Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
The Elizabeth Line is used by millions of people every year. Did you know geologists from the British Geological Survey played a huge part in getting it built?
The geology of central London is complex, especially around Farringdon. Layers of clay, sand, and gravel—sometimes in unexpected places—are shifted by faults. For a deep tunnelling project under London, not knowing what lies underground posed serious risks.
To help manage these risks, the @BritishGeologicalSurveyChannel developed a state-of-the-art 3D geological model. This model provided a live, evolving picture of ground conditions as tunnelling progressed. The result was a major reduction in risk, time, and cost—including a 70% decrease in the need for in-tunnel testing. It was also the first time a 3D geological model had been used alongside major tunnelling works in the UK.
Not only does the new line carry more passengers than the London Overground, but it has also powered a boost in investments near the stations. 378,000 jobs were created within one kilometre of Elizabeth line stations between 2015 and 2022.
To mark the 3-year anniversary of the Elizabeth Line launch, we interviewed Don Aldiss, former Regional Geologist for London and southeast England at the British Geological Survey.
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The Elizabeth Line is used by millions of people every year. Did you know geologists from the British Geological Survey played a huge part in getting it built?
The geology of central London is complex, especially around Farringdon. Layers of clay, sand, and gravel—sometimes in unexpected places—are shifted by faults. For a deep tunnelling project under London, not knowing what lies underground posed serious risks.
To help manage these risks, the @BritishGeologicalSurveyChannel developed a state-of-the-art 3D geological model. This model provided a live, evolving picture of ground conditions as tunnelling progressed. The result was a major reduction in risk, time, and cost—including a 70% decrease in the need for in-tunnel testing. It was also the first time a 3D geological model had been used alongside major tunnelling works in the UK.
Not only does the new line carry more passengers than the London Overground, but it has also powered a boost in investments near the stations. 378,000 jobs were created within one kilometre of Elizabeth line stations between 2015 and 2022.
To mark the 3-year anniversary of the Elizabeth Line launch, we interviewed Don Aldiss, former Regional Geologist for London and southeast England at the British Geological Survey.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We are UK Research and Innovation, the UK's largest public funder of research and innovation. If you're a UK tax payer, your contributions help fund the work we showcase on our channel. And if you liked this video, follow us on these channels:
Medium: medium.com/@UKRI
Instagram: instagram.com/weareukri
Facebook: facebook.com/weareUKRI
YouTube: youtube.com/c/UKResearchandInnovation
Or sign up for our weekly newsletter public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKRI/subscriber/new?topic_id=UKRI_newsletter
