Understanding our Earth
We are a world-leading independent research organisation providing objective, expert geoscientific data, information and knowledge.
Latest news and events
UK braced for what could be the largest solar storm in over two decades
12/11/2025
Intense geomagnetic activity could disrupt technology such as communication systems, global positioning systems and satellite orbits.
First distributed acoustic sensing survey completed at UK Geoenergy Observatory
12/11/2025
New research at the Cheshire Observatory has shown the potential for mapping thermal changes in the subsurface using sound waves.
Latest BGS Geology 50K mapping data launched
06/11/2025
Some of our most widely used maps have received a major update, including the 1:50 000-scale map series that now includes enhanced coverage of Great Britain.
New research highlights significant earthquake potential in Indonesia’s capital city
04/11/2025
Research reveals that a fault cutting through the subsurface of Jakarta could generate a damaging earthquake of high magnitude.
World Cities Day: the geological story of our cities
31/10/2025
Understanding the rocks that underlie our towns and cities, the risks they can present and how they influence urban planning and redevelopment.
GSNI project wins multiple awards at RegioStars event
17/10/2025
The AGEO project enjoyed a double success at the RegioStars awards, hosted at the European Commission in Brussels.
Fieldwork on Volcán de Fuego
13/10/2025
Understanding how one of the world’s most active volcanoes builds up material, and how they collapse to feed hot flows
Extended seabed geology map of the Bristol Channel published
07/10/2025
BGS has released significantly extended high-resolution maps that will support offshore green-energy initiatives in the area.
Dr Angela Lamb appointed as honorary professor by the University of Nottingham
02/10/2025
Dr Lamb will take up the position of honorary professor of environmental geochemistry, with a focus on collaborative research.
New report sets pathway to reduce the impacts of geohazards in one of the world’s most hazard-prone nations
30/09/2025
A new White Paper, co-developed by Indonesian and UK hazard experts, presents a strategic roadmap to significantly reduce the impacts of geological hazards in Indonesia.
Artificial intelligence helps scientists identify 3000 moving slopes potentially at risk of landslide
25/09/2025
A new approach that combines AI and satellite data has been used by scientists to detect actively moving landslides at a national scale.
New BGS GeoIndex viewer released for user testing
24/09/2025
The premium map-viewing application has been given a major upgrade and made available as a beta release.
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
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
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.