IE GSI Bedrock Geology Datasets 100k Ireland (ROI) ITM View

Geological lines and structural symbols are vital information that is needed alongside bedrock geology maps to provide information on the structure of rocks.

Knowing the structure and type of bedrock is vital in many areas of our lives.

Bedrock maps help us locate groundwater sources which can be used to supply drinking water. Rock properties and structures such as faults impact how water and/or pollutants move below the surface. Drinking water can be protected by locating potential polluting operations, such as landfills, away from groundwater.

Geothermal energy is the energy stored in the form of heat beneath the surface of the earth. It can be used to supply heat and hot water. It can also be used to cool a house by removing surplus heat energy and putting it into the ground. Bedrock maps along with subsoil and aquifer maps are used to help decide if the ground under a site is suitable for geothermal energy extraction. Faults are very important for geothermal energy as the hot water moves through the cracks the fault made.

Engineers need this information when they are designing structures (houses, buildings, roads, etc.). They need to know the quality of the ground (strength and depth of soil, if rock and or groundwater is present) and how structures can be built in and on it. They use the information to decide the best supports and foundations needed for structures so that they don’t collapse. They can also find out if there are any underground obstructions, groundwater, faults etc which could result in additional costs or delays. If there is a fault then the rock will be cracked and broken underground, which is much weaker. The engineers need to know where the faults are when they design foundations and supports.

Bedrock maps are used to find sites suitable for the extraction of valuable mineral deposits. Nearly all of the metals we use today are extracted from a number of minerals that different rocks are made up of. The most common type of mining in Ireland is for zinc, and all of the zinc deposits...