BGS Geophysical Tomography (GTom) provides leading-edge technology for non-invasive, geoelectrical imaging of the shallow subsurface.
The techniques (instrumentation, software and methodologies) developed by GTom are used to underpin studies in infrastructure monitoring, waste management, contaminated land remediation and the protection of groundwater and soils, as well as the detection and mitigation of natural hazards. Our PRIME technology permits complex earth systems and processes to be monitored remotely using permanent, in situ sensor networks and wireless telemetry.
![](https://i3.ytimg.com/vi/9Fm5BHbXeFE/hqdefault.jpg)
BGS Geophysical Tomography: an introduction.
Find out more about our research
![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.
![Capacitive Resistivity Imaging (CRI) MkII prototype.](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/P641010_technologies_feature.jpg)
Technologies
Creating innovative technologies with in the field of geophysical and geotechnical monitoring.
![Data collection in a quarry.](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/data_collection_quarry.jpg)
Applications
Applications range from mineral exploration and waste management, to monitoring active processes within the subsurface, such as the movement of pollutants, or the flow of groundwater in unstable slopes affecting infrastructure.
PhD students and graduates
John Ball
‘Use of geophysics for the monitoring of earthen water retaining structures’
Jimmy Boyd
‘Coupled hydrogeophysical and geomechanical modelling of slope stability for improve early warning of landslides’
LinkedIn
Jessica Holmes
‘The use of near-surface geophysical methods for assessing the condition of transport infrastructure’
Alex Priestley
‘Assimilation of geophysical data in snow hydrology modelling
Luke Sibbett
‘Early warning landslide events using computer vision and geophysical image analysis’
Adrian White
‘Seeing inside flood embankments – novel geophysical imaging approaches for assessing the health of safety-critical flood defence infrastructure’
Twitter
LinkedIn
Jim Whiteley
‘Geophysical indicators of slope stability: towards improved early warning of landslide hazards’
Mihai Cimpoiasu
‘Combining geoelectrical imaging and X-ray computed tomography (CT) for improved hydraulic characterization of soils’
LinkedIn
Paul McLachlan
‘Revealing hydrological and biogeochemical heterogeneity at the groundwater-surface water interface using geophysics’
ResearchGate
LinkedIn
Michael Tso
‘Enhancing information content in geophysical data for nuclear site characterisation’
ResearchGate
Related news
![Professor Jonathan Chambers. BGS © UKRI.](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/jonathon-chambers.webp)
New BGS Chief Scientist for multi-hazards and resilience announced
09/05/2024
Prof Jonathan Chambers has been appointed as the new BGS Chief Scientist for multi-hazards and resilience, effective from 1 June 2024.
![Vincent van Zalinge. Unsplash License.](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/vincent-van-zalinge-GvSLkDH7XdI-unsplash.webp)
Burrow-detecting devices could protect flood defences
23/01/2024
BGS scientists have trialled a new way of detecting animal burrows in clay flood embankments.
![3D electrical resistivity image](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Zimbabwe_web.jpg)
Can geophysics help feed people in a changing climate?
09/11/2021
Conservation agriculture and electrical resistivity tomography could help combat the factors affecting food security in southern Africa.
![Steve Thorpe. BGS © UKRI.](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/IMG20210702131840.jpg)
Back out in the field with Tromino
18/08/2021
Steve Thorpe discusses returning to fieldwork after the COVID-19 pandemic and trying out the Tromino kit.
![Work takes place at the GeoEnergy Testbed (GTB) at Sutton Bonington © BGS / UKRI.](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/IMG_20210506_141034-960x720.jpg)
BGS to help further carbon dioxide monitoring research at Sutton Bonington
03/08/2021
BGS is part of a research project that will consider the feasibility of using quantum gravity sensors to monitor carbon capture and storage sites.
![The ALERT system generates a daily time-lapse image.](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/geophysical_tomography_feature.jpg)
Shallow geophysics
BGS are developing and using leading-edge technologies such as Geophysical Tomography to image the shallow subsurface.