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This paper describes, from field exposures, temporary excavations and borehole core, the pedogenically altered fluvial deposits found in the UAE termed the Barzaman Formation. This formation comprises a sequence of rocks dominated by variably cemented conglomerates thought to be middle Miocene to Pliocene in age. The sequence is interpreted as an alluvial fan succession (or "bajada") laid down in response to uplift and erosion of the Hajar Mountains. A ground model for this formation is described to explain the distinct lithological features of the formation, comprising terrestrial fluvial and alluvial plain deposits that have been modified by cementation and dolomitisation, duricrust formation and pedogenic processes during arid periods over repeated climatic cycles. Four principle lithologies thus typically occur as a rhythmic alternation of a basal conglomerate (composed predominantly of clasts of ophiolite and chert) overlain by an irregular bed of white conglomerate and "calcisiltite" and passing upwards into a pale grey to green clay and siltstone "breccia". The white conglomerate and calcisiltite largely represent deposits of dolomite-palygorskite duricrust. The well established Clarke & Walker (1979) descriptive scheme currently used for describing the formation is reviewed and a simple visual descriptive lithological classification proposed. The classification is described in terms of the three principal lithological components visible in hand specimen: mottled white calcisiltite matrix/cement, palygorskite rich marl and clasts derived from the Oman Mountains (gabbro, chert and weathered ultramafic rock). Data on the mineralogy and microstructure of the rock constituents is also presented and some implications for geotechnical characterisation of the formation briefly discussed.

The former Department of the Environment has commissioned 35 applied geological mapping studies dealing with land-use planning in a range of geological and planning environments. These were carried out in England and Wales between 1983 and 1996. Using geological maps as a base these studies have developed two types of applied geological maps: thematic maps dealing with particular topics and summary maps bringing together many of the earth science factors relevant to planners and developers. The recommendations made by Geomorphological Services Limited (GSL) in 1985 in a previous review of these studies are summarized. The output, type and range of information, and its potential users are compared. Each study is assessed, with respect to the GSL recommendations, in terms of its content and usefulness, based in part on how it has been received by users. The main types of summary and thematic maps are described and guidance given on their content and presentation. The importance of maps in providing the key interface between earth scientists and planners is discussed, in particular the significance of map scale, use of colour and accuracy of the geological lines. Good practise is illustrated by reference to examples.

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Lithostratigraphic studies of four borehole cores drilled through the late Paleocene Lambeth Group (Upnor, Woolwich and Reading Formations) and basal London Clay Formation of central London have been supplemented with palaeomagnetic, calcareous nannoplankton and palynological data. The Woolwich and Reading Formations and the lower London Clay Formation are reversely magnetized and were deposited during the early part of Chron C24r. The first record of both NP9 and Chron C25n, hitherto missing from the Paleogene record in southern England, has been identified in the Upnor Formation (formerly the Woolwich Bottom Bed). It provides a key reference marker for linking events associated with the Paleocene-Eocene boundary (positioned within Chron C24r) to the type area of the internationally recognized Thanetian and Ypresian Stages.