The National Geological Repository is the UK’s most comprehensive collection of geological materials, consisting of over 16 million specimens. Over the last 20 years, the NGR has saved major energy and infrastructure projects £1.5 billion. For more information, visit: www.bgs.ac.uk/news/new-stu...

Soil reference materials (RMs) are critical to ensuring the accuracy & consistency of analytical results. BGS has produced 10 new soil RMs, to offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional certified reference materials, while maintaining confidence in data. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/suite-o...

📢 PhD opportunity: deadline 12 Jan We're inviting applications for a fully funded PhD to investigate how land-use change affects the UK water cycle using national-scale models. Apply: blogs.reading.ac.uk/crocus-dla/h...

It's the last 'find the geological hammer' of the season! Today the hammer is hiding amongst the crew onboard IODP³-NSF Expedition 501. The expedition explored beneath the ocean floor of the New England Shelf for the 1st time in search of freshened water. Learn more: www.bgs.ac.uk/news/iodp3-n...

Happy New Year from all of us at BGS! Here’s a little mineralogical colour to start 2026. 🤩 📸 Polarised light interacting with a thin section of spodumene-bearing pegmatite from Kamativi, Zimbabwe.

Can you find the geological hammer on this geological hike? In summer keen walkers in Yorkshire combined a stroll with a BGS mapping tour. We run various outdoor talks and events around the year - keep your eye on our socials to find one near you!

Perth and Kinross tops the UK’s earthquake activity charts for 2025 Seismologists at BGS have published data on the number of seismic events over the past 12 months with over 300 earthquakes recorded. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/perth-a...

Today’s geological hammer photo was taken in Zambia. This year the first guide to Zambia’s critical minerals, highlighting the country’s current & potential critical mineral resources was published. Read the guide here: nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/53... Spot the hammer below.

With space at a premium and the advance of new digitisation techniques, why does retaining over 600 km of physical rock core remain of national importance? Follow the link to find out: www.bgs.ac.uk/news/why-do-...

The amazing bat excrement sculpting Borneo’s hidden caves 🦇 BGS researchers have delved into Borneo’s underworld to learn more about how guano deposited by bats and cave-dwelling birds is shaping the subsurface. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/hole-y-...

Wishing you all a rocking festive period full of warmth, joy and a stocking full of (non-coal) geological goodies!

STOP! (find the geological) hammer time! Today, the hammer is hiding in the Mineral Resource dataset, which shows areas where potentially workable minerals may occur in England, Wales and the central belt of Scotland. Learn more about it here: www.bgs.ac.uk/datasets/bgs...

New research shows artificial intelligence earthquake tools forecast aftershock risk in seconds. The rapid forecasts produced by these tools could help authorities with decision making about public safety measures and resource allocation in disaster-hit areas. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/new-res...

📢 PhD Opportunity: Mineralogical and geochemical controls on metal leaching efficiency in laterite ores using eco-friendly solvents Passionate about critical minerals and sustainable technologies? Join us in shaping the future of metal extraction! Apply: target.le.ac.uk Deadline: 7 January 2026

It's our favourite time of the year: Guess the Geological Hammer time! Today, the hammer is hidden at our Eskdalemuir meteorological station where we undertake research on space weather, which we study to extend our knowledge of geomagnetic hazards and their effects.

Malaysia faces substantial risks from rainfall-triggered landslides driven by extreme meteorological conditions. BGS has been awarded funding to support the country's climate resilience plan, focusing on minimising economic & social impacts from these hazard events. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/bgs-awa...

BGS SEISMIC INFORMATION ... SILVERDALE, LANCASHIRE 19 DECEMBER 2025 05:03 UTC 2.5 ML The following preliminary information is available for this earthquake: LAT/LON : 54.161° North / 2.852° West GRID REF : 347 kmE / 474 kmN DEPTH : 2.6 km MAGNITUDE : 2.5Ml

We are pleased to be announce that Karen Hanghøj, Director of the @bgs.ac.uk will be delivering the 2026 GSI Geoscience Lecture on 29 January 2026. Book your tickets now: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/royalirishacademy/1981076 @geolsurvie.bsky.social

Yesterday we welcomed Professor Sir John Edmunds, Chief Scientific Advisor for FCDO to our headquarters in Nottinghamshire. Our team showed Prof Edmunds the scope of BGS' international work before taking him on a tour of the National Geological Repository, which holds over 600km of core samples.

📅 Save the date! Join us week commencing 27 April 2026 at the IEA Mine Water Energy Symposium, for two days of talks from global experts on mine water heating, cooling and storage schemes worldwide. ♨️ More details soon.

‘Three norths’ set to leave England and not return for hundreds of years 🧭 The historic alignment of true, magnetic, and grid north is set to leave England, three years after they combined in the country for the first time since records began. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/three-n...

SEISMIC INFORMATION: OFFSHORE HONSHU, JAPAN 8 DECEMBER 2025 14:15 UTC 7.6 MW The following preliminary information is available for this earthquake: LAT/LON: 40.960° North / 142.185° East DEPTH: 53 km MAGNITUDE: 7.6 Mw LOCALITY: Offshore Honshu, Japan (approximately 620 km NNE of Tokyo, Japan)

BGS has released a 3D geological model of Gateshead to enhance understanding of groundwater and improve the response to flooding. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/new-3d-...

BGS SEISMIC INFORMATION ... YAKUTAT, ALASKA 06 DECEMBER 2025 20:41 UTC 7.0 MW The following preliminary information is available for this earthquake: DATE: 06 December 2025 ORIGIN TIME: 20:41 49s UTC LAT/LON: 60.359 North / 139.546° West DEPTH: 10 km MAGNITUDE: 7.0 Mw LOCALITY: Yakutat, Alaska

BGS SEISMIC INFORMATION ... ANNAT, ARGYLL & BUTE 5 DECEMBER 2025 12:13 UTC 2.4 ML LAT/LON: 56.352° North / 5.261° West GRID REF: 198.5 kmE / 722.5 kmN DEPTH: 3 km MAGNITUDE: 2.4 ML LOCALITY: Annat, Argyll & Bute No reports have been received at this time that this event has been felt.

As a hydrogeologist, understanding how groundwater behaves is at the heart of Kirsty's career 💧 We asked her about her role at BGS, and how she's helping to address some of the world's biggest water related challenges.

BGS SEISMIC INFORMATION ... SILVERDALE, LANCASHIRE 03 DECEMBER 2025 23:23 UTC 3.3 ML The following preliminary info is available for this earthquake: DATE: 03 December 2025 ORIGIN TIME: 23:23 34s UTC LAT/LON: 54.169° North / 2.838° West GRID REF: 345 kmE / 475 kmN DEPTH: 3 km MAGNITUDE: 3.3 ML

The latest version of BGS Geology 50K now covers the majority of Great Britain plus the Isle of Man, an estimated 236 000 km2. This includes coverage for approximately 99% of the bedrock and approximately 95% of the superficial deposits across the country. More: www.bgs.ac.uk/news/latest-...

BGS scientists have gained access to ‘once in a lifetime’ core from Great Glen Fault. The core provides a cross-section through the UK’s largest fault zone, offering a rare insight into the formation of the Scottish Highlands. More: www.bgs.ac.uk/news/scienti...

BGS SEISMIC INFORMATION: PUBIL, PERTH & KINROSS 29 NOV 2025 17:07 UTC 2.1 ML The following preliminary information is available for this earthquake: LAT/LON : 56.534° North / 4.527° West GRID REF : 244.6 kmE / 740.8 kmN DEPTH : 3 km MAGNITUDE : 2.1 ML www.earthquakes.bgs.ac.uk/earthquakes/...

BGS SEISMIC INFORMATION ... PUBIL, PERTH & KINROSS 29 NOVEMBER 2025 10:41 UTC 3.0 ML The following preliminary information is available for this earthquake: LAT/LON : 56.548° North / 4.541° West GRID REF : 243.8 kmE / 742.4 kmN DEPTH : 3 km MAGNITUDE : 3.0 ML

BGS is part of a new collaboration using onshore field work to contextualise offshore data and update baseline geological models which can inform the sustainable use of marine resources and reduce uncertainty in infrastructure design. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/how-the...

Applications are open for a fully-funded PhD investigating how land-use change affects UK water using national-scale models. It offers an excellent opportunity for those interested in climate, hydrology, hydrogeology, & environmental modelling. Apply by 12 Jan: blogs.reading.ac.uk/crocus-dla/h...

BGS transforms geological data into impartial advice and knowledge services that deliver tangible outcomes for society. Our National Geoscience Data Centre lead, Emma Bee, will be on the 'Turning data into decisions' panel at the 'Think Data for Government' event next week. 👉 lnkd.in/ePq-PWBr

Earthquake forecasting tools powered by artificial intelligence (AI) can forecast the risk of aftershocks seconds after the initial tremor, a study by BGS, the @edinburgh-uni.bsky.social and University of Padua suggests. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/new-res... #BGSInternational

North East England borehole data drive: share your data, shape the future We're asking for drillers, consultants, councils, housebuilders, and developers to share ground investigation (GI) data for the Newcastle and Gateshead area.

BGS SEISMIC INFORMATION ... NORTHERN NORTH SEA 24 NOVEMBER 2025 02:29 UTC 3.2 ML The following preliminary information is available for this earthquake: LAT/LON : 59.043° North / 1.185° East GRID REF : 583 kmE / 1022 kmN DEPTH : 26 km MAGNITUDE : 3.2 Ml COMMENTS : 180km SE Lerwick

BGS welcomes publication of the UK Critical Minerals Strategy A clear strategic vision for the UK is crucial to secure the country’s long-term critical mineral supply chains and drive forward the Government’s economic growth agenda. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/bgs-wel...

BGS SEISMIC INFORMATION: PUBIL, PERTH & KINROSS 22 NOVEMBER 2025 04:24 UTC 2.5 ML The following preliminary information is available for this earthquake: DATE: 22 November 2025 ORIGIN TIME: 04:25 42s UTC LAT/LON: 56.546° North / 4.532° West GRID REF: 244kmE / 742kmN DEPTH: 5 km MAGNITUDE: 2.5 Ml

The UK’s geological storage resource is amongst the largest in Europe and is critical to our net zero ambitions. New funding has been awarded by EPSRC for a two-year project, ‘Maximising the UK geological storage resource’ (MaxStoreUK). www.bgs.ac.uk/news/new-fun...

BGS is hiring! We're offering two operations-based roles to help drive forward our research and scientific partnerships: ⚖️ Legal manager //📝 Contract manager Both roles will be based in Nottingham. Applications will close on 23 November. www.bgs.ac.uk/about-bgs/wo...

Cutting edge research has shown the potential for mapping thermal changes in the subsurface using sound waves. Strong seismic arrivals were visible at all depths, providing an encouraging seismic baseline for future thermal testing. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/first-d...

Just back from two weeks in #Zambia as part of a British Geological Survey (BGS) project supporting the #criticalminerals work of the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development | Zambia Geological Survey Department (GSD). Read all about it here: www.linkedin.com/posts/clive-...

We have upgraded our geomagnetic forecast today (12 November 2025) to the highest intensity level amid an ongoing solar storm. Current predictions suggest that the activity will result in potentially the largest solar storm to hit our planet in over two decades.

📰 Why are landslides grinding travel routes to a halt? BGS engineering geohazard geologist, Dr Claire Dashwood, is featured on the BBC discussing what makes certain parts of the UK more susceptible and why climate change is predicted to increase their frequency. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

🗓️ Artificial Intelligence for Natural Hazards Workshop - Thursday 20th November Are you an industry or research institution interested in the applications of AI in Earth Observation and natural hazards?

Join Gavin Mudd at the Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IOM3)'s M3P3 event on 11 to 12 November 2025. From AI and circular economy, sustainability & industrial strategy, the event will provide insight, discussion & connection for everyone working in the sector. Learn more: iom3.info/m3p3

Thanks to the BBC for speaking to BGS' engineering geologist Ashley Patton about our work monitoring the 'secret' geothermal energy underneath Cardiff, and what it means for homes and businesses locally and nationally. Click the link to learn more: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

It’s #RadonAwarenessWeek. The UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA) recommends that radon levels should be reduced in homes where the annual averages is at or above 200 becquerels per cubic metre.

A selection of our most widely used maps have received a major update. The latest version of BGS Geology 50K now covers the majority of Great Britain plus the Isle of Man, an estimated 236 000 km2.