Shrink swell dataset (5km Hex-Grid) version 8
The 5km Hex GS Shrink Swell dataset shows a generalised view of the GeoSure Shrink Swell v8 dataset to a hexagonal grid resolution of 64.95km coverage area (side length of 5km). This dataset indicates areas of potential ground movement in a helpful and user-friendly format. The rating is based on a highest level of susceptibility identified within that Hex area: Low (1), Moderate (2), Significant (3). Areas of localised significant rating are also indicated. The summarising process via spatial statistics at this scale may lead to under or over estimation of the extent of a hazard. The supporting GeoSure reports can help inform planning decisions and indicate causes of subsidence. The Shrink Swell methodology is based on the BGS Digital Map (DiGMapGB-50) and expert knowledge of the behaviour of the formations so defined. This dataset provides an assessment of the potential for a geological deposit to shrink and swell. Many soils contain clay minerals that absorb water when wet (making them swell), and lose water as they dry (making them shrink). This shrink-swell behaviour is controlled by the type and amount of clay in the soil, and by seasonal changes in the soil moisture content (related to rainfall and local drainage). The rock formations most susceptible to shrink-swell behaviour are found mainly in the south-east of Britain. Clay rocks elsewhere in the country are older and have been hardened by burial deep in the earth and are less able to absorb water. The BGS has carried out detailed geotechnical and mineralogical investigations into rock types known to shrink, and are modelling their properties across the near surface. This research underpins guidance contained in the national GeoSure dataset, and is the basis for our responses to local authorities, companies and members of the public who require specific information on the hazard in their areas. The BGS is undertaking a wide-ranging research programme to investigate this phenomenon by identifying those areas most at risk and developing sustainable management solutions. Complete Great Britain national coverage is available.
dataset
https://www.bgs.ac.uk/products/geosure/geosureHex.html
function: download
http://data.bgs.ac.uk/id/dataHolding/13607442
eng
geoscientificInformation
publication
2008-06-01
data.gov.uk (non-INSPIRE)
Geohazards
Natural hazards
revision
2022
NERC_DDC
-6.8993
2.8762
60.8236
49.7959
revision
2009
GBN
creation
1979
GREAT BRITAIN [id=139600]
1835
2019-01-07
creation
2019-03-27
notPlanned
GeoSure Shrink Swell methodology as defined in BGS project documentation V8. User Guide V8 available from BGS Enquiries.
publication
2011
false
See the referenced specification
publication
2010-12-08
false
See http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2010:323:0011:0102:EN:PDF
ESRI Shapefile
The copyright of materials derived from the British Geological Survey's work is vested in the Natural Environment Research Council [NERC]. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a retrieval system of any nature, without the prior permission of the copyright holder, via the BGS Intellectual Property Rights Manager. Use by customers of information provided by the BGS, is at the customer's own risk. In view of the disparate sources of information at BGS's disposal, including such material donated to BGS, that BGS accepts in good faith as being accurate, the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) gives no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the quality or accuracy of the information supplied, or to the information's suitability for any use. NERC/BGS accepts no liability whatever in respect of loss, damage, injury or other occurence however caused.
British Geological Survey
Environmental Science Centre, Nicker Hill, Keyworth
NOTTINGHAM
NG12 5GG
United Kingdom
0115 936 3143
0115 936 3276
distributor
British Geological Survey
Environmental Science Centre, Nicker Hill, Keyworth
NOTTINGHAM
NG12 5GG
United Kingdom
0115 936 3143
0115 936 3276
pointOfContact
British Geological Survey
Environmental Science Centre, Keyworth
NOTTINGHAM
NG12 5GG
United Kingdom
+44 115 936 3100
pointOfContact
2025-03-03