Results of geotechnical testing carried out, at various depth intervals, on shallow cores or boreholes collected by BGS from the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS). The bulk of the data north of 56N are in digital form and result from testing carried out onboard survey vessels using hand-held test equipment (penetrometers and shear vanes). These values are averaged for each test interval, and are expressed in kilopascals (kPa). There are approximately 6,000 test results in the dataset. Some more detailed test information, in non-digital and report form, is held for selected sites. For most sites where digital data are not available, geological descriptions of core material contain semi-quantitative information on the stiffness of the material. Geotechnical knowledge is required to understand and interpret the results if they are to be used as a basis for engineering studies. Core material is managed as part of the BGS materials collection and is available for examination, testing or subsampling. The data are stored as part of the National Geoscience Data Centre (NGDC) and the Marine Environmental Data and Information Network (MEDIN) Data Archive Centre (DAC) for geology and geophysics. Data are delivered via the 'Offshore samples: geotechnical data' layer on the BGS GeoIndex. Reference: Fannin, NGT. (1989) Offshore Investigations 1966-87. British Geological Survey Technical Report WB/89/2, British Geological Survey.

The British Geological Survey has collected over 50,000 offshore samples using grabs, dredges and shallow coring devices (to a maximum depth of 6m below the sea bed). The collection also includes additional third party data and has assisted in the creation of BGS marine geology maps. The distribution is variable, but in general there are sample stations spaced approximately every 5 - 10 km across the entire UK Continental Shelf (UKCS), and in some localised areas the sampling density is much higher. The data held include digital data and analogue records (sample data sheets), plus associated physical sample material. Sample data sheets, which have been scanned, contain index information and geological descriptions. They become more detailed from 1983 onwards. Coded geological descriptions were entered on sheets which were subsequently digitized, and this information is available for about 10,000 samples. The data also includes results of analyses such as micropalaeontological examination or age dating. All sample material is managed as part of the BGS materials collection and are available for examination and subsampling. The data are stored within the National Geoscience Data Centre (NGDC) and Marine Environmental Data and Information Network (MEDIN) Data Archive Centre (DAC) for Geology and Geophysics. These geological data are delivered via the BGS GeoIndex. Separate layers are provided for different types of sample: borehole-type samples, grab samples and other equipment types. These layers contain the geological data, and metadata about the samples themselves, as well as links to scanned datasheets and core logs, are provided in separate metadata layers. For some of these samples, particle size analysis (PSA), geochemical and geotechnical data are also available, and these data are provided in separate layers. The data are applicable to a wide range of uses including environmental, geotechnical and geological studies. Reference: Fannin, NGT. (1989) Offshore Investigations 1966-87. British Geological Survey Technical Report WB/89/2, British Geological Survey.

This Web service provides layers which show metadata relating to offshore sample collection and other activities undertaken by the British Geological Survey (BGS) and its predecessors. The layers are point layers which indicate the spatial locations of the samples or activities. This service groups data by the type of sample: borehole-type samples (including boreholes, vibrocorers, piston corers and other types of corer), grab samples and other samples (including dredge samples and cone penetrometer tests). For each sample type, two layers are provided: 1) A summary metadata layer containing details about the sample, the survey or cruise during which it was collected, and additional descriptive information, plus a link to scanned images of sample station datasheets (where available). 2) For samples which have undergone further geological interpretation, a layer which contains geological observations, measurements and interpretations at specific depth intervals. Two additional layers containing the results of particle size analysis (PSA) and geotechnical data (where collected) are also provided.

This dataset is the complete collection of the British Geological Survey (BGS) held Marine Survey data. The data held includes digital data and analogue records, plus associated physical sample material. Data are stored within the National Geoscience Data Centre (NGDC) and the Marine Environmental Data and Information Network (MEDIN) Data Archive Centre (DAC) for Geology and Geophysics. BGS have collected marine survey data since 1966, and have also been provided with a range of third-party data. The data includes geophysical data (seismic reflection, side-scan sonar, multibeam echosounder bathymetry and backscatter, gravity and magnetics) and sample data from boreholes, cores and seabed grabs (logs, geological description, geochemical, particle size analysis and geotechnical data). The majority of surveys are within the United Kingdom Continental Shelf (UKCS) area. Individual survey data coverage varies, depending on survey type (sampling, geophysics, multibeam or multi-disciplinary) and objectives (regional or local, shallow or deep). These data are applicable to a wide range of uses including environmental, geotechnical, geophysical and geological studies. A summary layer of areas covered by individual marine surveys, including links to downloadable data where available, is available on the BGS GeoIndex. Additional data are available on request to enquiries@bgs.ac.uk.

The Marine Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund (MALSF) commissioned a series of Regional Environmental Characterisation (REC) surveys via the Marine Environment Protection Fund (MEPF) to develop understanding of submerged habitats and heritage in Britain. The aim was to acquire high quality data to enable broad scale characterisation of the seabed habitats, their biological communities and potential historic environment assets. The surveys were conducted in the following areas - Outer Bristol Chanel (2003 – 2005), Eastern English Channel (2005 – 2006), South Coast (2007 - 2010), Outer Thames (2007), East Coast (2008 - 2009), Humber (2008 - 2009). The Geology and Geophysics component of the data are archived by British Geological Survey (BGS) in the Marine Environmental data and Information Network (MEDIN) Data Archive Centre (DAC) for Geology and Geophysics. The data includes bathymetry, sidescan sonar, sub-bottom profiler, magnetometer, seabed video and photographs, Particle Size Analysis (PSA) data, vibrocore (logs and images). Data are delivered via the BGS Offshore GeoIndex www.bgs.ac.uk/GeoIndex/offshore.htm. Additional data are available on request enquiries@bgs.ac.uk. Other data types have been archived with the other MEDIN DACs as appropriate (UKHO DAC for bathymetry data and DASSH DAC for biological data). The MALSF ceased operation at the end of March 2011 (http://www.marinealsf.org.uk/).