Our research includes core geological survey and monitoring work and other innovative projects addressing today’s geoscientific challenges driven by the changing needs of our stakeholders.
Our research
![Environmental change](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/feature_env_change.jpg)
Environmental change, adaptation and resilience
We are undertaking research aimed at reducing vulnerability, protecting resources and building resilience in response to substantial environmental changes.
![Ince Marshes © Peter Corcoran](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Decarbonisation_feature_Inch_Marshes.jpg)
Decarbonisation and resource management
Decarbonisation of power production, heat, transport and industry is a major challenge and one that intrinsically involves geoscience.
![Photo by Marc Szeglat on Unsplash](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/feature_MHR_Marc_Szeglat_Unsplash.jpg)
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.
![Image from BGS Geology of Britain Map](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Digital-Feature2.jpg)
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.
![Avon Gorge at Clifton. Looking north.](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/National-Feature.jpg)
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.
![BGS Global Geoscience](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/BGS_global_pexels_2422.jpg)
International geoscience
BGS is active across the globe delivering institutional strengthening programmes and applied research projects across a wide variety of sectors.
Our research facilities
![RD2-Evening-launch-west-cost-of-Scotland-1_feature](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/RD2-Evening-launch-west-cost-of-Scotland-1_feature.jpg)
Marine operations
BGS’s highly experienced marine operations team have undertaken both scientific and commercial offshore projects around the globe.
![feature_rock_volume_gypsum](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/feature_rock_volume_gypsum.jpg)
Rock Volume Characterisation Laboratory Cluster
This cluster studies the structural and compositional characterisation of rocks and their constituent parts at all scales.
![geoscientist in the lab](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/feature_careers_p514969.jpg)
Centre for Environmental Geochemistry
The Centre for Environmental Geochemistry focuses on the use of geochemistry in research, training and teaching.
![Geotechnical research and design facility](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/feature_Geotechnical_RD.jpg)
Engineering and Geotechnical Capability
The BGS Engineering and Geotechnical Capability leads the development and application of field and laboratory infrastructure and long-term management of geophysical and geotechnical property data.
![Geomicrobiology laboratory](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/feature_Geomicrobiology.jpg)
Fluid and Rock Processes Laboratory Cluster
This cluster does research to identify, measure and quantify complex geological and environmental processes essential in the efficient utilisation of natural resources and underground spaces.
Explore research projects
Browse by challenge, interest, region and keywords
![groundwater flowpaths](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/feature_flowpaths.jpg)
Environmental modelling
Advancing the understanding of environmental systems through innovative modelling techniques and interdisciplinary research.
![Monitoring shallow groundwater - ground investigation in Glasgow. BGS © UKRI.](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/P1020517-Monitoring-shallow-groundwater.webp)
The Common Ground project
The Common Ground project aims to enhance the value of GI data for the UK construction and environmental sectors.
![Postgraduate students from the University for Development Studies, Ghana, learning about instrumentation and hydrology. BGS © UKRI.](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG-20230515-WA0000.webp)
TerraFIRMA
TerraFIRMA is a five-year, NERC-funded, Multi-Centre National Capability (MCNC) UKRI award running from April 2022 to March 2027
![Geothermal_feature_Kenya_powerplant](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Geothermal_feature_Kenya_powerplant.jpg)
Geothermal energy
Geothermal energy is all energy stored in the form of heat beneath the surface of the solid earth. It is a reliable and constant source of low-carbon, renewable heat that is not dependent on weather conditions.
![A view across the Marram and Sea-lyme sand dunes at Formby Point towards the shore line where the sea laps gently on the yellow sandy beach. Photograph © National Trust](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/84553.jpg)
The impacts of rising groundwater at the coast
Our current activities build on the BGS’s extensive research experience in this region, contributing to welfare and future economic growth by the responsible use of natural resources.
![Limestone pavement, Cumbria](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/P689722.jpg)
Sinkholes and karst research
Our research extends beyond the distribution and processes associated with sinkhole formation to the broader subject of karst.
![BGS 3D Modelling](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/3D_feature.jpg)
3D geology resources
3D geological models characterise the structure of the rocks and sediments in the subsurface, providing sophisticated tools for enhanced geological understanding.
![Finnieston-Bridge-Glasgow_feature](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Finnieston-Bridge-Glasgow_feature.jpg)
Glasgow and the Clyde Basin — Clyde Urban Super Project (CUSP)
Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, is built along the upper Clyde estuary and lower River Clyde. Areas of central Glasgow form the national urban regeneration priority for Scotland over the next 25 years.
![National Geological Screening](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/feature_NGS.jpg)
Regional geological summaries
BGS have produced 13 summaries of the on-shore regional geology for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.