Understanding our Earth
We are a world-leading independent research organisation providing objective, expert geoscientific data, information and knowledge.
Website services disruption – 12 August 2026
Please be aware that due to essential server updates some of our online services may be temporarily unavailable on 12 August from 18:00 until 22:00.
Applications that may experience disruption include viewers for scanned borehole records, published maps, publications, offshore reports, mine plans, thin sections, NGDC deposited data downloads. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Latest news and events
Coastal retreat in the past: the legacy of truncated drumlins
07/08/2026
The UK’s coasts have been responding to changing sea levels for thousands of years, but some of the best evidence of those changes now lies hidden beneath the waves.
BGS strengthens scientific links with Icelandic partners through Research and Innovation Scotland initiative
06/08/2026
BGS researchers recently visited Iceland as part of a project developing international partnerships and identifying opportunities for future collaborative research.
New NERC-funded project empowers young people to engage with environmental science
23/07/2026
BGS is part of a new, collaborative project, funded through NERC’s ‘Opening up the environment’ programme, helping the environmental research community become more accessible.
Geo-Explorers – after-school kids’ clubs
Event from 07/09/2026 to 07/12/2026
An after school club for junior geology enthusiasts
Building Europe’s geological future
20/07/2026
BGS scientists are contributing to a continent-wide initiative that is strengthening collaboration across borders to tackle shared subsurface challenges and unlock new opportunities.
Delving deep into mountains for future water security
16/07/2026
A BGS-led project is using new water-tracing investigation methods, geophysics and modelling to understand how water moves from mountains to the lowlands, helping to improve water security for billions of people.
Collecting beach pebbles: fun hobby but is it legal?
14/07/2026
The UK coastline will be inundated with keen holidaymakers this summer, many of whom will take a memento of their trip home in the shape of a pebble or two — but is it legal?
Updated national 3D model will determine the depth to the solid bedrock beneath our feet
13/07/2026
The BGS Superficial Deposit Thickness Model now includes an elevation model of geological rockhead for the first time, providing important data for civil engineers, geoscientists and environmental scientists.
UK’s world-class research organisations launch new collective
10/07/2026
The launch of the National Research Organisations Group brings together more than 100 science leaders to provide an authorativive voice on science, research policy and long-term investment.
Cheshire Geoenergy Observatory releases key geological datasets for UK thermal energy storage scheme design
09/07/2026
A new report and data packs from BGS will provide a unique resource for scientists working on the geology and hydrogeology of the Sherwood Sandstone Formation, an important aquifer and reservoir rock.
New geological mapping underway to help manage flooding along the River Tweed
08/07/2026
Scientists are surveying the Tweed catchment for the first time in over 100 years to enhance understanding of localised groundwater and improve flood forecasting.
Geological research in North Sea helping to safeguard subsea cables
06/07/2026
Subsea power and telecommunications cables are critical to the UK’s energy infrastructure and global connectivity, yet they remain vulnerable to damage from ship anchors, fishing activity and natural hazards.
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.
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
BGS is active across the globe delivering institutional strengthening programmes and applied research projects across a wide variety of sectors.
National Geoscience
Creating multi-scale geological map data, 3D models and applied geological knowledge to meet stakeholder needs in the UK.
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
Accessing maps and downloading data, scans, photos and other information via BGS’s free OpenGeoscience service.
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
Providing a wide range of licences for the use and utilisation of our information products by for those interested in an information product and the Open Government Licence is not applicable.
National Geoscience Data Centre
Collecting and preserving geoscientific data, making it available to a wide range of users and communities.
National Geological Repository
Hosting BGS’s 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.