Perth and Kinross tops the UK’s earthquake activity charts and new geological maps of the Yorkshire Wolds,

British Geological Survey sent this bulletin at 29-01-2026 10:46 AM GMT

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
BGS Latest News
Coastal chalk cliffs in the Yorkshire Wolds. BGS © UKRI.

New geological maps of the Yorkshire Wolds set to better inform groundwater management

Geologists at BGS have completed a major update to the geological map of the Yorkshire Wolds, where the underlying rocks and sediments play a vital role as natural reservoirs for the region’s underground water resources. 

The geology in some parts of the region was last mapped in the 1800s, before modern understanding of the impact of tectonics on the Chalk aquifer and information about differences in the properties of the chalk layers was recorded.

The aquifer currently faces a number of pressures, including increased water demand and risk of nitrate contamination from agricultural land practices. The new geological mapping will provide detailed and accurate information to inform decision making around the use of these resources.
A chart showing the biggest earthquakes around the UK in 2025.

Perth and Kinross tops the UK’s earthquake activity charts for 2025

Over 300 UK earthquakes were recorded across in 2025, with the most active regions including Perthshire and the western Highlands in Scotland, Lancashire and Yorkshire in England, and southern parts of Wales.
An example area with the dataset, symbolised by BGS Lexicon code and labelled with formation names. BGS © UKRI.

Quaternary UK offshore data digitised for the first time

BGS has developed a new, national-scale, offshore dataset that shows the distribution of Quaternary rock layers in the shallow subsurface of the UK continental shelf. The dataset will help users, particularly those in the offshore renewables sector, to understand the stratigraphy and as a  reference when completing site investigations.

Upcoming events

Cliff face stabilised with rock bolts and rock netting following rockfall in Kuala Lumpur. BGS © UKRI

BGS awarded funding to support Malaysia’s climate resilience plan

The project, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, will focus on minimising economic and social impacts from rainfall-induced landslides.
Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine Yehor Perelyhin meeting with representatives of the British Geological Survey.

BGS agrees to establish collaboration framework with Ukrainian government

The partnership will focus on joint research and data exchange opportunities with Ukrainian colleagues.
The ten new soil reference materials, BGS110 to BGS119. BGS © UKRI.

Suite of ten new soil reference materials released

BGS has a longstanding track record of producing high-quality reference materials and has released ten new soil reference materials.
A BGS staff member looking at equipment to ascertain when three norths will leave England

‘Three norths’ set to leave England and not return for hundreds of years

The historic alignment of true, magnetic, and grid north is set to leave England, three years after they combined in the country for the first time since records began.
https://www.bgs.ac.uk/news/making-research-matter-bgs-joins-leading-research-organisations-in-new-national-initiative/

Making research matter: BGS joins leading research organisations in new national initiative

A new alliance of 35 organisations has been formed that is dedicated to advancing science for the benefit of people, communities, the economy and national priorities.
Tyne Bridge and Gateshead Millennium Bridge. © Mike Bird, pixabay.

New 3D model to help mitigate groundwater flooding

BGS has released a 3D geological model of Gateshead to enhance understanding of groundwater and improve the response to flooding.

On the blog

Crossing the Clearwater River in the Clearwater cave system. © Christos Pennos

How bat excrement is sculpting Borneo’s hidden caves

BGS researchers have delved into Borneo’s underworld to learn more about how guano deposited by bats and cave-dwelling birds is shaping the subsurface.