UPPER JURASSIC-CRETACEOUS RADIOLARIANS OF THE GREATER CAUCASUS AS THE KEY TO DECIPHERING THE AGE AND CONDITIONS OF FORMATION OF THE OPHIOLITES OF THE LESSER CAUCASUS

Abstract

The following representative radiolarian assemblages are known in the Greater Caucasus: Callovian-Oxfordian, Tithonian, Albian-Cenomanian, Lower Turonian, Upper Turonian-Santonian, and Campanian-Masstrichtian. The discovery of extremely rich radiolarian assemblages in the carbonate rocks of the western spurs of the Greater Caucasus has made it possible to distinguish specific radiolarian beds. Previously described were radiolarian beds with R. turpicula - H. lupheri and P. alinchakanse - H. maxwelli from the carbonate and volcanogenic-siliceous rocks of Callovian-Oxfordian age in the rim of the Lesser Caucasus ophiolite zone, which are characterized faunally by ammonites. In the siliceous-carbonate section of the Lesser Caucasus, in addition, successive radiolarian beds have been distinguished. The scientific use of the new radiolarian finds will permit more definite dating of the radiolarites in the ophiolite associations of the Lesser Caucasus, as well as a better interpretation of their origin, which has given rise to numerous hypotheses.