User guide : BGS GeoClimate Shrink-Swell

Developed by the British Geological Survey (BGS), GeoClimate data are available in a Premium version in grid and vector polygon formats. Data coverage is Great Britian (not including Shetland and parts of the Orkneys). This GeoClimate shrink-swell dataset have been developed using the same methodology as GeoClimate UKCP18. It provides outputs for RCP2.6 and RCP4.5, whereas GeoClimate UKCP18 only provided RCP8.5. It also provides projections from a larger number of time periods: 11-year windows centred on 2030, 2050 and 2070.GeoClimate UKCP18 is now superseded by GeoClimate shrink-swell.

GeoClimate shrink-swell utilises climate projection data from the UKCEH CHESS-SCAPE future climate dataset, which is derived and extended from the climate model output provided by the UK Climate Projections 2018 (UKCP18).

The data are useful for a range of users, particularly longer-term resilience planning, infrastructure owners, lenders and insurers.

This user guide provides the information required to enable the reader to understand and use this BGS data product.