A short history of engineering geology and geophysics at the british geological survey

Abstract

Engineering geology in the British Geological Survey (BGS) began, in a formal sense, with the creation of the Engineering Geology Unit in 1967. Virtually since its inception, despite changing research priorities and economic drivers, the survey and research work carried out by BGS engineering geologists can be conveniently divided into four broad research areas: engineering geological mapping and urban geoscience, geotechnical properties of soils and rocks, engineering geophysics and geohazards. Since the late 1960s engineering geologists have undertaken innovative research initiatives and continue to play an important role in ensuring the delivery of BGS research.