Understanding our Earth
We are a world-leading independent research organisation providing objective, expert geoscientific data, information and knowledge.
Latest news and events
Science advisory committee member vacancies
22/05/2024
The BGS has released its new strategy to cover the period 2023-2028 and is now looking to make appointments to its independent Science Advisory Committee (SAC).
Over 600 mineral exploration project reports now available through the UK Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre
17/05/2024
All 662 reports from the Mineral Exploration and Investigation Grants Act programme are now available on the Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre website.
A-roaring display
16/05/2024
The dazzling and colourful aurora borealis, or northern lights, observed by many across the UK last weekend was one of the most extreme and long-lasting geomagnetic storms recorded in the last 155 years.
First national scale groundwater model in Great Britain developed
14/05/2024
BGS has developed a new model that provides a unique tool for simulating groundwater resources at a national scale, covering England, Scotland and Wales.
BGS awarded research grant to support potential offshore wind development in Iceland
13/05/2024
BGS has been awarded the NERC-Arctic grant for a collaboration project with the Iceland GeoSurvey.
Largest CT core scan completed at the BGS Core Scanning Facility
09/05/2024
BGS has completed its largest CT core scan project to-date, with around 400 metres of core imaged for the IODP Drowned Reefs project.
New BGS Chief Scientist for multi-hazards and resilience announced
09/05/2024
Professor Jonathan Chambers has been appointed as the new BGS Chief Scientist for multi-hazards and resilience (MHR), effective from 1 June 2024.
Delivering a sustainable urban future for Europe through geoscience
08/05/2024
Research, led by BGS and EuroGeoSurveys’ Urban Geology Expert Group, explores how urban geoscience is reflected in European urban and environmental policy.
Building stones spotlight: the Sir Walter Scott Memorial 25 years after its conservation
29/04/2024
BGS geologist, Luis Albornoz-Parra, discusses the iconic Edinburgh monument, the building stones used in its construction and the result (so far) of its conservation efforts.
BGS Open Day 2024
Event on 08/06/2024
Join us on 8 June 2024 to explore volcanoes and earthquakes, soils and aquifers, the sea, the sky and everything in between!
UK legacy geothermal catalogue released in digital format for the first time
18/04/2024
BGS has released the first digital version of the UK legacy geothermal catalogue of subsurface temperature measurements, rock thermal conductivity measurements and heat flow calculations.
New research supports conservation of fallow deer across Europe
16/04/2024
New research has combined zooarchaeology and ancient and modern biomolecular datasets to reveal a new understanding of the history and projections of fallow deer.
Our core challenge areas
Decarbonisation and resource management
Decarbonisation of power production, heat, transport and industry is a major challenge and one that intrinsically involves geoscience.
Environmental change, adaptation and resilience
We are undertaking research aimed at reducing vulnerability, protecting resources and building resilience in response to substantial environmental changes.
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.
International geoscience
The BGS is active across the globe delivering institutional strengthening programmes and applied research projects across a wide variety of sectors.
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.
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.
Map viewers
Data published through map viewers allowing you to reveal more about the ground beneath your feet.
Technologies
Applications, software and online services created by the BGS and our collaborators.
Information hub
Data collections, publications, scanned records and other data gathered by BGS and provided by external organisations.
OpenGeoscience
OpenGeoscience is a free service where you can view maps, download data, scans, photos and other information.
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.
Digital data licensing and resellers
If you are interested in an information product and the Open Government Licence is not applicable, we encourage the use and exploitation of our information products by providing a wide range of licences.
National Geoscience Data Centre
The National Geoscience Data Centre collects and preserves geoscientific data, making it available to a wide range of users and communities.
National Geological Repository
The National Geological Repository holds our collections of borehole cores, cuttings, samples, specimens, and related subsurface information from the UK landmass and continental shelf.
Discovering Geology
Discovering Geology introduces a range of geoscience topics to school-age students and learners of all ages. Explore these pages to discover the fascinating processes and properties that shape our dynamic planet.
Rocks and minerals
Find out more about the differences between rocks and minerals and how they are formed.
Discovering Geology: climate change
What is the difference between weather and climate? what causes the Earth’s climate to change and what are the impacts? Find out more with our Discovery Geology climate change resources.
Earth hazards
The Earth beneath our feet is constantly shifting and moving, and violently with catastrophic and immediate results. Find out more about earth hazards.
Geological processes
Planet Earth is dynamic with a surface that is always changing. Find out about the processes that cause these changes.
Fossils and geological time
Take a look at the history of the Earth, from its formation over four and a half billion years ago to present times.
About BGS
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.
Our data and services
The BGS offers a range of services and information for businesses, home-owners, policymakers and the general public.
Working with us
BGS is committed to being an employer of choice and strives to embrace a culture of inclusivity and flexibility.
Offices and locations
Find out more about our offices and facilities located across the UK.
Contact us
Find out more about the BGS and the services we offer through our enquiries and customer services team.