Nannoplankton-Based Biostratigraphic Subdivisions in the Reference Sections of the Taman Trough and Ciscaucasia

Abstract

Integrated paleomagnetic and biostratigraphic study of the Neogene sedimentary sequences in the reference sections of the Taman Trough and Ciscaucasia allowed substantially new datings of biotic and biogeographic events in the Middle Miocene to be obtained, suggesting a connection with the world’s oceans in the Lower Miocene, a connection with the Central Paratethys and the Mediterranean at the beginning and middle part of the Konkian and the beginning of the ecological crisis in the Sarmatian. Based on the study of nannoplankton assemblages, auxiliary biostratigraphic units—Beds with nannoplankton—have been identified. The age and range of some regional members and their correlation with subdivisions of the Central Paratethys are emended.