This paper is based on observations made in the Cupp-Coutunn cave system of Turkmenistan. Genetic models for sulphate filamentary crystals in caves are often based on solutions seeping through porous substrates under some external hydrostatic pressure. The physical models of such seeping are examined and the seepage hypotheses found to be implausible for natural environments. The main genetic mechanism is shown to be only local feeding, exclusively due to capillary pressure together with a short-period (seasonal) humidity cycle. In some cases there is also a major role for sulphate reduction processes. Some new aggregates, based on filamentary crystal growth, are described.

Karst terrains cover a large part of Brazil and form an important component in the country’s landscape. As yet much of Brazil’s karst areas have only been superficially studied and cave exploration is still in its infancy. Karst features are developed in a wide variety of lithologies, mainly in Proterozoic carbonates, but also in a number of other rocks, such as quartzite, sandstone and granite. About 81% of all known caves in Brazil occurs in four karst regions, defined by their lithology; the Bambuí, Una, Açungui and Corumbá Groups. This paper attempts to summarise and briefly describe the major karst areas and cave systems in these regions. A summary of the current status of karst science in Brazil is presented, together with an updated bibliography.

The popular belief that William Beard played a large part in the opening of Banwell Bone and Stalactite Caves is examined in the light of contemporary material, largely previously unpublished, and on the basis the discovery of a letter written in 1829. As a result it is concluded that Beard was not involved with the opening of these caves. The date of exploration of the caves is clarified as September 1824 and an account is given of some early visits to the caves.

Since the publication of the last Cave Notes (Boycott et al, 1991) there have been further discoveries in County Clare and County Galway, which are detailed below. The caves are grouped geographically in order corresponding to the chapters in Caves of County Clare (Self, 1981) and are listed alphabetically within each group. The grid references refer to the distance in centimetres east and north respectively from the Southwest corner of the relevant 1 : 10560 series maps. The Green Holes can be located on sheet 8A, published with sheet 14; grid references on this sheet are measured from the Southwest corner of the inset sheet 8A and not that of sheet 14. A convenient point of reference is the tower on Crab Island: Clare 8A, E17.25, N25.15. As 1 : 50000 series maps with the Irish National Grid shown are now available, grid references in this form are also given. However as these maps are not of a sufficiently large scale to enable small cave entrance to be accurately located, both systems will continue to be used. New sites are listed with alternative names, if any, and townland (Td.) together with length, depth and altitude where appropriate. These are given for previously known sites only where a change has occurred.

Rhinoceros Hole lies in the side of the Wookey Hole ravine, Mendip. It was first excavated by H. E. Balch in the early 20th century, and a major excavation was carried out by the UBSS from 1970 to 1976, removing most of the deposits. The sediments comprised a wedge shaped sequence of subaerial cave earths filling an alcove in the ravine side, underlain by water laid silts and sands. An abundant fauna with dominant spotted hyaena and woolly rhinoceros and Middle and Early Upper Palaeolithic artefacts, suggest a middle Devensian age. Early reports of interglacial faunal elements have been shown to be erroneous. Uranium series dating of detrital speleothem blocks suggests an age of less than around 50 ka for the deposits and the fauna and industries are tentatively concluded to date from between about 50 and 25 ka.

This paper details the continuing investigation of caves and rockshelters in the Upper Wye Valley. Excavations near the entrance of King Arthur’s Cave have revealed a well-preserved sequence of Lateglacial-Postglacial deposits containing Late Upper Palaeolithic artefacts and fauna. Finds of Bronze Age pottery and Later Mesolithic artefacts are reported from the North Alcove of the Second Chamber, inside the cave. A new survey of Merlin’s Cave has found intact sediments on the cave walls enabling the collection of samples of microfaunal remains and human bone for dating purposes. The results of work at four other sites, one of which has produced evidence of prehistoric flintwork and fauna are also summarised .