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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 18h

A historic watercolour has been unearthed on the back of a Dryburgh geological field map🗺️ The beautiful painting, believed to have been made by geologist Benjamin Neeve Peach while on fieldwork in the early 1870s has been discovered in the BGS archives. Learn more: www.bgs.ac.uk/news/histori...

The watercolour painting of the Dryburgh Suspension Bridge, believed to have been painted by Benjamin Peach whilst conducting field work in the 1870s. The image shows the bridge in the centre with trees covering the banks. In the background are mountains and in the foreground sit two rowing boats on the banks of the river. BGS © UKRI.

The front of the Dryburgh field slip used by Benjamin Peach when surveying the area in the 1870s. BGS © UKRI.

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 03/10/2026

Congratulations to our colleagues at the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland, for an outstanding success at the 2026 All-Ireland Sustainability Awards last night, winning in three categories! The awards recognise excellence in sustainability, innovation and impact across the island of Ireland.

The three All-Ireland Sustainability Awards awards. The awards are made out of embossed wood and each has the title of the category and the winner embossed. The categories are: Education for Sustainability // Green marketing / stakeholder engagement initiative of the year // One to Watch (presented to senior energy geologist Michael MacKenzie.

The GSNI team all standing in a row. They are wearing formal clothes and are all looking towards the camera and smiling. In the background is a GSNI banner which reads 'Heat Beneath Our Feet'.

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 01/10/2026

The Geological Survey of Northern Ireland and @nationaltrust.org.uk have teamed up to help save Mussenden Temple from erosion through a coastal monitoring and adaption plan. Watch the team talk about how they're going about it on UTV, here: www.itv.com/watch/news/p...

Historic Temple of Mussenden set against the ocean, captured at sunset with a clear sky. Photo by Mario Spencer, via Pexels. https://www.pexels.com/photo/northern-ireland-28086731/

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 30/09/2026

BGS geoscientist @ekbal.bsky.social is featured in a new book 'Scientists Making a Difference' 👨‍🔬 which tells the stories of scientists addressing some of the biggest issues of our time. In the book, Ekbal talks about his career path, which led him to using remote sensing to understand earthquakes.

A double page spread featuring Ekbal talking about his job and career path. To the top left is an image of Ekbal surrounded by colours and to the right is a little fact file about Ekbal, on an orange background.

The front cover of the 'Scientists Making a Difference' book, which features Dr Ekbal Hussain. The book is red, with illustrated depictions of many different scientists of different genders and colours. All are carrying out interesting scientific work. Top right is a prism with a rainbow erupting from it.

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 29/09/2026

BGS is at the #WorldWaterCongress from 4 to 8 October in Glasgow. We'll be promoting BGS' data products and services in areas including geological hazards, groundwater and soils. Visit us on stand 732. www.bgs.ac.uk/geological-d...

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 26/09/2026

The BGS maps portal provides access to over 45,000 high-res viewing images of almost all maps produced by BGS since mapping started in 1832. This sheet is from 1852. It shows North part of Anglesey, and part of Holyhead Island Mineral Lodes. Access the portal: www.bgs.ac.uk/information-...

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 25/09/2026

What lies beneath Europe’s sinking ground? Land subsidence is becoming increasingly visible across Europe. New research examines how better monitoring, shared data and a deeper understanding of the subsurface can help assess and manage its impacts. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/what-li...

An image of Lorca in Murcia, Spain taken from above. It is a sunny day and mountains can be seen on the horizon. There is a road in the foreground and a large brown building to the left. (C) Emilio Sánchez Hernández via Pexels

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 24/09/2026

BGS SEISMIC INFORMATION: TALYLLYN, GWYNEDD 24 SEPTEMBER 2026 15:00 UTC 2.7 ML DATE: 24 September 2026 ORIGIN TIME: 15:00 58s UTC LAT/LON: 52.663° North / 3.913° West GRID REF: 270.6 kmE / 309.0 kmN DEPTH: 14 km MAGNITUDE: 2.7 ML

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 23/09/2026

Following our field campaign in April, BGS, GSNI and @ukceh.bsky.social returned to Blakeney and Cley in Norfolk to continue investigations into the gravel barriers and surrounding marshes. Fieldwork included saline intrusion investigations, drone surveys and geophysical scans.

Members of the steering group doing a TEM2GO survey wearing purpose-made backpacks. They are walking along a pebbly road, in-between two hedges. It is a cloudy day.

Calibrating the MASW survey equipment on a pebbly beach in Norfolk. The scientist undertaking the calibration is wearing a coat and typing on a laptop.

The partners and steering group during the team steering group meeting

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 21/09/2026

BGS' Head of Groundwater, Professor Alan MacDonald, has been recognised with the President's Award by the International Association of Hydrogeologists for his extensive contributions to groundwater science. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/profess... @iahgroundwater.bsky.social

An image of people on a stage. Professor MacDonald stands to the far left, listening to a woman speaking behind a podium. A screen above people sitting on the stage says 'Presidents' Award, Alan MacDonald', with a picture of Alan.

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 21/09/2026

BGS SEISMIC INFORMATION ... SILVERDALE, LANCASHIRE 21 SEPTEMBER 2026 08:38 UTC 2.7 ML DATE: 21 September 2026 ORIGIN TIME: 08:38 48s UTC LAT/LON: 54.166° North / -2.830° East GRID REF: 346 kmE / 475 kmN DEPTH: 3 km MAGNITUDE: 2.7 ML LOCALITY: Silverdale, Lancashire

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 20/09/2026

Scientists in Ghana are set to “see” beneath the soil surface in real time for the first time, using a new technology expected to improve climate-resilient farming and deepen understanding of how water and nutrients move underground. ghanaiantimes.com.gh/scientists-t...

A photo of hands around a sapling plant, which is being planted into soil.

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 19/09/2026

New interdisciplinary research highlights the hidden issue affecting rural water supplies across Africa. Understanding these interactions can help deliver more reliable water supply for rural communities. latitude.plos.org/2026/09/behi...

iStock image: an aerial photo of people standing around a hand pump well in Africa. There are many buckets scattered around in green and blue. The ground is predominantly dirt, with some grass and shrubbery.

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 18/09/2026

BGS SEISMIC INFORMATION ... SOUTHERN NORTH SEA 18 SEPTEMBER 2026 13:04 UTC 3.3 ML DATE: 18 September 2026 ORIGIN TIME: 13:04 30s UTC LAT/LON: 53.310° North / 0.591° East GRID REF: 573 kmE / 382 kmN DEPTH: 11 km MAGNITUDE: 3.3 Ml LOCALITY: Southern North Sea, 20km East Sutton-on-Sea

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 18/09/2026

Mystery of one of the earliest recorded space weather impacts solved 🌌 BGS scientists were part of an international team that has solved a 178-year-old mystery surrounding one of the earliest recorded examples of space weather affecting technology. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/mystery...

Labelled image of the magnetic trace recorded on photographic paper at Greenwich Observatory (London) on 18 October 1848. Dec: declination angle; H: magnetic intensity in the horizontal plane. BGS © UKRI 2026.

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 17/09/2026

Whether you're a geological enthusiast, researcher, or just curious about your area, BGS offers a suite of interactive mapping tools that allow you to: 🪨 Explore bedrock and superficial geology 🗺️ Access onshore and marine datasets 🌱 Track soil types and groundwater www.bgs.ac.uk/geological-d...

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 16/09/2026

UK Groundwater levels remain robust as seasonal recession slows 💧 🗺️ The latest BGS groundwater summary, analysing data from the end of August, has confirmed that the seasonal depletion of major groundwater aquifers continues but at a reduced rate. Read the summary: nrfa.ceh.ac.uk/nhmp/monthly...

The map of groundwater levels are a comparison between the most recent level and levels for the same date during previous years of record. The rankings are designed as a qualitative indicator.
The key reads:

Monthly rank / period of record (record high / low when circled)

Exceptionally high levels (dark blue)

Notably high levels (mid-blue)

Above normal (light blue)

Normal range (flax)

Below normal (peach)

Notably low levels (red)

Exceptionally low levels (crimson)

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 14/09/2026

📢 Nottingham! Join us for Geo-Explorers, an after school club for geology enthusiasts! The club is for children aged 8 to 11 and is based at our HQ in Keyworth. The clubs run for 5 weeks and costs £30. 9 Nov to 7 Dec Sign your child up here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/geo-explor...

A poster promoting the Geo-Explorers after-school club featuring images of a volcano, a fossilised dino skeleton, a microscope and some minerals.

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 13/09/2026

Around 20,000 years ago, Scotland and much of Britain were buried beneath the British–Irish ice sheet. Advances in high-resolution seabed mapping have revealed extensive fields of submerged drumlins across the Irish Sea and along Scotland’s west coast. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/coastal...

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 12/09/2026

For marine geoscientist Nikki Dakin, a fascination with geology began with family trips to Kimmeridge Bay on the Dorset coast. Today, Nikki specialises in mapping and characterising the geology of the seabed and near surface across the UK continental shelf.

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 10/09/2026

In European cities, such as Bologna (Italy) pictured, Lorca (Spain) and Brussels (Belgium), land subsidence is caused by a decrease in pore water pressure, associated with groundwater abstraction, which leads to the compaction of aquifers. © ozgurdonmaz / iStockPhoto.com

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 07/09/2026

The Lyell Centre celebrates 10 years of world-leading earth and marine science research! 🎉 Over its first ten years the Centre has delivered internationally recognised research spanning climate change, marine conservation, geoenergy and the sustainable management of natural resources 🌍

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 07/09/2026

We have several fossil kits available to loan to schools & educational organisations. These kits are free to use and can be borrowed for up to 2 weeks. Kits include: ammonites, crinoids, bivalves & trilobites. To request to borrow a kit please email the BGS Engagement Team (bgsengage@bgs.ac.uk).

One of the BGS fossil kits, displaying what's inside (lots of fossils including ammonites and crinoids and fossil information sheets).

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 05/09/2026

Applications are open for our virtual work experience programme! 📩 BGS is partnering with @bas.ac.uk to offer a cross-centre virtual work experience programme this October. For more information or to apply, visit: forms.gle/vBP9jsbbUMzG...

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 02/09/2026

A new report published by the BGS-led UK Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre presents both the opportunities for innovation-led economic growth and the challenges associated with securing the materials required for data centres, AI and quantum computing. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/demand-...

Data centre under construction at Waltham Cross, England. © Hugo Kurk / iStockPhoto.com

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 01/09/2026

Come and see us at Keyworth Green Festival! 🌳 BGS will be attending the inaugural Keyworth Green Festival this Saturday, where we will be discussing critical minerals among other research relating to the energy transition ♻️ For more details, please contact: events@keyworthparishcouncil.org

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 28/08/2026

Scientists have found evidence of a long-hidden link between an ancient buried ash layer in Scandinavia and a concealed supervolcano in eastern England, changing our understanding of England’s geological past. 🌋 www.bgs.ac.uk/news/secrets...

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 27/08/2026

It was a pleasure to welcome Prof Calum Semple, Chief Scientific Advisor for Scotland and Prof Mark Inall, Chief Scientific Advisor for Marine to the Lyell Centre this week. We had a valuable discussion about BGS research in Scotland including critical minerals, geothermal energy and offshore wind.

Prof Calum Semple, Chief Scientific Advisor for Scotland and Prof Mark Inall, Chief Scientific Advisor for Marine meet with British Geological Survey scientists in the Lyell Centre

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 25/08/2026

BGS SEISMIC INFORMATION: GRIMSBY, LINCOLNSHIRE 25 AUGUST 2026 18:47 UTC 2.2 ML The following preliminary information is available for this earthquake: DATE: 25 August 2026 ORIGIN TIME: 18:47 13s UTC LAT/LON: 53.540° North / 0.091° West GRID REF: 526.5 kmE / 406.5 kmN DEPTH: 5km MAGNITUDE: 2.2 ML

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 24/08/2026

Recently, we welcomed a cohort of Commonwealth Fellowship researchers to the BGS Inorganic Geochemistry Facility. Here, they reflect on their time, key takeaways, and collaborative discoveries: www.bgs.ac.uk/news/experie...

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 23/08/2026

10,000 coins have just been removed from between the Giant's Causeway's basalt pillars. Dr Kirstin Lemon chats to Jeremy Vine on Radio 2 about the removal of the coins, which have been causing both physical and chemical damage to the rocks. Listen in from 1:35:40 www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

An image of Jeremy, and next to it one of Kirstin. The text reads 'Dr Kirstin Lemon on Giant's Causeway'. In the background is a greyed out image of the Causeway.

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 21/08/2026

We're back at @greenmanfest.bsky.social! Visit us in Einstein's Garden where are once again joining forces with the Geological Society and Cardiff University to bring you the Green Energy Glade, where we explore difference facets of the energy transition and climate change.

The stand at Green Man, which features a large geological map of the UK and Ireland on the floor and a large bean bag. The stall is Green and is next to a Uni of Cardiff and Geological Society stand in Einstein's Garden

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 19/08/2026

📢 Nottingham! Join us for Geo-Explorers, after school club for geology enthusiasts! The club for children aged 8 to 11 and is based at our main campus in Keyworth, Nottinghamshire. The clubs run in five-week cohorts and costs £30. Sign your child up here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/geo-explor...

Some children and a member of BGS staff crowd around a tin tray with what appears to be jelly inside are placed on two upturned buckets. Two of the children are wearing high vis vests and one is in safety goggles.

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 18/08/2026

We're in Kazakhstan with @uniofreading.bsky.social examining how melting glaciers will impact on the vital groundwater resources on the plains around Almaty - the system behaves like a groundwater recharge scheme with mountain rivers replenishing the aquifers downstream.

Two BGS staff members stand in the field in Kazakhstan sampling water. They are wearing technical clothing, one in a hat and one with their hood up because of the weather. In the background are mountains, and the pair stand on a rubbly landscape. Next to the figure on the right are bags for carrying scientific and other equipment.

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 16/08/2026

Groundwater levels around the country are showing resilience, depsite widespread drought and the driest July on record, demonstrating their value as a crucial resource and indicating they could play a more significant role in mitigating the impacts of extreme weather. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/many-uk...

BGS analysis of the groundwater baseline observation network at the end of July 2026. Groundwater level data are provided to the British Geological Survey National Groundwater Level Archive by the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales — Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and, for Northern Ireland, the Department for Infrastructure — Rivers, and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. BGS © UKRI 2026.

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 13/08/2026

BGS is part of a new, collaborative project helping the environmental research community become more accessible. The project will support young people in understanding environmental challenges and exploring their local environment. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/new-ner...

Children at Green Man Festival 2025 looking at a selection of rocks laid out on a table at the BGS stall. There are mountains in the background.

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 11/08/2026

What is a drought? how do they end? why is groundwater so important? Watch our interview with BGS Hydrogeologist Rachel Bell for the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions around drought and groundwater. @britgeosurvey.bsky.social

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 10/08/2026

BGS SEISMIC INFORMATION: COLOMBIA 10 AUGUST 2026 12:34 UTC 7.4 MW The following preliminary information is available for this earthquake: LAT/LONG : 4.903° North / 76.189° West DEPTH : 107 km MAGNITUDE : 7.4 Mw LOCALITY : Approximately 240 km west of Bogata

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 09/08/2026

Muscovite mica from the Loch Nevis mica prospect, Knoydart, Inverness-shire. During the Second World War, investigations into the muscovite-rich pegmatites of Knoydart were conducted, and development of the deposit began. Mica was then transported to the Pitlochry Sorting Factory for processing.

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 07/08/2026

Sea levels have risen and fallen dramatically since the last Ice Age. A new study by BGS and @noc.ac.uk reveals submerged glacial landforms across the Irish Sea and western Scotland that record ancient shorelines carved by waves. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/coastal...

Truncated drumlins offshore the Ayrshire coast, approximately between Girvan and Lendalfoot. The MBES bathymetry data was collected for the UK's Civil Hydrography Programme (CHP), managed by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency's (MCA) and delivered in partnership with the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO). The onshore DEM is BGS Nextmap data.

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 06/08/2026

The visit highlighted how Icelandic strengths in active volcanic and tectonic systems can be combined with BGS experience in offshore geological mapping, geotechnical characterisation and decision-support products to address shared scientific and societal challenges. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/bgs-str...

$Recent ground fractures associated with volcanic activity around Grindavík. BGS © UKRI$ BGS delegation and Icelandic collaborators at ÍSOR headquarters, Reykjavík. BGS © UKRI

BGS delegation and Icelandic collaborators at ÍSOR headquarters, Reykjavík. BGS © UKRI

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 06/08/2026

The three-day visit brought together researchers working across marine geoscience, volcanology, geological hazards, geothermal energy, carbon storage and offshore infrastructure from organisations including ÍSOR (Iceland GeoSurvey), Icelandic Met Office (IMO), University of Iceland, Carbfix and BGS.

Visit to Carbfix facilities to discuss carbon mineralisation and subsurface characterisation. BGS © UKRI

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 06/08/2026

Researchers from BGS recently visited Iceland as part of a Research Innovation Scotland (RIS) International Collaboration Fund project aimed at developing international partnerships and identifying opportunities for future collaborative research. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/bgs-str...

The BGS team at the geothermal site at Seltún. BGS © UKRI

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 03/08/2026

Research from BGS geologist John Williams, supported by @ukccsrc.bsky.social, has improved our understanding of how pressure will propagate when CO₂ is stored in the North Sea's Bunter Sandstone. Read more: ukccsrc.ac.uk/understandin...

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 02/08/2026

A closer look at core from Wytch Farm, the largest onshore oil field in western Europe 🔎 We hold core from wells 98/06-7 and 98/06-8, providing an important geological record of one of the UK's most significant oil fields.

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 28/07/2026

BGS SEISMIC INFORMATION - KYUSHU, JAPAN 28 JULY 2026 07:27 UTC 6.8 MW DATE: 28 July 2025 ORIGIN TIME: 07:27 15s UTC LAT/LON: 32.682° North / 130.722° East DEPTH: 10 km MAGNITUDE: 6.8 Mw LOCALITY: Kyushu Japan (approximately 5 km west of Uto and 900 km WSW of Tokyo, Japan)

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 28/07/2026

BGS SEISMIC INFORMATION: SPEAN BRIDGE, HIGHLAND 28 JULY 2026 03:09 UTC 2.5 ML The following preliminary information is available for this earthquake: LAT/LON : 56.870° North / 4.894° West GRID REF : 223.6 kmE / 779.1 kmN DEPTH : 5 km MAGNITUDE : 2.5 ML

BGS Seismogram - Spean Bridge, Highlands - 28/7/26

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 24/07/2026

Nottingham! Nottingham! Join us in from September for Geo-Explorers, our after-school kids’ club for children 8 to 11 based at our main campus in Nottinghamshire. The clubs run in 5-week cohorts and it's £30 for all five sessions. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/geo-explor...

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 23/07/2026

Recently, BGS joined colleagues from @ukceh.bsky.social in Norfolk for the first field campaign of the #UKGravelBarriers project. The project will help us better understand how gravel barriers respond to storms & rising sea levels, helping to improve future coastal management & climate resilience.

A BGS staff member pushes scientific equipment across a pebbly beach. The equipment is taking readings. The sea is to the left of the image. What looks like a red tent is to the far right.

Two staff members using TEM backpacks on the pebbly beach. Attached to the backpacks are what look like small floatation devices in bright yellow. Coming up from the backpacks are rods with scientific apparatus at the top.

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British Geological Survey @bgs.ac.uk · 21/07/2026

Across Europe, the subsurface is increasingly being recognised as a strategic asset. BGS & partners are reshaping how geological knowledge is generated and strengthening collaboration across borders to tackle shared subsurface challenges across the continent. www.bgs.ac.uk/news/buildin...

European CO₂ Storage Atlas launch event in Brussels, May 2025, with BGS Ceri Vincent as panellist on the far right alongside four colleagues to the left and a speaker standing at a podium. There is a collection of audience members sitting on seats at the bottom of the image.

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