Geoscientific information on the densely populated parts of Sweden, with particular regard to the applied bedrock geology of the Gothenburg municipality

For society at large, geoscientific information is of vital importance. In particular, this concerns maps showing natural resources. There is a growing demand in applied geology for thematic and environmental geological maps. The Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU) has developed a programme of bedrock quality investigations to include the properties of the bedrock for the construction industry and for planning tunnelling and other underground works. To date, mapping has covered the Lake Mälaren−Stockholm region and the Gothenburg (Göteborg) municipality. The maps show how bedrock can be used as aggregates for roads, for railway track-bed and in concrete production. The bedrock of the Gothenburg municipality is quite brittle. Areas with rocks of the highest quality are few. Mixing of different rock types can improve the material produced.