In this chapter we provide an account of the contribution made by the Geosphere, in
particular bedrock geological materials (part of the lithosphere), groundwater and
hydrochemistry to the development of a GDF. In order to put this in context we provide a
brief account of the general requirements of these attributes, particularly in respect of the post
closure safety and, to a lesser extent, the construction phase of the GDF. We also provide a
brief summary of the international approach to using bedrock geological materials and go on
to describe the summary properties from a range of bedrock geological materials (lithologies
and formations) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, illustrated from well-documented
examples
