The concentrations of up to 30 trace elements in approximately 9,000 sea-bed samples from the UK Continental Shelf were determined by BGS using a variety of analytical techniques. In some cases samples were tested using more than one method. The analyses were carried out on freeze-dried samples of the sand and mud fractions of the samples. 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 BGS Offshore GeoIndex www.bgs.ac.uk/GeoIndex/offshore.htm geochemical layers. References: Stevenson, A G (2001) Metal concentrations in marine sediments around Scotland: a baseline for environmental studies, Elsevier Science; Stevenson, A G et al (1995) The geochemistry of sea-bed sediments of the United Kingdom Continental Shelf : the North Sea, Hebrides and West Shetland shelves, and the Malin-Hebrides sea area (http://nora.nerc.ac.uk/507899/).

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.