Launch of the Updated Engineering Geology Map of Belfast

The Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) is an office of the Department for the Economy in Belfast staffed by British Geological Survey scientists. GSNI provides data, information, research services, advice and expertise to central and local government to support sustainable economic development of natural resources and to protect the environment.GSNI has collaborated on research with 35 universities worldwide, and has received five industry awards for communications, acquiring minerals data, and use of geographic information systems.

Geological Survey of Northern Ireland

GSNI is delighted to be launching the new Engineering Geology Map of Belfast, delivering an update to the original 1970s map.

Public Record Office of Northern Ireland

GSNI is delighted to be launching the new Engineering Geology Map of Belfast, delivering an update to the original 1970s map to meet the needs of numerous geotechnical, civil and environmental engineering stakeholders.Knowledge of the nature, distribution and thickness of the geological deposits in and around Belfast is crucial to understanding the engineering challenges faced during development. Whilst the map is not intended to replace the need for detailed site-specific desk studies or ground investigations, it provides an overview of geological conditions beneath Belfast, that should help to improve efficiency within planning and construction .The new Engineering Geology Map of Belfast gives an overview of the distribution of superficial deposits, the underlying bedrock formations, and depth to the base of estuarine deposits across the Belfast City area. The reverse of the map provides maps of depth to the bedrock and till surfaces, as well as generalised descriptions of the geological formations encountered as well as a series of illustrations describing a conceptual model of the development of superficial deposits in Belfast.In addition to the information already mentioned, the map contains details on the distribution and nature of raised beach, marine and estuarine deposits, all of which could help provide insights into the impacts of future sea level rise. This highlights the role that it plays in not only raising the awareness of the impact that geology has on planning and development, but also as a reminder of the importance that engineering geology has on reducing the risks associated with human interaction and the built environment.More than 12,000 boreholes were used to model the depth of the bedrock surface across the area, and 7,755 stratigraphic layers interpreted from 3,624 boreholes were used to construct the basal surface of estuarine deposits and the top of the till surface. As well as using borehole descriptions, the map contains data from cross-sections constructed as part of a 3D geological model of Belfast.The map will be freely available to download from GSNI’s website after the launch and offered as a print-on-demand paper copy for a small fee.

Launch of the Updated Engineering Geology Map of Belfast

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Launch of the Updated Engineering Geology Map of Belfast

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