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. Working with our partners, we will contribute to economic growth and tackle some of the most challenging environmental and societal problems.
Explore our research projects
![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.
Our core challenge areas
You may also be interested in
![BGS core store](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/core_store_web_P900671-960x641.jpg)
Our facilities
The BGS offers a range of services and information for businesses, home-owners, policy-makers and the general public.