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Isotopic, major and trace element studies of loess deposits from America, China, Europe and New Zealand show general uniformity of composition. Silica, Zr and Hf are enriched relative to estimates of bulk composition of the upper continental crust. The REE data are indistinguishable from those of average shales, confirming the concept that these REE patterns (La N/Yb N= 9.5 Eu/Eu∗= 0.66) represent the upper crustal average. Sm-Nd model ages are variable but< 1700 my They reflect derivation from younger elevated erogenic areas subject to Pleistocene glaciation. Although Sm-Nd model ages vary by a factor of two, the REE patterns remain constant. This indicates that processes responsible for formation of the upper crust have produced no secular change in composition since the mid-Proterozoic.