Episodes is the official quarterly journal of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS). It covers developments of regional and global importance in the earth sciences and is distributed worldwide in March, June, September, and December. From 1997, initially the former Chinese Ministry of Geology and Mineral Resources (MGMR) and then the Ministry of Land and Resources (MLR) has been providing editorial and production support. Whilst every care is taken in compiling the contents of Episodes, the MLR assumes no responsibility in effects arising therefrom.