Seabed geology of the UK’s continental shelf, fine-scale maps providing detailed and accurate characterisation of the seabed geology, integrating substrate geology, structural geology and seabed geomorphology. Areas covered Anglesey, Bristol Channel, Dorset, East Anglia and Offshore Yorkshire. Mapping is based primarily on high-resolution bathymetry data produced by the UK Civil Hydrography Programme (CHP). Analysis and interpretation are further informed by secondary data and information resources, including; acoustic backscatter, physical samples (for example grabs, cores and boreholes), seismic data, academic and publicly accessible industry data and literature, and previous BGS mapping (onshore and offshore). The CHP is administered by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), with technical oversight, data validation and onward charting undertaken by the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO). The new fine-scale BGS Seabed Geology mapping comprise three complimentary components (or layers); substrate geology: distribution of bedrock and superficial geological units interpreted to be dominant within the top 1 m below seabed, structural geology: principal structural features such as faults and folds observed at rockhead and seabed geomorphology: physical morphology and interpreted geomorphic character of the seabed. These detailed geological digital maps are intended as enabling resources to better inform multiple offshore activities, research, and management of the marine environment. However, the seabed is a dynamic environment, where sediments may be in constant motion and sediment waves may migrate across the seafloor, burying or exposing the underlying hard substrate. Therefore, this data should not be relied on for local or site-specific geology. The mapping presented has been developed at a scale of 1:10 000 and should not be used at finer scales. Further detail on the mapping process and dataset characteristics are described within individual dataset user guides.
