Cumulative curves of grain-size against frequency often show segmented shapes which have been interpreted as the result of combination of normally distributed populations. The origin of the segments is explored by the examination of two classes of models, truncation and mixing. Similar curves may be generated by a variety of models. The segments rarely reflect precisely the original populations. Simulation of the tri-segmented curves commonly ascribed to combinations of suspension, saltation and traction populations shows that the characteristics of the contributing populations are not consistent with these three modes of transportation.

The stratigraphy and palaeobotany of new in situ exposures of interglacial deposits at Swanton Morley, Norfolk are described. These organic sediments, which probably accumulated in a river back channel, are shown to cover pollen zones Ib to IIb of the Ipswichian interglacial. Macroscopic plant fossils include a new record for Trapa natans from subzone Ip IIb. Vertebrate remains from the new excavations, and from previous finds, have been pollen-dated. The Ip IIa fauna, the first recorded from this subzone, includes Emys orbicularis, small mammals including Microtus oeconomus, and some large mammals. Hippopotamus amphibies is recorded from early zone Ip III. Of particular interest are hazelnuts gnawed by Apodemus, and large mammal bones damaged by Crocuta.

Recent resurgence of interest in the Mesozoic rocks of SW and southern Cyprus necessitates redefinition of the Mesozoic sedimentary and igneous rocks in line with modern stratigraphical convention. Two fundamentally different rocks associations are present, the Troodos Complex, not redefined, a portion of late Cretaceous oceanic crust, and the Mamonia Complex, the tectonically dismembered remnants of a Mesozoic continental margin. Based on earlier work, the Mamonia Complex is divided into two groups, each subdivided into a number of subsidiary formations and members. The Ayios Photios Group is wholly sedimentary, and records the evolution of a late Triassic to Cretaceous inactive continental margin. The Dhiarizos Group represents Triassic alkalic volcanism and sedimentation adjacent to a continental margin. Several other formations not included in the two groups comprise sedimentary mélange and metamorphic rocks. The Troodos Complex possesses an in situ late Cretaceous sedimentary cover which includes two formations of ferromanganiferous pelagic sediments, radiolarites and volcaniclastic sandstones. The overlying Cainozoic calcareous units are not redefined here.

Chemically similar altered gabbro, tholeiitic basalt, basaltic andesite and calc-alkaline rhyolite of Early Miocene age is present on Small Nggela, Solomon Islands. Large vesicles are invariably lacking from the autochthonous basaltic pillow lava which has narrow chilled margins, but clasts of allochthonous basalt present in coeval Early Miocene sediment are commonly vesicular. This suggests that the autochthonous lava was deposited in deep water (> 2.5 km) whereas the allochthonous lava was formed upslope in shallow water. A progressive increase in the tholeiite in Zr, Ti, K2O/(K2O+Na2O), Rb/Sr and K2O/Rb from N to S confirms that an Early Miocene southward-descending subduction zone, postulated by some authors, was present. Its recognition implies that the subduction zone did not migrate far during the Early Miocene.

Box-fault systems are striking arrangements of short faults that are associated with complex groups of elongate, tilted fault blocks (ramps). They occur within the faulted eastern shoulder of the Rift Valley, close to the equatorial bend in its alignment. This association of small-scale structures is shown to be integrated within the large-scale, asymmetrical structural pattern of the equatorial bend.

A geomagnetic survey indicates that the Carboniferous igneous rocks in the Tickenham area are more extensive than previously recognized. Inversions of the magnetic anomalies suggest the causative basaltic body is tabular in form, conforms to the regional dip and has a coplanar magnetization. The magnetization vector orientation indicates emplacement during a period of magnetic field reversal and thus at a time different from other Carboniferous igneous rocks in the region.

Examination of the Eichstätt specimen of Archaeopteryx shows that the pubis agrees with those of the Berlin and London specimens in indicating a downward and backward inclination of some 135° relative to a line drawn through the lower extremities of the iliac blade. The greater part of the backward rotation of the bird pubis had thus taken place by the Kimmeridgian Stage (sensu anglico) of the Upper Jurassic. A definite pectineal process is present in Archaeopteryx, indicating the existence of a well-developed ambiens muscle. Some preliminary remarks are made about the skull of Archaeopteryx.

The role of tubes in aa flows may be more important than previously recognized. On Etna they are commonly found in the near-vent areas of aa flows. A study of tubes associated with the 1971 Observatory Vent on Etna suggests that ephemeral boccas on the flow surface downslope of the main vent were fed by tubes.

Lower Carboniferous secondary dolostones are shown to be affected by dedolomitization. The crystals of dolomite most affected are those occurring around calcite-filled rhombohedral pores within the dolostones. Dedolomitization of dolomitized crinoid ossicles also occurs. This is thought to be caused by their greater susceptibility to dedolomitization due to dolomicritization. Dedolomitization and subsequent dissolution, giving an enhanced porosity to the dolostones, are believed to be related to the present-day weathering surface.