Make an earthquake and pan for gold at geology event

THE British Geological Survey office in Edinburgh is to open its doors to the public on Saturday to mark its 175th birthday.

Doors will open from 10am to 5pm to showcase its science as part of this year's Scottish Geology Festival and Edinburgh's Doors Open Day.

Amongst the exhibits, demonstrations and experiments there will be highlights from the work BGS carried out on the Eyjafjallajkull Volcano in Iceland.

During the Open Day, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary, the BGS will be packed with displays of its work at home and abroad, with lots of hands-on activities.

Visitors will be able to pan for gold, make their own earthquake, examine precious minerals and fossils, and learn about Scottish geology and the rocks used in Edinburgh's buildings.

Many aspects of Earth Science will be demonstrated from what's beneath our feet to space weather and the Northern Lights.

Visitors can learn how geologists find natural resources such as oil, water, sand and gravel, and see volcano demonstrations.