The WMS GK2000 Lagerstätten (INSPIRE) shows deposits and mines of energy resources, metal resources, industrial minerals and salt on a greatly simplified geology within Germany on a scale of 1:2,000,000. According to the Data Specification on Mineral Resources (D2.8.III.21) and Geology (D2.8.II.4_v3.0) the map provides INSPIRE-compliant data. The WMS GK2000 Lagerstätten (INSPIRE) contains the following layers: MR.Mine displays mines. MR.MineralOccurence.Commodity.Polygon.EnergyResources displays energy resources as polygons. GE.GeologicUnits provides the greatly simplified geology of Germany. For different geochronologic minimum and maximum ages, e.g. Precambrian - Cenozoic, the portrayal is defined by the colour of the geochronologic minimum age (olderNamedAge). The user obtains detailed information on the deposits, mines and geology via the getFeatureInfo request. Notes regarding the portrayal: The gas and oil provinces as well as the corresponding mines are coloured in green and red according to common international practice. The black coal fields are displayed in their original colour grey. The colouring of the brown coal fields correspond to the KOR250 respectively KOR250 (INSPIRE) colouring. All mine symbols and commodity abbrevations are BGR symbols and abbrevations.

Which salt formations are suitable for storing hydrogen or compressed air? In the InSpEE-DS research project, scientists developed requirements and criteria for the assessment of suitable sites even if their exploration is still at an early stage and there is little knowledge of the salinaries’ structures. Scientists at DEEP.KBB GmbH in Hanover, worked together with their project partners at BGR and the Leibniz University Hanover, Institute for Geotechnics, to develop the planning basis for the site selection and for the construction of storage caverns in flat layered salt and multiple or double saliniferous formations. Such caverns could store renewable energy in the form of hydrogen or compressed air. While the previous project InSpEE was limited to salt formations of great thickness in Northern Germany, salt horizons of different ages have now been examined all over Germany. To estimate the potential, depth contour maps of the top and the base as well as thickness maps of the respective stratigraphic units were developed. Due to the present INSPIRE geological data model, it was necessary, in contrast to the original dataset, to classify the boundary lines of the potential storage areas in the Zechstein base and thickness layers, whereby the classification of these lines was taken from the top Zechstein layer. Consequently, the boundary element Depth criterion 2000 m (Teufe-Kriterium 2000 m) corresponds on each level to the 2000 m depth of Top Zechstein. However, the boundary of national borders and the boundary of the data basis could not be implemented in the data model and are therefore not included in the dataset. Information on compressed air and hydrogen storage potential is given for the identified areas and for the individual federal states. According to the Data Specification on Geology (D2.8.II.4_v3.0) the content of InSpEE-DS (INSPIRE) is stored in 18 INSPIRE-compliant GML files: InSpEE_DS_GeologicUnit_Isopachs_Zechstein.gml contains the Zechstein isopachs. InSpEE_DS_GeologicUnit_Isobaths_Top_Zechstein.gml and InSpEE_DS_GeologicUnit_Isobaths_Basis_Zechstein.gml contain the isobaths of the top and basis of Zechstein. The three files InSpEE_DS_GeologicStructure_ThicknessMap_Zechstein, InSpEE_DS_GeologicStructure_Top_Zechstein and InSpEE_DS_GeologicStructure_Basis_Zechstein represent the faults of the Zechstein body as well as at the top and at the basis of the Zechstein body. InSpEE_DS_GeologicUnit_Boundary_element_Potential_areas_Zechstein.gml contains the boundary elments of the potential areas at the top and the basis of Zechstein as well as of the Zechstein body. The three files InSpEE_DS_GeologicUnit_Uncertainty_areas_ThicknessMap_Zechstein.gml, InSpEE_DS_GeologicUnit_Uncertainty_areas_Top_Zechstein.gml, InSpEE_DS_GeologicUnit_Uncertainty_areas_Basis_Zechstein.gml represent the uncertainty areas of the Zechstein body as well as at the top and at the basis of the Zechstein body. InSpEE_DS_GeologicUnit_Potentially_usable_storage_areas_Storage_potential_in_the_federal_states.gml comprises the areas with storage potential for renewable energy in the form of hydrogen and compressed air. The six files InSpEE_DS_GeologicUnit_Salt_distribution_in_Germany_Malm.gml, InSpEE_DS_GeologicUnit_Salt_distribution_in_Germany_Keuper.gml, InSpEE_DS_GeologicUnit_Salt_distribution_in_Germany_Muschelkalk.gml, InSpEE_DS_GeologicUnit_Salt_distribution_in_Germany_Roet.gml, InSpEE_DS_GeologicUnit_Salt_distribution_in_Germany_Zechstein.gml and InSpEE_DS_GeologicUnit_Salt_distribution_in_Germany_Rotliegend.gml represent the salt distribution of the respective stratigraphic unit. InSpEE_DS_GeologicUnit_General_salt_distribution.gml represents the general salt distribution in Germany. This geographic information is product of a BMWi-funded research project "InSpEE-DS" running from the year 2015 to 2019. The acronym stands for "Information system salt: planning basis, selection criteria and estimation of the potential for the construction of salt caverns for the storage of renewable energies (hydrogen and compressed air) - double saline and flat salt layers".

The GBL (INSPIRE) represents mechanically drilled boreholes approved by the State Geological Surveys of Germany (SGS). Most of the drilling data were not collected by the SGS, but were transmitted to SGS by third parties in accordance with legal requirements. Therefore, the SGS can accept no responsibility for the accuracy of the information. According to the Data Specification on Geology (D2.8.II.4_v3.0) the boreholes of each federal state are stored in one INSPIRE-compliant GML file. The GML file together with a Readme.txt file is provided in ZIP format (e.g. GBL-INSPIRE_Lower_Saxony.zip). The Readme.txt file (German/English) contains detailed information on the GML file content. Data transformation was proceeded by using the INSPIRE Solution Pack for FME according to the INSPIRE requirements.

The WMS GK2750 Geology (INSPIRE) represents the surface geology of Germany on a scale of 1:2,750,000. According to the Data Specification on Geology (D2.8.II.4_v3.0) the geological map provides INSPIRE-compliant data. The WMS GK2750 Geology (INSPIRE) contains layers of the geologic units (GE.GeologicUnit), faults (GE.GeologicFault) and marginal position of the ice shield and the impact crater Nördlinger Ries (GE. GeomorphologicFeature) displayed correspondingly to the INSPIRE portrayal rules. The geologic units are represented graphically by stratigraphy (GE.GeologicUnit.AgeOfRocks) and lithology (GE.GeologicUnit.Lithology). For different geochronologic minimum and maximum ages, e.g. Upper Devonian - Permian, the portrayal is defined by the colour of the geochronologic minimum age (olderNamedAge). In case of the geologic units the user obtains detailed information via the getFeatureInfo request on the lithology, stratigraphy (age) and genesis (event environment and event process).

The IGME5000-EU (INSPIRE) represents the pre-quaternary bedrock geology (onshore and offshore) of the European map on a scale of 1:5,000,000. According to the Data Specification on Geology (D2.8.II.4_v3.0) the geological map provides INSPIRE-compliant data. The WMS IGME5000-EU contains layers of the geologic units (GE.GeologicUnit) and faults (GE.GeologicFault) mostly displayed according to the INSPIRE portrayal rules. The geologic units are represented graphically by stratigraphy (GE.GeologicUnit.AgeOfRocks) and lithology (GE.GeologicUnit.Lithology). For different geochronologic minimum and maximum ages, e.g. Ordovician - Silurian, the portrayal is defined by the color of the geochronologic minimum age (olderNamedAge). The portrayal of the lithology is defined by the first named rock or rock group. In case of the geologic units the user obtains detailed information via the getFeatureInfo request on the lithology and stratigraphy (age).

The WMS InSpEE (INSPIRE) provides information about the areal distribution of salt structures (salt domes and salt pillows) in Northern Germany. Contours of the salt structures can be displayed at horizontal cross-sections at four different depths up to a maximum depth of 2000 m below NN. The geodata have resulted from a BMWi-funded research project “InSpEE” running from the year 2012 to 2015. The acronym stands for "Information system salt structures: planning basis, selection criteria and estimation of the potential for the construction of salt caverns for the storage of renewable energies (hydrogen and compressed air)”. Taking into account the fact that this work was undertaken at a scale for providing an overview and not for investigation of single structures, the scale of display is limited to a minimum of 1:300.000. Additionally four horizontal cross-section maps display the stratigraphical situation at a given depth. In concurrence of maps at different depths areal bedding conditions can be determined, e.g. to generally assess and interpret the spread of different stratigraphic units. Clearly visible are extent and shape of the salt structures within their regional context at the different depths, with extent and boundary of the salt structures having been the main focus of the project. Four horizontal cross-section maps covering the whole onshore area of Northern Germany have been developed at a scale of 1:500.000. The maps cover the depths of -500, -1000, -1500, -2000 m below NN. The four depths are based on typical depth requirements of existing salt caverns in Northern Germany, mainly related to hydrocarbon storage. The shapes of the structures show rudimentary information of their geometry and their change with depths. In addition they form the starting point for rock mechanical calculations necessary for the planning and construction of salt caverns for storage as well as for assessing storage potentials. The maps can be used as a pre-selection tool for subsurface uses. It can also be used to assess coverage and extension of salt structures. Offshore areas were not treated within the project. All horizontal cross-section maps were adjusted with the respective state geological survey organisations. According to the Data Specification on Geology (D2.8.II.4_v3.0) the WMS InSpEE (INSPIRE) provides INSPIRE-compliant data. The WMS InSpEE (INSPIRE) contains two group layers: The first group layer “INSPIRE: Salt structures in Northern Germany“ comprises the layers GE.Geologic.Unit.Salt structure types, GE.GeologicUnit.Salt pillow remnants, GE.GeologicUnit.Structure-building salinar and GE.GeologicUnit.Structural outlines. The layer GE.GeologicUnit.Structural outlines contains according to the four depths four sublayers, e.g. GE.GeologiUnit.Structural outlines 500 m below NN. The second group layer „INSPIRE: Horizontal cross-section maps of Northern Germany“ comprises according to the four depths four layers, e.g. Horizontal cross-section map – 500 m below NN. This layer, in turns, contains two sublayers: GE.GeologicFault.Relevant fault traces and GE.GeologicUnit.Stratigraphic Units. Via the getFeatureInfo request the user obtains additional information on the different geometries. In case of the GE.Geologic.Unit.Salt structure types the user gets access to a data sheet with additional information and further reading in German for the respective salt structure via the getFeatureInfo request.

The GK2750 Geology (INSPIRE) represents the surface geology of Germany and adjacent areas on a scale of 1:2,750,000. According to the Data Specification on Geology (D2.8.II.4_v3.0) the content of the geological map is stored in three INSPIRE-compliant GML files: GK2750_GeologicUnit.gml contains the geologic units, GK2750_GeologicStructure.gml comprises the faults and GK2750_NaturalGeomorphologicFeature.gml represents the marginal position of the ice shield and the impact crater Nördlinger Ries. The GML files together with a Readme.txt file are provided in ZIP format (GK2750-INSPIRE.zip). The Readme.text file (German/English) contains detailed information on the GML files content. Data transformation was proceeded by using the INSPIRE Solution Pack for FME according to the INSPIRE requirements.

The GK1000 (INSPIRE) represents the surface geology of Germany and adjacent areas on a scale of 1:1,000,000. According to the Data Specification on Geology (D2.8.II.4_v3.0) the content of the geological map is stored in three INSPIRE-compliant GML files: GK1000_GeologicUnit.gml contains the geologic units, GK1000_GeologicStructure.gml comprises the faults and GK1000_NaturalGeomorphologicFeature.gml represents the marginal position of the ice shield. The GML files together with a Readme.txt file are provided in ZIP format (GK1000-INSPIRE.zip). The Readme.text file (German/English) contains detailed information on the GML files content. Data transformation was proceeded by using the INSPIRE Solution Pack for FME according to the INSPIRE requirements.

The WMS Nicht-konventionelle KW (INSPIRE) presents the results of the NiKo project according to data specifications Energy Resources (D2.8.III.20) und Geology (D2.8.II.4_v3.0). NiKo stands for „unconventional hydrocarbons“, „Nicht-konventionelle Kohlenwasserstoffe“ in German. In the NiKo project the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) has investigated the potential resources for shale oil and shale gas in Germany. The study was published in 2016 as a report titled „Schieferöl und Schiefergas in Deutschland – Ressourcen und Umweltaspekte“ (available in German only). The colloquial terms shale oil and shale gas refer to oil and natural gas resources in sedimentary shale rock formations, with high organic matter content. In the study, seven formations were identified to have a shale oil and/or gas potential in Germany and their distribution has been mapped in small scale. For each of the formations the organic-rich facies distribution is provided as layer and, if appropriate, the regional potential resource distribution: Fischschiefer (Oligocene), Blättertone (Barremium - Lower-Aptian), Wealden (Berriasium), Posidonienschiefer (Lower-Toarcium), Middel-Rhaetium (Oberkeuper), Permokarbon (Stefanium - Rotliegend) und Lower Carboniferous (Upper Alaunschiefer (Kulm-Facies) + Kohlenkalk-Facies). According to the overview maps in the report the following layers are provided, omitting however the sub-category “possible potential regions”. Bituminous facies distribution (0-5000 m depth) – data specification Geology: GE.GeologicUnit.Fischschiefer_distribution, GE.GeologicUnit.Blaettertone_distribution, GE.GeologicUnit.Wealden_distribution, GE.GeologicUnit.Posidonienschiefer_distribution, GE.GeologicUnit.Mittelrhaetium_black_shale_thicker_20m_distribution, GE.GeologicUnit.Permokarbon_black_shale_distribution, GE.GeologicUnit.Unterkarbon_Hangende_Alaunschiefer_distribution und GE.GeologicUnit.Unterkarbon_Kohlenkalk Facies layers are coloured according to the corresponding oldest formation age (olderNamedAge). Distribution shale oil and shale gas – potential resources (1000 - 5000 m depth) – data specification Energy Resources: ER.FossilFuelRessource.Blaettertone, ER.FossilFuelRessource.Wealden, ER.FossilFuelRessource.Posidonienschiefer, ER.FossilFuelRessource.Mittelrhaetschiefer, ER.FossilFuelRessource.Permokarbon und ER.FossilFuelRessource.Unterkarbon The shale oil and shale gas distribution layers are not coloured according to INSPIRE guidelines, but rather as common international practice in green and red, respectively. The distribution maps of the potential resources for shale oil and gas are based on geoscientific criteria. Further non-geoscientific limiting criteria, e.g. exclusion areas, have not been taken into account for the assessment. These assessments are based on appraisements of input parameters naturally with large uncertainties for the potential resources and their distribution in the deep underground. Based on the incipient exploration status of unconventionals in Germany, these resources are considered as undiscovered. The assessed shale oil and gas resources for Germany, represent the order of magnitude of potential resources. Source: BGR 2016 - Schieferöl und Schieferöl in Deutschland in 2016: - Potenziale und Umweltaspekte https://www.bgr.bund.de/DE/Themen/Energie/Downloads/Abschlussbericht_13MB_Schieferoelgaspotenzial_Deutschland_2016.html

The GK2000 Geologie (INSPIRE) represents the surface geology of Germany on a scale of 1:2,000,000. According to the Data Specification on Geology (D2.8.II.4_v3.0) the content of the geological map is stored in three INSPIRE-compliant GML files: GK2000_Geology_GeologicUnit.gml contains the geologic units, GK2000_Geology_GeologicStructure.gml comprises the faults and GK2000_Geology_GeomorphologicFeature.gml represents the marginal position of the ice shield as well as the impact craters Nördlinger Ries and Steinheimer Becken. The GML files together with a Readme.txt file are provided in ZIP format (GK2000_Geologie-INSPIRE.zip). The Readme.text file (German/English) contains detailed information on the GML files content. Data transformation was proceeded by using the INSPIRE Solution Pack for FME according to the INSPIRE requirements.