Generally compact, unaltered rock that acts as a base for less compact or altered rocks or loose sediment (surface soils). In the case of problems linked to local seismic response, this is a competent rock (usually from the Meso-Cenozoic or, more rarely, from Quaternary period), which develops deep below the ground for many metres. Geotechnical and geophysical characterisations may occur if a geological substrate is also a seismic bedrock