Our research

BGS staff in the laboratory

Our research includes core geological survey and monitoring work and other innovative projects addressing today's geoscientific challenges driven by the changing needs of our stakeholders. Read a selection of Current activities


Research themes

Digital mapping in the field UK geology

Multidisciplinary surveys, research into the surface and subsurface, 3D models...


Drought Climate change

Carbon, coastal pollution, environmental responses, Palaeoclimate & sustainable soils...


Soufriere Hills volcano, Montserrat Earth hazards

Volcano monitoring, UK seismic network, magnetic observation, landslides...


Sea energy, © Getty images Energy

Carbon capture & storage, seismic imaging, reservoir geoscience, oil & gas, renewables & clean coal.


3D geological model Geoscience technologies

Digital mapping, 3D modelling, remote sensing, Earth observation, rock classification & properties...


Flooding Groundwater science

Groundwater resources, quality, modelling, flooding, drought, aquifer monitoring...


BGS staff giving advice overseas International

Research, survey & monitoring in the developing world...


Aerial photograph Land use planning & development

Urban geoscience, shallow geohazards, geotechnics geophysics ...


Offshore exploration Marine geoscience

mapping, habitats, basin analysis, resources, hydrocarbon prospectivity, ocean drilling & geohazards...


Mineral exploration Minerals and waste

Statistics, policy analysis, international development, metallogenesis & security of supply...


Other research activities

Landscape Current activities
A selection of research activities from international and UK projects.
Earthquake Earthquakes

Recent earthquakes around the world.


Students on a fieldtrip Volcanoes

Recent volcanoes around the world


Students on a fieldtrip BUFI

BGS University Funding Initiative


Citizen Science Crowdmap Citizen Science

Help us learn more about our environment by posting your geological observations.


Flood plain Cross-cutting projects

Collaborative interdisciplinary projects underpinned with 3D models.


Geological map Information products

Innovative data and products through collaborative research.