The BGS Offshore Bedrock 250k dataset contains vector data which reflects the offshore bedrock geological of the UK and some of its adjacent waters (the UK Exclusive Economic Zone, EEZ) at 1:250,000 scale. This comprehensive product provides a digital compilation of the paper maps published by BGS at the same scale, as well as, additional re-interpretations from regional geological studies. The composition, age and deformational history of the rocks underlying the seabed (bedrock) are important for a range of stakeholders, including marine spatial planners and offshore developers. The dataset is arranged in two GIS layers: Bedrock Lithostratigraphy and Bedrock Structural Geology. The polygons within the Bedrock Lithostratigraphy layer show the spatial distribution of the principal lithostratigraphical units (formations and groups). The lines within the Structural Geology layer show the location and extent of known structural features such as faults and folds. This dataset was compiled from remotely sensed geophysical data (e.g. airgun, boomer, sparker, sidescan sonar, magnetometer, gravity meter) and ground-truthing data obtained from commercial wells and BGS shallow boreholes. The variations in data density are reflected in the detail of the mapping. The bedrock divisions on the map represent the principal lithostratigraphical units (e.g. formations and groups) in the UK, ranging in age from Proterozoic to Cenozoic, as defined in the BGS Lexicon of Named Rock Units. An additional layer delineating the principal structural features, such as faults and folds observed at the rockhead is also included. This dataset was produced for use at 1:250 000 scale. The data should not be relied on for local or site-specific geology.
