UK Seabed Sediment Particle Size Analysis Since 1966

Approximately 37,000 seabed sediment samples from the UK Continental Shelf have undergone particle size analysis. The British Geological Survey compiled this data, which includes results from around 29,000 grab and core samples and 8,000 downhole sub-samples. Measurements date from 1966 onwards.

Use Cases

• Analyze seabed sediment particle size distributions across the UK Continental Shelf to map depositional environments.
• Correlate particle size data from sediment grabs and cores with bathymetric surveys for geological modeling.
• Use the long-term PSA record, starting from 1966, to study changes in marine sediment composition over time.

Strengths

• Approximately 37,000 total analyzed samples provide substantial observational density.
• Data spans from 1966 to the present, offering a multi-decade temporal record.
• Samples cover the UK Continental Shelf and adjacent deep water areas, giving broad spatial coverage.

Limitations

• Column names and specific measurement features are not documented in the input.
• Data is delivered via an HTML layer, which may complicate programmatic access and analysis.
• The sample includes measurements from multiple organizations, potentially introducing methodological inconsistencies.

Provenance

Source

British Geological Survey (BGS), with contributions from other UK organizations.

Collection Method

Analysis performed on sediment samples collected via grabs, corers, and from boreholes.

Time Range

1966 onwards.

Freshness

Updated March 2026.

Geography

UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) and adjacent deep water areas.