BGS news

Glasgow’s underground observatory takes temperature of city’s mine water

The UK Geoenergy Observatory in Glasgow has completed a first survey of the water circulating in abandoned mines lying up to 88 m below the city.

28/07/2021 By BGS Press
artist’s impression of how water moves through rock
Artist’s impression of how water moves through rock based on core samples from underneath Glasgow. Source: BGS © UKRI

Scientists completed pumping tests and collected samples from 10 of the observatory’s 12 boreholes, which range from 16-199 m deep and are fitted with hundreds of state-of-the-art sensors.

The survey has yielded important baseline data on the status of the mine systems.

The results also confirm that scientists will be able to use the boreholes to better understand how thermal energy in mine water could be used as a renewable energy source for homes and industry.

Read the full update on the UK Geoenergy Observatories website

Media contact information

Sarah McDaid
Office: +44 (0)7866 789 688
Mobile: +44 (0)7866 789 688

Notes to editors

Where is the Glasgow Observatory?

Map

About the 12 boreholes

The boreholes range in drilled length from 16 to 199m. They have been positioned so that scientists can:

  • extract 180 m of rock core samples
  • build up an accurate model of the geology below
  • measure water temperature, flow and chemistry underground
  • model the underground water systems
  • measure the potential for mine water heat energy and heat storage
  • provide baseline information on soil and surface water chemistry and ground gases nearby

Was this page helpful?

  • How can we make this section better?*

  • Please select a reason*

  • How can we make this section better?*