The need for improved management of the subsurface

The subsurface is used intensively to support economic stability and growth. Human interaction with
the shallow subsurface ranges from exploitation of resources, accommodation of utilities, harnessing
of energy (ground source heat pumps) and storage of waste. Current practice of managing these
shallow subsurface zones is far from ideal. Many subsurface interventions are preceded by feasibility
studies, predictive models or investigative measures to mitigate risks or predict the impacts of the
work. However, the complex interactions between the anthropogenic structures and natural processes
mean that a holistic impact assessment is often not achievable. By integrating these subsurface
infrastructures within three dimensional framework models, a comprehensive assessment of the
potential hazards in these shallow subsurface environments may be made. Some Geological Survey
Organizations (GSOs) are currently developing subsurface management systems that will aid decision
making in the shallow subsurface [1]. The British Geological Survey (BGS) is developing an open
Environmental Modeling Platform [2] to provide the data standards and applications to link models,
numerical simulations and ultimately socio-economic models so as to generate predictive responses to
questions concerning sustainable us of the subsurface.