The British Geological Survey (BGS) is a daughter institute of the Natural Environment Research Council which is the legal entity.
BGS is the UK National Centre for earth science information and expertise. The role of the Survey is to acquire and maintain up-to-date knowledge of the UK landmass and its adjacent continental shelf by systematic geological geophysical, geochemical hydrogeological and geotechnical surveys and monitoring. It undertakes high-quality research to underpin its strategic activities. Many of the BGS scientific groups apply their capabilities overseas, which for seismic and geomagnetic monitoring is a worldwide role.
BGS operates the National Geosciences Information Service (NGIS) which is the focus for the nation's geosciences data and information. It represents the public interface to the Survey's data resources and expertise, and it is responsible for the provision of advice on geological matters and for the dissemination of data in forms meaningful and relevant to end users.
The British Geological Survey's Global Seismology and Geomagnetism Group (GSGG) is responsible for the operation of the UK national seismic network which includes 141 short period seismograph stations operating to modern digital standards. Telephone links provide access to all the data which is collected automatically under the control of a central computer, enabling a rapid response to be made to any seismic event. GSGG works on the development of instruments and data acquisition and analysis software, ensuring that advantage is taken of opportunities presented by new technology and that use is made of the latest techniques for analysis and interpretation of seismic data.
The proven success in running the UK seismic network has led a number
of institutions overseas to employ GSGG's experience when specifying,
deploying and commissioning seismic networks in their own countries.
Both hardware and software are tailored to suit the requirements of
the operating institution, training of local staff in the network
operations and in data processing are provided, and post-installation
maintenance is arranged. The most recent examples of work of this
type have been carried out for the Geotechnical Engineering Office in
Hong Kong where a seismic network was commissioned in May 1997, and on
the Montserrat volcano where BGS' first broadband network was
established after eruption commenced in 1995.