Distribution and volume of rocks in sedimentary basins – unusual case of the South Caspian basin

Abstract

The article gives a brief overview of the sedimentary cover of the Earth and summarizes volumes and mass of sediments contained in the Earth sedimentary layer (stratisphere). Using available data authors show unique nature of the South Caspian Basin and other rapidly subsiding basins with large amount of sediments and attenuated crust. Sedimentary, crustal and lithospheric thickness correlations are discussed.