UK Coal Authority Seismic Survey Data from 1973-1994

Over 13000 original tapes of seismic reflection survey data, transcribed to modern media, were collected by the National Coal Board and British Coal Corporation. The data includes observers' logs, surveyors' reports, seismic sections, location data, and processed data from surveys conducted between 1973 and 1994 across various UK areas. British Geological Survey is the custodian of this data, which is stored as SEGY files.

Use Cases

• Analyze subsurface geology based on seismic reflection profiles
• Map historical coal mining regions based on location data and survey reports
• Reprocess seismic data for modern geological models based on demultiplexed field data
• Study UK geological history based on surveys conducted between 1973-1994

Strengths

• Data originates from over 13000 original tapes, indicating a substantial historical archive
• Includes multiple data types: observers' logs, surveyors' reports, seismic sections, location data, and processed data
• Surveys cover various areas in the UK and span a 21-year period from 1973 to 1994

Limitations

• Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment

Provenance

Source

National Coal Board (NCB) and British Coal Corporation (BCC), with British Geological Survey (BGS) as custodian

Collection Method

Seismic reflection surveys conducted and recorded

Time Range

1973-1994

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-30 09:50:33.665297; freshness should be verified

Geography

Various areas in the UK