Abstract

The paper deals with important, different views on the old glaciation of the Caucasus based on the literary sources and the latest data obtained through the expeditions. Our researches are mostly of complex character where petrographic, palynological and paleontological methods are widely used. The petrographic method allowed us to connect block debris of the moraine with the main centers and to determine the directions of the glaciers movement and their distribution boundaries. The palynological method was used to determine the genesis of loose sediments considered as moraines and their sedimentation conditions. The palynological spectrum of deposits shows that they are river sediments and their sedimentation took place under humid, moderately warm climate conditions that is not associated with glaciation.

Highlights

  • The study of the Caucasian Isthmus, from the point of view of paleoglaciation, began in the second part of the XIX century [1]

  • The palynological method was used to determine the genesis of loose sediments considered as moraines and their sedimentation conditions

  • At the end of the century paleogeographical study of the Caucasus was carried out under the influence of West European ideas based on the study of the Alps

Read more

Summary

Introduction

The study of the Caucasian Isthmus, from the point of view of paleoglaciation, began in the second part of the XIX century [1]. At the end of the century paleogeographical study of the Caucasus was carried out under the influence of West European ideas based on the study of the Alps. Since 1956 the West European ideas have been subjected to criticism and the first attempts have been made to work out the objective scheme of the Caucasian glaciation [2]. The Alpine tradition still exists in the works of some investigators of the Caucasus. The main summits of the Great Caucasus by their absolute height exceed the Pleistocene conditions for glaciers development in the Caucasus (comparative simplicity of the mountains belt’s plain) and Great Caucasus climate is not, and never favourable for the existence of such a thick glacial cover, as in the Alps.

Methods
Discussion
Conclusion

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.