the key to alleviating hidden hunger.
We made a Minecraft volcano!
15/02/2021
Find out how a friend of BGS has been using Minecraft to create educational geological models during lockdown.
Safe storage of hydrogen in porous rocks: the challenges and knowledge gaps
12/02/2021
Increasing the amount of renewable energy that generates clean electricity will require a transition from natural gas to hydrogen and to store heat/cool in rocks.
Geomagnetism with Sarah Reay
10/02/2021
Sarah Reay discusses why we study the Earth’s magnetic field, the best location for a geomagnetic observatory, and tips for spotting the Aurora Borealis.
Going underground
04/02/2021
Why the subsurface is vital in delivering a net zero carbon economy
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 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.