Presented is a review of papers presented at the 25th International Geological Congress held August 16-25, 1976, Sydney, Australia. Topics include precambrian geology, tectonics, biostratigraphy, geochemistry, quaternary geology, engineering geology, planetology, geological education, and stress environments. (SL)

Describes the results of analyzing world wide seismic profiles to develop a precise scale of regional, continental, and global unconformities for dating events in geologic history. (SL)

Describes the nature and function of source and reference databases in the geosciences and discusses current trends in the development of such databases. A 32-item reference list and a directory listing geoscience databases from around the world (including information on organizational sponsors and online accessibility) accompany the text. (JL)

Described are concepts involved with the formation and actions of the Mid-Ocean Ridge. Sea-floor spreading, the magma supply model, discontinuities, off-axis structures, overlaps and deviation, and aquatic life are discussed. (CW)

Described is employment in four branches of earth science: geology, geophysics, meteorology, and oceanography. Considered for each employment area is the nature of the work, places of employment, type of training and qualifications for advancement, employment outlook, and earnings and working conditions. The demand for specialists in these four…

Discusses the potential and feasibility of future widespread exploitation of the vast geothermal energy resources, that could greatly reduce the need for other forms of energy resources. (GA)

A summary of some of the newly gained information about Mars from the Viking Lander is presented. (MR)

Harlan Smith, chairman of the University of Texas's Astronomy Department, discusses a mobile lunar laser ranging station which could help determine the exact rates of movement between continents and help geophysicists understand earthquakes. He also discusses its application for studying fundamental concepts of cosmology and physics. (Editor/RK)

Reviews current ideas and research findings related to the flow patterns of mantle rocks. Highlights the components of the two-layer convection and whole-mantle models of mantle flow. Proposes that mantle flow is the key to understanding how the earth has cooled and chemically evolved. (ML)

Reviews the basic principles and methods of nuclear chronalogy or radiometric dating. Includes rubidium-strontium dating, radiocarbon dating, and an outline of recent findings. (MLH)

Many properties of new particle field theories can only be tested by comparing their predictions about the physical conditions immediately after the big bang with what can be reconstructed about this event from astronomical data. Facts/questions about big bang, unified field theories, and universe epochs/mass are among the topics discussed. (JN)

Seismic events which took place during 1982 form the focus of this review on 1982 seismic research activities and projects. Funding problems for local and other networks, earthquake-prediction research (funded by National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977: P.L. 95-124), use of computers, and aftershocks are among the areas addressed. (JN)

Summarizes findings of a recently published report of the Canadian Geoscience Council, which includes the following topics regarding college geology: facilities; teaching; undergraduate enrollments; postgraduate enrollments; geologic research; and integration of Canadian geoscience with other countries. (CS)

Discussed is the earth's gravity and its geological significance. Variations of gravity around the earth can be produced by a great variety of possible distributions of density within the earth. Topics discussed include isostasy, local structures, geological exploration, change of gravity in time, and gravity on the moon and planets. (DS)