The Geo-Assessment Matrix (the Matrix) is a pan-European dataset highlighting the key geological features and associated engineering constraints for Offshore Wind Farm (OWF) development. Such geological features include: lithology; biogenic processes; mass flow processes; fluid flow; morphology and geomorphology associated with glacial, coastal, fluvial and marine settings. There is currently no universally adopted methodology or classification system to assess ground conditions at OWF sites. This lack of standardisation makes it difficult to compare siting conditions across different regions in Europe. The Geo-Assessment Matrix introduces a unified methodology designed to address these challenges. Results provide data attributions that can be used to create pan-European geological maps to better understand the geological constraints of the subsurface for offshore development. The Matrix is useful for stakeholders such as research institutes (Geological Surveys), marine spatial planners, government agencies and OWF developers. A matrix style is adopted providing a structured comparison of geological and engineering constraints for the development of different OWF foundation types (piles, suction caisson, gravity based structures – GBS, and cables). A final qualitative unmitigated geological constraint score is provided for evaluating the suitability of different seabed conditions: ‘Higher’, ‘Moderate’ and ‘Lower’ constraints. As this is a qualitative assessment, they are comparative terms, permitting categories that reflect the relative difference. - Higher constraint: Geological features may present significant challenges to engineering solutions. These are typically (but not limited to) geohazards, such as organic soils, pockmarks, active sedimentary systems, slope instability and soft sediments. - Moderate constraint: Geological features may be suitable for foundations, however, likely need additional engineering design/solutions mitigation measures. These are typically variable sedimentary features, such as heterogeneous sediments, mobile sediments, weak bedrock and gravel. - Lower constraint: Geological features are likely suitable for foundations. These are typically more predictable sediments, such as homogeneous or layered sediments or strong bedrock. Note that some features may still require mitigation measures. Outputs from the Matrix help to inform early decision-making and spatial planning by highlighting areas of relative geological constraint in countries during the early stages of offshore wind development.

This dataset is a characterisation of discontinuity types found within rocks and soils in Great Britain. Discontinuities are breaks, fractures or planes of weakness in the rock mass. The dataset includes type, frequency and orientation of discontinuities within rock and soil materials at formation (local to regional) scale. The discontinuities are classified in 3 categories: stratification (bedding planes), foliation (mineral banding) and rock mass description. The dataset aims to facilitate the preliminary research for planning and design of buildings, infrastructure and resource extraction. It forms part of the DiGMap Plus dataset series of GIS layers which describes the engineering properties of materials from the base of pedological soil down to c. 3m depth (ie the uppermost c.2m of geology). These deposits display a variable degree of weathering, but still exhibit core engineering characteristics relating to their lithologies.

This dataset is a characterisation of the soil and rocks and the potential bulking factor (likely excavated volume increases) at Formation (local to regional) level for Great Britain. The data is categorised into Class, characteristics of similar soils and rocks and Bulking Factor, range or ranges of % bulking. The excavation of rocks or soils is usually accompanied by a change in volume. This change in volume is referred to as ‘bulking’ and the measure of the change is the ‘bulking factor’. The bulking factor is used to estimate the likely excavated volumes that will need to be moved, stored on site, or removed from site. It is envisaged that the 'Engineering Properties: Bulking of soils and rocks' dataset will be of use to companies involved in the estimation of the volume of excavated material for civil engineering operations. These operations may include, but are not limited to, resource estimation, transportation, storage, disposal and the use of excavated materials as engineered fill. It forms part of the DiGMap Plus dataset series of GIS layers which describe the engineering properties of materials from the base of pedological soil down to c. 3m depth (ie the uppermost c.2m of geology). These deposits display a variable degree of weathering, but still exhibit core engineering characteristics relating to their lithologies.