The NSTA Regional Aquifer Presence Maps publication contains a series of geological maps for the UK Continental Shelf. These maps characterize the subsurface geological framework relevant to potential aquifer-based storage, including CO₂, hydrogen, and compressed air energy storage. The datasets were produced by Lloyd’s Register and the OGA, integrating seismic interpretation, well data, field data, stratigraphic correlation, and regional geological understanding.
Use Cases
- Identify intervals with favourable characteristics for subsurface storage based on Gross Depositional Environment (GDE) and Lithology Group.
- Assess regional aquifer presence, continuity, and variability using interpreted paleoenvironmental settings and sedimentary facies.
- Prioritize areas for detailed appraisal or data acquisition based on the consistent interval-based geological maps.
- Evaluate geological context for CO₂ storage site screening using Chronostratigraphic Age and Depositional Facies information.
Strengths
- Maps are built upon regional geological interpretations integrating seismic, well, and field data.
- Feature classes include attribute information for Gross Depositional Environment, Depositional Facies, Lithology Group, Lithology, and Chronostratigraphic Age.
- Data is available in multiple formats including XLSX, CSV, GEOJSON, and an ArcGIS GeoServices REST API.
Limitations
- Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
- Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
- Description metadata is limited; actual data quality requires manual inspection after download.
Provenance
- Source
- North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA), based on work by Lloyd’s Register and the OGA.
- Collection Method
- Integrated seismic interpretation, well data, field data, stratigraphic correlation, and regional geological understanding.
- Freshness
- Last updated 2026-06-18 11:12:18.010273; freshness should be verified.
- Geography
- UK Continental Shelf