![circle-layer](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/themes/bgs/img/circle.png)
Understanding our Earth
We are a world-leading independent research organisation providing objective, expert geoscientific data, information and knowledge.
Latest news and events
![Ms Gillian Martin MSP (right) with Dr Alison Monaghan and Vanessa Starcher of BGS with at the Glasgow Observatory. BGS © UKRI](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/bgs-at-the-glasgow-observatory.webp)
Unlocking our geothermal potential: a Scottish Government visit to the Glasgow Observatory
15/08/2024
Gillian Martin MSP visits the UK Geoenergy Observatory in Glasgow to learn about geothermal energy and see the research being carried out at the facility.
![A landscape of mountains and depressions](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Matienzo-karst-depression-Spain.jpg)
Extracting formation temperatures from stalagmites
14/08/2024
BGS’s Andrew Smith explores the karstic depressions of northern Spain in the quest to create a palaeothermometer.
![A dry, hot, flat desert with a lake and white salt flats in the foreground and mountains in the background.](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Laguna-Tebinquiche-in-Salar-de-Atacama-with-andes-in-background-Chile.-From-a-previous-trip.-Rowan-Halkes-BGS.jpg)
Responsible extraction in South America’s Lithium Triangle
02/08/2024
A BGS team visited Argentina and Chile to investigate how to extract lithium more responsibly in the face of growing worldwide demand.
![Landslide aftermath. © Timo Volz, Unsplash](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/landslide-aftermath-timo-volz-unsplash.webp)
Studying multi-hazards from space
25/07/2024
A new European Space Agency-funded project will study the effect earthquakes have on occurrences of other natural hazards in the long-term.
![Scottish river in low flow. © Paul Glendell](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/scottish-river-in-low-flow.webp)
Warnings for Scottish farmers and distillers as new data indicates climate change may double number of droughts
23/07/2024
The agricultural and distilling sectors could face significant challenges after research finds the number of droughts in Scotland may double in the next 25 years.
![Coastal Erosion at Skipsea on the East Yorkshire Coast. © Matthew J Thomas / iStockphoto](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/iStock-1299945115_Holderness_Coast.jpg)
Spotlight on BGS coastal erosion data
18/07/2024
BGS GeoCoast data can support researchers and practitioners facing coastal erosion adaptation challenges along our coastline.
![The Lembang fault crosses the northern parts of Bandung city in Indonesia. BGS © UKRI.](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/the-lembang-fault.webp)
Nearly three million people in Indonesia’s second city could be affected by an earthquake
17/07/2024
BGS-led research reveals the number of people in the Bandung metropolitan region who could be exposed to a major earthquake.
![North Sea Transition Authority](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/NSTA_image.jpg)
National Hydrocarbons Data Archive files now accessible through the National Data Repository
15/07/2024
Offshore well and survey information held within BGS’s archive have now been transferred to the North Sea Transition Authority’s National Data Repository to enable greater access.
![Pale cliffs above a flat grassy area with ivy and trees growing across some of them. There are several, large and small caves in the cliffs.](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/geograph-6702517-by-Sandy-Gerrard.jpg)
Creswell Crags Museum collections offer insight into the past and future of wolves
12/07/2024
Bones found at the site are helping scientists to understand the diet of wolves and how they differ over time.
![Seabed geomorphology from part of the central area of the Offshore East Anglia seabed map. BGS © UKRI.](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/seabed-geomorphology-offshore-East-Anglia-seabed-map-feature.webp)
New research reveals the secrets of the seabed off the East Anglian coast
11/07/2024
New geological map will help in the hunt for new renewable energy opportunities whilst protecting delicate marine ecosystems.
![GitHub logo](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/GitHub_logo.jpg)
Update released for BGS open-source database software, ETL Helper
09/07/2024
The software tool helps simplify the process of data transfer into and out of databases.
![Nine people in two groups (four to the left; five to the right) standing on grey rocks with brown cliffs behind them.](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/tuscany-feature-image.jpg)
The heat beneath our feet: BGS field visit to Tuscan geothermal systems
05/07/2024
BGS visits the active and fossilised geothermal systems of southern Tuscany, Italy.
Our core challenge areas
![Ince Marshes © Peter Corcoran](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Decarbonisation_feature_Inch_Marshes.jpg)
Decarbonisation and resource management
Decarbonisation of power production, heat, transport and industry is a major challenge and one that intrinsically involves geoscience.
![Environmental change](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/feature_env_change.jpg)
Environmental change, adaptation and resilience
We are undertaking research aimed at reducing vulnerability, protecting resources and building resilience in response to substantial environmental changes.
![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.
![BGS Global Geoscience](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/BGS_global_pexels_2422.jpg)
International geoscience
BGS is active across the globe delivering institutional strengthening programmes and applied research projects across a wide variety of sectors.
![Avon Gorge at Clifton. Looking north.](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/National-Feature.jpg)
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.
![Image from BGS Geology of Britain Map](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Digital-Feature2.jpg)
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.
![BGS Maps Portal](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/scanmapsicon_feature.jpg)
Map viewers
Data published through map viewers allowing you to reveal more about the ground beneath your feet.
![igeology3D](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/igeology3D.jpg)
Technologies
Applications, software and online services created by the BGS and our collaborators.
![old mining plans](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/feature_miningplans.jpg)
Information hub
Data collections, publications, scanned records and other data gathered by BGS and provided by external organisations.
![BGS iGeology app](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/feature_opengeoscience.jpg)
OpenGeoscience
OpenGeoscience is a free service where you can view maps, download data, scans, photos and other information.
![Image from BGS Geology of Britain Map](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Digital-Feature2.jpg)
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.
![Aeromagnetic surveys](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/feature_aeromagnetic.jpg)
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.
![feature_data](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/feature_data.jpg)
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.
![BGS core store](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/core_store_web_P900671-960x641.jpg)
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.
![Discover Geology](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Discover-Geology.png)
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.
![feature_rocks_minerals](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/feature_rocks_minerals.jpg)
Rocks and minerals
Find out more about the differences between rocks and minerals and how they are formed.
![Iceberg P912184](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/feature_climate_P912184.jpg)
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.
![lava flow - Pexels / Pixabay](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/feature_hazards_pexels_235807.jpg)
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.
![A waterfall in Iceland](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/P572430.jpg)
Geological processes
Planet Earth is dynamic with a surface that is always changing. Find out about the processes that cause these changes.
![fishThroughTime](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/fishThroughTime.jpg)
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.
![View up Glen Rosa towards Cir Mhor, Arran. Andrew Finlayson and Martin Gillespie in foreground.](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/AboutUs-P662370-960x497.jpg)
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.
![BGS core store](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/core_store_web_P900671-960x641.jpg)
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](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/feature_working_with_us.jpg)
Working with us
BGS is committed to being an employer of choice and strives to embrace a culture of inclusivity and flexibility.
![BGS William Smith Building- Alexander Rotton](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/feature_facilities_Alex_Rotten.jpg)
Offices and locations
Find out more about our offices and facilities located across the UK.
![BGS Keyworth - Alexander Rotton](https://www.bgs.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/feature_contact_Alex_Rotten.jpg)
Contact us
Find out more about the BGS and the services we offer through our enquiries and customer services team.