Numerous flights of Quaternary marine terraces are present around the island of Cyprus, in the Eastern Mediterranean. These terraces are a result of the global eustatic sea-level curve and local tectonism. Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5 through MIS 13 terraces are identified, mapped and dated. Palaeoshoreline elevation, an excellent indicator for a past sea–level, and new numerical geochronology are used to calculate an Upper Pleistocene uplift rate for various coastal sectors. Southwestern Cyprus presents the highest uplift rates of 0.35-0.65 mm/year with other sections suggesting uplift of 0.07-0.15 mm/year. This Upper Pleistocene tectonic signal is attributed to an active offshore subduction/collision system to the southwest of Cyprus, evidenced from the seismic activity offshore and the surface expression of a blind thrust fault in the Pafos region. Soil chronosequences and geology in southwestern Cyprus are studied in order to understand the Quaternary development on this uplifting landscape. Soil profile properties are used to calculate a profile development index (PDI), a method often applied to geomorphic surfaces as a relative dating method. Well-developed red and clayey soils occur in the coastal sector, on broad and low-angle surfaces, specifically on marine terraces and alluvial fans. Higher elevations of steep slopes consisting of carbonate and ophiolite lithologies host poorly developed soils. Results show variable PDI's on uplifted terraces, obscured by transported materials, active alluvial fan buildup and hillslope erosion. Calcium carbonate build-up in soil profiles in the form of nodular and laminar accumulations are used as another relative dating method. Geochronology of marine terraces is used as an age range approximation for carbonate stages. Geomorphologic mapping focuses on the southeastern part of the Pafos thrust fault, the only point on the landscape where this otherwise blind fault is exposed on the surface. This is the location of Palaipafos, an important Ancient polity, today the site of the village of Kouklia. Geoarchaeological study suggests little landscape change over the last 4000 years in the vicinity of the urban core of Palaipafos, this being attributed to bedrock and landscape resistance of its location, a plateau at 80 m amsl. Copper deposits in the Palaipafos hinterland had provided a valuable resource at one time. Soil and water resources continue to sustain agriculture.Tectonic uplift in this part of the Pafos thrust fault is estimated to be 2.1mm/year, considered, together with Late Holocene sea-level change responsible for the shifting locations and eventual abandonment of the Palaipafos harbor in the coastal lowlands. / Graduation date: 2013

Terrace deposits along a 40 mile segment of the Colorado River between Austin and Bastrop, Texas, are mapped in detail. The following deposits have been delineated (lowest to highest): Floodplain, Sixth Street Terrace, Montopolis Terrace, Capitol Terrace, Hornsby Terrace, Asylum Terrace, and Delaney Terrace. The Hornsby Terrace deposits and the Montopolis Terrace deposits were previously unrecognized. A program of mechanical analysis was conducted on samples taken from the terrace deposits and the floodplain. Cumulative frequency curves of grain size from five samples collected up to 15 miles apart from the Asylum Terrace gravel, are distinctively grouped--different from all other samples. Cumulative frequency curves from five samples from the Hornsby Terrace gravel also plot in a close grouping distinct from other samples. Over short distances where abrasion is not a dominant factor it seems that grain size distribution may be useful as a means of correlation of terrace remnants. Analysis of the lithologies of these samples indicate that the Hornsby, Asylum and Delaney Terrace gravels are practically without limestone clasts, in a drainage basin that is, presently, composed dominantly of limestone. This suggests that the Commanche Series in the Edwards Plateau region was not extensively exposed but was covered by the Gulf Series at the time of the formation of these terraces. The Manor lag gravel, an upland gravel in the thesis area, is thought to be the remnant of a high terrace deposit of the Colorado River. All terrace gravels except the Capitol and Montopolis Terrace gravels are thought to be the result of lateral planation by a stream at or near grade. The Montopolis and Capitol Terrace gravels are thought to be the result of a lengthy episode of lateral planation by the Colorado River accompanied by slow degradation. / text