The stratigraphy of the Oligocene-lower Miocene deposits of southern Ukraine

Authors: YULIIA V. VERNYHOROVA, TAMARA S. RYABOKON

Abstract: Lithostratigraphic units (formation, strata, and beds) and regional stages of the Oligocene-lower Miocene succession of southern Ukraine are described based on the results of comprehensive lithological and paleontological data analysis. The historical perspective on the stratigraphical investigations of the Maikop Group in the Crimean and Kerch Peninsulas and their equivalents in the broader Peri-Black Sea Region were also integrated in this overview. Moreover, a correlation was established between the locally defined regional stages and specific stratigraphic horizons of southern Ukraine, the global Oligocene and Miocene stages (defined by the International Stratigraphic Chart), and the stages of the Eastern Paratethys. The Planorbellian regional stage (early Rupelian) includes the Borysfen, Planorbella, Indol, and Eastern-Kerch Formations and Diurmen Beds. The Molochnian regional stage (late Rupelian) includes the Molochna and Azamat Formations and the Kop-Takil Strata. The Kerleutian regional stage (latest Rupelian-Chattian) includes the Kerleut, Sirohozy, Askaniia, and Hornostaivka Formations and the Chorelek and Clay Stratum. The Bathysiphonian regional horizon (Aquitanian-Burdigalian) includes the Arabatska, Alahol, Chornobaivka, and Mayachka Formations and the Karha Beds. This horizon is also considered as age-equivalent to the Caucasian, Sakaraulian, and Kotsakhurian regional stages of the lower Miocene in the Eastern Paratethys. The Oligocene-early Miocene age of all these lithostratigraphic units belonging to the megaregional Maikop Group is substantiated by paleontological data. This work represents the latest stratigraphic model of Oligocene-lower Miocene deposits in southern Ukraine as a part of the Eastern Paratethys Basin.

Keywords: Stratigraphy, lithostratigraphic units, Oligocene, lower Miocene, Maikop Group, southern Ukraine

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