Abstract Lithuania is a comparatively small country (65 000 km 2 ) with prevailing flat, glacial and post glacial relief composed of soft sediments without any rocky formations visible on the surface. There are no underground mines, but rather only pits for sand and gravel and few quarries of dolomite and limestone. Oil is produced from 15 oil fields in the west of the country. All potable water is taken from aquifers, with negligible if any concern. Most people, therefore, know very little about the geology of Lithuania and hardly realize what the Geological Survey is doing. Only in rare cases of hazardous events, like the Kaliningrad earthquake in 2004, or landslides devastating Gediminas Hill in 2016–17, or the largest karst sinkholes, is the name of the Geological Survey visible in the mass media. Nevertheless, the Geological Survey operates with several duties, private sector geological companies are generating business, and geosciences are on the agenda of scientific institutions. The aim of this study is to take a deeper look into the current factors that are determining the role of the Geological Survey of Lithuania at present, and to outline circumstances which could influence the role of the Survey in the future.

Abstract Radon ( 222 Rn) is a natural radioactive gas that occurs in rocks and soils and can only be detected with special equipment. Radon is a major cause of lung cancer. Therefore, early detection is essential. The British Geological Survey and Public Health England have produced a series of maps showing radon affected areas based on underlying geology and indoor radon measurements, which help to identify radon-affected buildings. Many factors influence how much radon accumulates in buildings. Remedial work can be undertaken to reduce its passage into homes and workplaces and new buildings can be built with radon preventative measures.