The Earth’s magnetic field has been measured in some form or another since the invention of the compass over 1000 years ago. However, the geomagnetic field is not static and changes with time and location. How do we accurately monitor this field? Why is this data so crucial and how does it protect us from the effects of space weather? This special webinar focuses on some of the cutting-edge geomagnetism research currently being undertaken at BGS. 

This webinar covers three areas of our research: monitoring the magnetic field, its applications in our everyday lives and mitigating against the effects of space weather. The webinar concludes with a Q&A session – additional answers to questions which we were not able to cover in the live session can be downloaded from our website.

Monitoring the magnetic field  

Using high-precision instruments on the Earth and in space, we continuously monitor the magnetic field and the way it changes. The information we gather helps us improve our understanding of how fluid motion in the Earth outer core and energetic events on the surface of the Sun can affect our daily lives. 

Applications in our everyday lives 

The magnetic field provides us with a critical tool for navigation that is buried in a surprisingly wide array of technologies. From satellites to mobile phones, measurements of the magnetic field are constantly being used behind the scenes to work out which way we are facing.  

51ÁÔÆæ uses measurements from satellites and ground observatories to map Earth everchanging magnetic field and predict its future changes so that we can continue to find our way. 

Mitigating against the effects of space weather 

The Earth magnetic field plays an important role in protecting us from the effects of space weather. Geomagnetic storms are a natural hazard that can be severely disruptive through their potential to interfere with the operation of, or even cause damage to, ground-based infrastructure such as power grids, pipelines and railways. As the use of near-Earth space increases and our reliance on technology grows, it is becoming ever more important to understand the causes and effects of space weather in order to mitigate against them. 

51ÁÔÆæ Strategy 2023 to 2028: Understanding our Earth

Humanity faces major global challenges that require recurrent and serious consideration by decision makers. BGS have developed a programme of science to meet societal needs, with a focus on four strategic priorities:

• producing maps and models for the 21st century
• supporting a more secure energy transition
• improving water security
• living with geological hazards

Through public engagement, we aim to inspire the wider community and inform societal debate and decisions on geological solutions to global challenges.

For more information please read our full strategy.

Over 70 per cent of the Earth surface lies beneath the waves of our seas and oceans. Most of this hidden world remains uncharted; however, scientific research, offshore development, conservation and marine management are all driving an increasing demand for offshore environmental data. This special webinar focuses on some of the cutting-edge geological sea floor mapping and modelling research that is currently being undertaken at BGS, which is both generating and using these state-of-the-art datasets.

The webinar covers three areas of our current marine geoscience research:

• a new generation of geological mapping for the UK continental shelf and nearshore areas, highlighting key drivers for the mapping and the science that underpins it
• enhancing our understanding of sea-floor geology and developing ‘ground models’ of the shallow subsurface, providing vital support to the rapidly growing offshore renewable industry
• working with global partners on an exciting new research programme, exploring seascapes in the deepest reaches of the world oceans

The webinar concludes with a Q&A session, with BGS geoscientists answering questions from attendees

51ÁÔÆæ Strategy 2023 to 2028: Understanding our Earth

Humanity faces major global challenges that require recurrent and serious consideration by decision makers. BGS have developed a programme of science to meet societal needs, with a focus on four strategic priorities:

• producing maps and models for the 21st century
• supporting a more secure energy transition
• improving water security
• living with geological hazards

Through public engagement, we aim to inspire the wider community and inform societal debate and decisions on geological solutions to global challenges.

For more information please read our full strategy.

The crucial role of geoscience in creating a more sustainable, prosperous planet will be the focus of a series of free, virtual lectures being held online by the 51ÁÔÆæ in October.

As part of BGS’ Geoscience Solutions for Net Zero campaign (#Geo4NetZero), they will feature a range of topics delivered by experts in geoscience.

The lectures aim to share knowledge and broaden understanding about how the UK can build resilience to the impacts of climate change and drive solutions which aim to decarbonise our planet and support the green energy transition.

The lectures are tailored for slightly different audiences but are open to anyone and free to attend.  However, spaces are limited so we would advise people to register in advance.

Each lecture will last around 60 minutes with opportunities to ask questions at the end.

Our family friendly ‘Couch to net zero’ lecture will explore what achieving net zero will look like in our everyday lives and how geology will have an impact on the way we heat our homes, the cars we drive and the technologies we use.

For those with a more advanced or technical interest in geoscience, the series will kick off on 5 October with a lecture on ‘Chasing carbon’ exploring how geoscientific projects and research can provide the fundamental backbone for our energy transition, with topics including geothermal heat, hydrogen and wind energy.

A further lecture will explore the role of geoscience in boosting our resilience to environmental hazards and the impacts of climate change, from our urban spaces to our groundwater resources.  

Those interested in attending should register for their chosen event on Eventbrite:

• Tuesday 5 October: 2.00 pm -3.30 pm
  
  
• Tuesday 12 October: 2.00 pm – 3.30 pm
  
  
• Wednesday 27 October: 7.00 pm – 8.30 pm
  

Geoscience has a big role to play in our future energy transitions and cleaner, sustainable growth.

With an increasing human population and rising demand for natural resources, concerns about a changing climate, rising sea levels, food and water security, and natural hazards, it is essential that we fully understand our Earth systems and embed these observations into actions for sustainable planet.

Soil resources, minerals, metals and building material resources, our coastal systems, groundwater supplies and environmental processes all rely on a deep understanding of the ground beneath our feet.

Earth scientists will have an important role to play in the delivery of any policies aimed at limiting future climate change and geoscientific skills and expertise will be required to deliver them.

Climate leaders must integrate geoscientific expertise if they are to drive the long-term solutions that will be under the spotlight at COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November.

“The BGS wants to join 51ÁÔÆæ and NERC colleagues to highlight the UK role in climate action and demonstrate where UK geoscientific research and innovation can assist emerging climate action.

“I’m pleased that we can encourage collaboration, share knowledge and help more audiences to recognise that whilst the rocks beneath our feet may be out of sight for most of us, what lies underground matters to us all when it comes to creating a more sustainable and prosperous future.�

Mike Stephenson, BGS Science Director, Decarbonisation and Resource Management

#Geo4NetZero is an online campaign which aims to increase awareness around the vital role of geoscience in supporting the UK net zero ambitions.

Find out more about #Geo4NetZero on the BGS website.

Chasing carbon:  an onshore and offshore challenge

Join BGS scientists and discover how our research is providing geoscience solutions in the transition to net zero.

The annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) will be hosted in Glasgow in November 2021. The aim is clear: to reach net zero by 2050, ensuring that the amount of carbon we add to the atmosphere is no more than the amount we remove. 

Securing global net zero by mid-century is the primary goal of COP26. Through its presidency of the conference in November, the UK is urging countries and companies around the world to share its aim of delivering sustainable growth and a net zero carbon emission economy by 2050. At the heart of the technical challenge, set out in the UK Government Energy White Paper, is how to decarbonise power, industry, transport, and the heating and cooling of buildings.

At BGS, we believe the subsurface has a vital role to play in meeting this challenge.

• Why are heat networks crucial in the adoption of geothermal energy?
• How can underground observatories support cost reduction and de-risking?
• What role can hydrogen play in the energy transition?
• Why is understanding our glacial past so important for wind energy in the future?

Climate change impacts on the UK: geoscientific perspectives on mitigation and adaptation

Watch a special lecture by BGS geoscientists where they discuss key findings from our modelling projections and showcase our latest research aimed at adaptation and mitigation measures in the UK.

The annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) will be hosted in Glasgow in November 2021. The aim is clear: to reach net zero by 2050, ensuring that the amount of carbon we add to the atmosphere is no more than the amount we remove. 

Protecting communities and natural habitats through adaptation is one of the four primary goals of COP26. Geoscience has a crucial role to play in managing the impacts and effects of climate change, from managing groundwater resources to creating sustainable urban spaces and mitigating environmental hazards. At BGS, scientists have been harnessing long-term data and modelling the anticipated impacts of climate change in the UK to the year 2100.

• anticipated impacts of climate change in the UK to the year 2100
• regional controls on historical and future groundwater drought severity
• mitigating the increasing threat posed by shallow geohazards, such as landslides and clay shrink–swell
• adaption through the sustainable use of urban subsurface spaces

Couch to net zero: what do geology and climate change mean for you?

Hear from leading BGS scientists in a special talk exploring the role of geology in our everyday lives and how it is helping to meet our needs in a changing climate.

The annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) will be hosted in Glasgow in November 2021. The aim is clear: to reach net zero by 2050, ensuring that the amount of carbon we add to the atmosphere is no more than the amount we remove.

We hear a lot about the effects of climate change in the media, such as changing weather patterns, flooding and droughts, as well as the need to adopt sustainable technologies. But what does that look like in our own homes and just how important is geology in achieving net zero and adapting to climate change?

• What critical raw materials do we need to meet the demand for electric vehicles?
• Can renewable energy from under the ground heat our homes?
• How can groundwater safeguard food supplies?
• How will geoscience influence the homes of the future?