Romesh Palamakumbura, survey geologist

I joined BGS in 2017, having completed an undergraduate degree and PhD in geology at the University of Edinburgh. I currently work in the BGS Marine Geology team, but I spend a large amount of my time working with different teams throughout BGS, including the BGS National Geology team.

Find out more about being a survey geologist at BGS in our interview with Dr Romesh Palamakumbura

My day job is hugely dynamic and includes gathering new geological data, working with clients and developing equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives. My work is both office and field based and often involves travel across the UK and internationally. Fieldwork can involve geological mapping, carrying out detailed structural surveys and documenting newly exposed sections. When I’m in the office I could be mapping offshore geology using high-resolution seabed bathymetry data, or analysing a range of datasets in Python or GIS. I also communicate my science through a combination of written reports and peer-reviewed papers, and presentations for clients or at scientific conferences.

I find the broad range of geology that I get to work on and the fantastic people I get to meet, both within BGS and outside, the most interesting aspects of my role.

Romesh, BGS Survey Geologist.

My work involves creating up-to-date geological maps of the UK that are used by stakeholders such as local government, private industry and academic research. I am also involved in different projects focusing on a range of geological problems. My work is used in groundwater models, large-scale engineering schemes, natural hazard prediction and radioactive waste storage.

I find the broad range of geology that I get to work on and the fantastic people I get to meet, both within BGS and outside, the most interesting aspects of my role. I often find myself working on fascinating geology and collaborating with many different scientists to produce work that has a real and direct societal effect.