What you don't know is that that rock is not just blue. It's not turquoise. It's not lapis. It's actually ceruleite 💎 Its name derives from the Latin for sky blue, 'caeruleus'. This particular sample comes from Wheal Gorland, St Day in Cornwall. 📸 Photo by Gianfranco Ciccolini

Congratulations to Marcus Dobbs, BGS head of engineering geology, who has been appointed as vice-chair of the advisory group for the Coordinating Committee for Geoscience Programmes in East and Southeast Asia (CCOP). www.bgs.ac.uk/news/bgs-eng...

Across Africa, geological survey organisations underpin good governance by collecting and interpreting vital geoscience data. BGS is partnering with the Geological Survey Department of Zambia to build capacity, improve data access and support sustainable development. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/strengt...

A week ago, marine geoscientists Dayton Dove and Duncan Stevens set sail to explore and map the seabed along the UK’s south-west coastline 🗺️ Throughout the 4-week survey, a team of 26 scientists from across the field of maritime research will collect hydrographic, geological and environmental data.

Join us at the Natural History Museum, London on June 18th for an in-person CPD session. aimed at primary teachers. Geologists from the BGS will guide you through all you need to know about geology for KS2 topics. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/primary-sc...

A three-week training programme, delivered by the BGS and Ordnance Survey strengthened the use of geospatial data across key Ghanaian institutions, supporting more informed, climate-resilient urban planning and disaster risk management. ukgreencitiesandinfrastructure.org/resource/adv...

Understanding the distribution of iceberg-derived meltwater is critical to evaluating how icebergs influence local nutrients & associated productivity. Freshwater provenance was assessed in this study using sea water salinity & oxygen isotope composition, measured at British Geological Survey. 🌊🔬

Did you miss the UK Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre 2026 Showcase? A recording of the talks is now available. Join Dr Gavin Mudd and the team for insights into our mineral research outputs, including copper waste and scrap flows, and the future of digital 👇 youtu.be/03N-uzmRRuM

BGS is speaking at the 2026 Engage Teacher Conference this year! Come along on 15 June where we'll be sharing high-impact, no-cost primary STEM resources to teach the basics of geology. Book your tickets here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/breaking-b... #EngageConf26 @britsciassoc.bsky.social #CPD

⛏️ Did you know 172.3 million tonnes of minerals were extracted from the UK landmass in 2024? Explore the latest data in the UK Minerals Yearbook 2025—BGS’s authoritative guide to UK minerals production, consumption and trade up to 2025. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/uk-mine...

BGS SEISMIC INFORMATION: OFFSHORE HONSHU, JAPAN 20 APRIL 2026 07:53 UTC 7.4 MW The following preliminary info is available for this earthquake: DATE: 20 April 2026 ORIGIN TIME: 07:53 00s UTC LAT/LON: 39.953 North / 143.046° East DEPTH: 35 km MAGNITUDE: 7.4 Mw LOCALITY: Offshore Honshu, Japan

The isle of Lundy is found off the coast of Devon. Its oldest exposed rocks are the Morte Slates Formation, of Upper Devonian age, which overlie an older shallow-water succession of shales, siltstones, sandstones & rare limestones of the Ilfracombe Slates Formation. webapps.bgs.ac.uk/Memoirs/docs...

🚨 BGS SEISMIC ALERT: PUBIL, PERTH & KINROSS 16 APRIL 2026 The following preliminary information is available for this earthquake: ORIGIN TIME : 19:46 27s UTC LAT/LON : 56.531° North / 4.582° West GRID REF : 241.2 kmE / 740.6 kmN DEPTH : 3 km MAGNITUDE : 3.3 ML

UK scientists from across maritime research are uniting to map the seabed along the UK’s south‑west coastline. Data gathered through the survey will support a range of activities, helping to build a more complete & authoritative picture of the UK’s marine environment. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/uk-scie...

BGS SEISMIC INFORMATION: PUBIL, PERTH & KINROSS 15 APRIL 2026 15:55 UTC 2.3 ML The following preliminary information is available for this earthquake: LAT/LON : 56.535° N / 4.594° W GRID REF : 240.5 kmE / 741.1 kmN DEPTH : 7 km MAGNITUDE : 2.3 ML earthquakes.bgs.ac.uk/earthquakes/...

We've been at Dynamic Earth today, as part of Edinburgh Science Festival. Guests were welcomed to take part in live demonstrations of geomagnetism and landslides, discover some of the rocks which sit underneath Scotland and even talk a walk up the extinct volcano, Arthur's Seat.

New research could help provide a more reliable water supply for millions in rural Africa. A new BGS-led study has revealed crucial insights into the challenges affecting the reliability and performance of rural water supply infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/new-res...

On 15 April, join BGS geologists on a guided walk of Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, looking at the unique geology of this extinct, ancient volcano. Walks will take place at 10:30AM and 2PM and start at Dynamic Earth science museum. Get your tickets here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/arthurs-se...

We're at Dynamic Earth on Wednesday next week, as part of Edinburgh Science Festival! Join us as we talk about volcanoes, space weather and Scotland's unique rocks and fossils. It's free to visit, so make sure to pop down and say hello! www.edinburghscience.co.uk/event/britis...

Industrial placements at BGS for undergraduate students give real-life experience of working in laboratories and learning different analytical techniques. Here, Dorontina Domi tells us about her industrial placement in BGS' stable isotope facility: www.bgs.ac.uk/news/isotope...

BGS has released a new shallow subsurface geological synthesis of the Southern North Sea in the first formal review of this region since the 1990s. Read more: www.bgs.ac.uk/news/new-geo...

This map, published in 1962, falls within an area of Scotland called Easter Ross. The loosely defined area to the east of Ross in the Highlands of Scotland, Easter Ross has been the focus of many geological papers and other publications. Learn more: webapps.bgs.ac.uk/memoirs/docs...

Join BGS geologists on a guided walk of Arthur's Seat, looking at the unique geology of this extinct, ancient volcano. Spaces are limited, so book now! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/arthurs-se...

We're looking to hire a business administration assistant at our Keyworth office. Are you highly motivated with a keen eye for detail and great computer skills? Join our dynamic team, & learn more about earth science as you go! Apply: fa-evzn-saasfaukgovprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/Candid...

BGS SEISMIC INFORMATION ... INDONESIA 1 APRIL 2026 08:44 UTC 7.4 MW The following preliminary information is available for this earthquake: DATE: 1 APRIL 2026 ORIGIN TIME: 22:44:19.1 UTC LAT/LON: 1.117 126.297 DEPTH: 35 km MAGNITUDE: 7.4 Mw LOCALITY: Molucca Sea, Indonesia

A geomagnetic storm is expected from tomorrow, 31st March, due to the anticipated arrival of an Earth-directed coronal mass ejection (CME). Additionally, enhanced geomagnetic activity is possible in the coming days due to the arrival of fast solar wind from a coronal hole.

24 hours to go until the UK Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre Showcase 2026 📆 Dr Gavin Mudd, Dr Pierre Josso, Dr Holly Elliott and Dr Joanna Wragg will present in a live-streamed showcase highlighting key research achievements from the past year. Tickets: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/uk-critica...

BGS SEISMIC INFORMATION ... VANUATU 30 MARCH 2026 08:44 UTC 7.3 MW The following preliminary information is available for this earthquake: DATE: 30 March 2026 ORIGIN TIME: 08:44 08s UTC LAT/LON: 15.298 South / 167.399° East DEPTH: 116 km MAGNITUDE: 7.3 Mw LOCALITY: Vanuatu

SEISMIC INFORMATION: OFFSHORE HONSHU, JAPAN 26 MARCH 2026 14:18 UTC 6.5 MW DATE: 26 March 2026 ORIGIN TIME: 14:18 50s UTC LAT/LON: 39.446° North / 143.372° East DEPTH: 10 km MAGNITUDE: 6.5 Mw LOCALITY: Offshore Honshu, Japan (approx 110 km offshore Iwate prefecture & 520km NNE of Tokyo, Japan)

Updated geological assessment of the Southern North Sea set to underpin future offshore infrastructure development 🗺️ The first update for 30 years, the data will support various offshore projects, inc the 2030 target of 45 to 50 GW generated through offshore wind. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/new-geo...

A new study has revealed crucial insights into the longstanding challenges affecting the performance of rural water supply infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa, giving insight to decision makers aiming to make rural water access more reliable. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/new-res... @wateraid.bsky.social

BGS SEISMIC INFORMATION: TONGA, 24 MARCH 2026 04:37 UTC 7.6 MW The following preliminary information is available for this earthquake: LAT/LON : 18.700 South / 175.435° West DEPTH : 238 km MAGNITUDE : 7.6 Mw LOCALITY : Tonga

🛰️ Geomagnetic storm forecast - 18th March 2026 Assuming clear dark skies, there is an increased chance of seeing the aurora between 19 and 21 March. Those in Scotland, northern England and Northern Ireland have the best chance. Full forecast available below👇 geomag.bgs.ac.uk/data_service...

🗓️ UK Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre- Showcase 2026 Join BGS scientists from the UK Critical Mineral Intelligence Centre (CMIC) on the 31 March for a special live-streamed showcase of major research outputs from the last year. Register here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/uk-critica...

PhD student Chris Bengt visited the University of Copenhagen to carry out very delicate extraction of aeDNA from lake-sediment cores, in the hopes of unlocking the secrets of past volcanic eruptions. Read more about the placement and research: www.bgs.ac.uk/news/phd-adv...

The Highland Boundary Fault System follows a major tectonic lineament that marks the north-western margin of the sedimentary basin beneath the Midland Valley of Scotland, juxtaposing metamorphic rocks of the Highlands with younger sedimentary and volcanic rocks to the south. 📍 Stonehaven, Aberdeen

Last chance to register! On 18 March, we'll be joined by sand experts from across the globe to discuss the challenges of extracting this important resource and the impact it can have on the natural environment. Tickets: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sands-of-c...

BGS SEISMIC INFORMATION ... PUBIL, PERTH & KINROSS 9 MARCH 2026 19:25 UTC 2.8 ML DATE: 9 March 2026 ORIGIN TIME: 19:25 41s UTC LAT/LON: 56.541° North / 4.547° West GRID REF: 243.4 kmE / 741.7 kmN DEPTH: 3 km MAGNITUDE: 2.8 ML LOCALITY: Pubil, Perth & Kinross

Join us 18 March @geolsoc.bsky.social and online for Sand & Sustainability: the Global Challenge of Sand Mining. Here, global experts will discuss the challenges of extracting this important resource & the impact it can have on the natural environment. Register: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sands-of-c...

Teachers! Sign up for our next CPD session in Notts, guiding you through all you need to know to teach plate tectonics, volcanoes, and earthquakes to your KS2 classes. Pre-booking is required and places are limited so book early! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/primary-sc...

BGS and University of Nottingham PhD student Paulina Baranowska shares her 'invaluable' experience presenting her research on nuclear forensics at her first international conference, located in Hawai’i. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/marc-co...

We're at the festival of Tomorrow in Swindon this weekend! We'll be talking about the 'Goldilocks Zone' - geological super regions that are ‘just right’ to host multiple energy-transition technologies in the UK. Visit our stand at the Deanery Academy: www.festivaloftomorrow.com/the-festival...

We're at Materials Research Exchange this week, come and visit us in the @innovateuk.bsky.social podium area. We're interested in chatting to stakeholders and new contacts about our critical minerals research, as well as BGS' wider science focus, and potential collaboration opportunities. #MRE2026

The identification of a 'smiling' object found on Holy Island in Northumberland has been confirmed by BGS senior paleontologist Jan Hennissen. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

It's one month until the Sands of Change conference where global experts will explore the legal, environmental & management challenges of sand, the second most utilised resource on Earth. The event will take place at Burlington House in London & online: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sands-of-c...

BGS’ data scientists have generated a summary map of the most commonly extracted mineral commodities by local authority area. This data will be of use to organisations with an interest in the location of mineral extraction sites and their possible after-use. More: www.bgs.ac.uk/news/map-of-...

📢 Deadline: 20 Feb The IEA Geothermal Mine Water Energy Symposium is back in April 2026. We are currently welcoming oral presentations, nano presentations and posters. Deadline for submissions is 4 pm UK this Friday. Learn more & apply at lnkd.in/eCpkNStv

We're at the Nottingham Festival of Science & Curiosity today! Pop on over to Kirkby-in-Ashfield library as we show you how landslides work with our live demonstrations! Entry is free. #NFSC26

Quaternary UK offshore data digitised for the first time. The dataset will help users, particularly those in the offshore renewables sector, and can be used for reference when completing site investigations. Learn more: www.bgs.ac.uk/news/quatern...

Why have there been so many earthquakes in the UK this year? BGS seismologist Callum Harrison jumped onto the Fun Kids Science Weekly Live podcast to explain. Grab a cuppa and listen in with your kids here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jLC...