THE NEOGENE STRATIGRAPHIC SCALE OF THE EASTERN PARATETHYS

Abstract

The Neogene stratigraphic scale comprising 12 regional stages of the Eastern Paratethys is discussed. The stratotype, its lithology, and characteristic micro- and macrofossils are given for every regional stage with indication of their stratigraphic position and probable correlation with regional stages of the Western Paratethys and with stages of the Mediterranean scale. Paleogeographic features of the Eastern Paratethys and its links with other basins are characterized for every stage of the Neogene history. A particular attention is paid to boundaries of series and subseries. The lower Neogene boundary is arbitrarily drawn in the lower part of the Caucasian regional stage, the lower-middle Miocene boundary is drawn within the Tarkhanian regional stage, and the middle-upper Miocene boundary is placed within the uppermost middle Sarmatian regional stage. The Miocene-Pliocene boundary coincides with the top of the Pontian regional stage whereas the Neogene-Quaternary boundary is placed slightly above the upper boundary of the Akchagylian regional stage.