These data show the distribution of superficial deposits, as mapped at 1:250 000 scale, which are considered to have the potential to store and transmit significant amounts of groundwater. The areas defined are based upon a sub-set of superficial deposits as mapped by GSNI at 1:250 000 scale where the following mapped deposits are considered to have potentially significant permeability and storage properties: glacial sands and gravels, blown sand, raised beach deposits and alluvium.
A regional, detailed assessment of the individual deposits in terms of their aquifer potential (aerial extent, thickness, saturated depth etc.) has not yet been undertaken. Hence formal classification of each deposit as an aquifer area is not possible at present. In some cases limited aerial extent or minimal thickness may result in the mapped geological deposit not being considered as an aquifer.
Due to natural geological variability and data availability, these data cannot and are not intended to represent actual conditions on a site-specific scale.