signs of subsidence evident in the surrounding fields. A series of geophysical surveys, first trialled in late 2014, was conducted to determine the mine shape and extent so that a risk assessment could be conducted and to investigate any measures that needed to be put in place. This method significantly reduces the cost to the DfE as it provides a good indication of the location of mine workings in the absence of comprehensive mine plans. A programme to install long-term monitoring stations, using extensometers, is to be carried out in the summer of 2016. In addition, GSNI is adding new techniques to the mine monitoring programme by using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to carry out inspections in areas of rough terrain. This technique enabled staff to detect two recent mine collapses associated with the Parkmore mines, west of Glenarriff, County Antrim, that would not have been possible without the assistance of the UAV. Lough Neagh survey Using our own survey vessel, the White Ribbon, the BGS completed a multibeam and seismic survey on Lough Neagh. This survey was commissioned by the Sand Traders Association, a consortium of five commercial dredging companies of varying size that are preparing an application for planning permission to the Department of Infrastructure (NI) to continue sand and gravel extraction from the lough. Prior knowledge of the extent and quantity of sand and gravel resources is a Annual science review 19 prerequisite for consideration of any planning application. Currently, there is very limited reliable information about the Bathymetry survey of Lough Neagh. View from the shore of Lough Neagh. ©iStock.com.
Annual Science Review 2015-2016
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