In addition to expertise in geochemical mapping, BGS geochemists are involved in numerous activities and research that relate to the collection of geochemical samples, the use of geochemical baseline data and the interpretation of those as part of a wide range of geoscientific and environmental studies. The following are examples of research activities in relation to the G-BASE and projects.
Examples of research activities in relation to G-BASE and TellusNI
- TellusNIgeochemical survey of Northern Ireland
- environmental survey of south-west England
- geochemical survey
- Clyde Basin Super-project Glasgow
- FOREGS and GEMAS European geochemical mapping projects
OPAL Open Air Laboratories – connecting people, science and nature
Key publications
Eocene sand horizons and iron contamination mapping – Thames Basin streams
Soil chemistry for environmental assessments
Maps of Great Britain, showing the distributions of potentially harmful elements including As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sn and Zn to aid land quality risk assessment under land contamination guidance. Includes technical guidance sheets.
Normal background concentrations (NBCs) of contaminants in English and Welsh soils was commissioned by Defra to establish normal background concentrations of contaminants in English and Welsh soils as part of the UK land contamination regulations. Includes reports and technical guidance.
Review of Natural Contamination Project commissioned by the Department of the Environment (DOE)
A review of the significance of contamination from natural sources and mining areas to planning and development in Great Britain: natural radioactivity and radon; methane, carbon dioxide and oil seeps; potentially harmful elements (including arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead and zinc).
The work begun under this project has progressed into the following studies:
- soil chemistry for environmental assessments dataset
- radon potential mapping:
Brownfield Ground Risk Calculator
Sediment and soil quality for catchment and land management
The G-BASE and TellusNI baseline geochemical datasets have been used extensively in medical geology investigations, in relation to animal and human health.
We have significant expertise in urban land quality assessment. See urban geochemistry.
- Clyde tributaries:
Hydrochemical databases for water quality assessment
Carbon and peat dynamics
Particle size estimation and aggregate stability
Soil geochemical baseline data and Quaternary till deposi³Ω²υΜύ
Soil parent material model
Cryptogeology
Using geochemistry as an aid to geological mapping.
- Cryptogology: G-BASE data as an aid to geological mapping
- Regional geochemical variation across the Iapetus Suture Zone: tectonic implications
- Geochemistry characterises provenance in southern Scotland
- Sustainable soil
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- Assessing the use of farmer data to monitor soil properties
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Applied geochemistry
Since the 1960s, the BGS has amassed considerable geochemical data holdings and developed significant expertise in applied geochemistry.
