The 30th International Geological Congress was held in Beijing, China in August 1997. Leadings scientists convened to present their findings and views to the international geological research community. These 26 volumes, covering most of the sessions of the congress, contain nearly 600 contributions. All articles in the proceedings have been refereed and keynote papers have been included in Volume 1. These proceedings aim to present a view of contemporary geology and should be of interest to researchers in the geological sciences. Each volume can be purchased separately.