The results of an investigation based on ALEPH data,e + e − → hadrons at s√=91 GeV, into fluctuations in rapidity space are presented. It is found that the behaviour of the factorial moments is well represented by the Lund parton shower model. An estimate is made of the scale of fluctuations needed to describe the data. Differential moments are introduced and are used to demonstrate that within the average represented by the traditional factorial moments the pattern of fluctuations is itself a strong function of rapidity. This pattern is shown to be primarily associated with the emission of hard gluons. The implied structure between the hadron clusters and partons is explored by the use of transverse mass moments. It is concluded that the principal features of the one-dimensional factorial moments, differential moments and transverse mass moments have their origin in theO(α s ) matrix element, kinematic boundaries and the method of selection of the event axis.