A significantly extended seabed geology map has been released to aid green energy projects.

The British Geological Survey (BGS) has published high-resolution maps of the Bristol Channel to help support offshore renewable energy initiatives.

The extensive data is crucial for the siting and design of offshore infrastructure like submarine cables and wind turbines.

The Bristol Channel is an area of particular interest because it has the second largest tidal range in the world, offering potential for electricity generation from tidal power and wave energy.

To assist the decision-makers and policymakers in this area, BGS has expanded the seabed geology map of the Bristol Channel, which now covers an area nearly four times the size of the original.

This map stretches from Carmarthen Bay to Newport and further south to the Somerset coast.

These maps also provide valuable information for marine ecosystem studies, coastal management, and defence activities.

They help ensure the port facilities along this coastline are ready for the development opportunities.

As the UK continues its shift to renewable energy, the maps will become increasingly important for those interested in developing clean energy sources, from offshore wind to tidal streaming, and in carbon capture and storage.

Rhian Kendall, BGS chief geologist for Wales, said: "The successful implementation of offshore renewable energy projects and technologies and the development of ports in South Wales require a detailed understanding of the seabed.

"This new, expanded, fine-scale seabed map of the Bristol Channel will be an invaluable resource for developers, providing access to high-quality, detailed observations of the seabed geology that is vital to these kinds of developments.

"Beyond its critical role in supporting the renewables sector, the map will also be useful to other data users, such as those involved with supporting marine ecosystems, coastal management and defence activities.

"It will also provide evidence for policy- and decision makers in the region."

The map features combined bedrock, sediment, bedrock structure, and seabed geomorphology data.

It's available from the BGS under the fine-scale maps section of the Offshore GeoIndex.

The map is designed to be viewed at a 1:10,000 scale or online as downloadable shapefiles.

Significantly extended seabed map released to aid green energy projects