Lower–Middle Devonian rocks at junction of the Volga–Ural anteclise, Ural foredeep, and North Caspian basin: Lithology and perspectives of petroleum potential

Abstract

New data on the stratigraphy and lithology of the Lower–Middle Devonian rocks at junction of the Volga–Ural anteclise, Ural foredeep, and North Caspian basin are reported. Facies maps are also presented for the Takatinian, Koiva–Vyazov, Eifelian, and Givetian stages of the region evolution. The paleogeographic evolution and structural zonation of the basin in the Early–Middle Devonian are discussed. The evolution of carbonate buildups (Akbulak and Saraktash) in connection with their possible petroleum potential is examined.