dataset · Northern Ireland

GSNI GeoIndex Superficial Aquifers

This map layer shows the distribution of superficial deposits, as mapped at 1:250 000 scale, which are considered to have the potential to store and transmit significant amounts of groundwater. The areas defined are based upon a sub-set of superficial deposits as mapped by GSNI at 1:250 000 scale where the following mapped deposits are considered to have potentially significant permeability and storage properties: glacial sands and gravels, blown sand, raised beach deposits and alluvium. A regio

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Source details

Licence: ["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 an

Evidence quality: 37.1

Listed in data.gov.uk public catalogue API on 2026-10-16; relevance/value screened (haiku).

Metadata checked: 2026-10-14T13:20:00.000Z

What's in it

Data offered docs-verified: superficial deposits distribution (groundwater-potential areas) · glacial sands and gravels · blown sand · raised beach deposits · alluvium
Coverage llm-inferred: Northern Ireland · 2001 (dataset reference date; no time span stated)
Resolution docs-verified: 1:250 000 mapping scale (no pixel or cell resolution stated)
Update frequency docs-verified: continual (per metadata)
Formats docs-verified: HTML
Access docs-verified: Open listing on data.gov.uk with no API key or auth stated. Reuse is restricted: NERC/BGS copyright, and no part may be reproduced or transmitted without prior permission from the copyright holder. Data.gov.uk licence field is 'Not set'.

Useful for

Use cases llm-inferred: Desk-study screening of superficial aquifer potential for groundwater risk or site suitability in Northern Ireland · Identifying alluvium and glacial sand/gravel deposits that may affect foundation or dewatering assumptions on NI civils projects · Initial context for SuDS or drainage infiltration feasibility, to be confirmed by site investigation
Audience llm-inferred: hydrogeologists · geotechnical engineers · flood consultants · environmental consultants · planners

Limitations

Constraints docs-verified: Formal classification of each deposit as an aquifer area is not possible at present · Limited extent or thickness may mean a mapped deposit is not considered an aquifer · Not intended to represent actual conditions on a site-specific scale; site investigations need more detailed GSNI data · The 1994 hydrogeological map uses a different aquifer classification from this layer · Should be read alongside the bedrock aquifer layer

Evidence

Related sources

Browse: Hydrology

Check upstream coverage, uncertainty and licence before use. Station observations are not forecasts or design levels.