Modern structural and tectonic model of the Caspian Region

Abstract

The article analyzes the development and evolution of the structural and geodynamic systems of the sedimentary complex in the Caspian region, and the results of structural and tectonic modeling of individual tectonic zones in the region. Based on the modeling results, an important feature of the morphology and structure of the basement surface and sedimentary complex in the Caspian Sea is the tracked sea extension of many elements detected on land. The main features of the morphology and structure of the basement surface and sedimentary complex in the Caspian region are the presence of superdeep depressions of the earth’s crust, with the basement depth up to 16 km or more in the North Caspian and up to 20–24 km in the South Caspian, as well as the distinct longitudinal (sublatitudinal) tectonic zonality of the region. Constructed as a result of the implemented reconstructions, the generalized geological and tectonic model of the uneven-aged basement surface comprises the sea and continental parts of the region under study. The study was carried out within the framework of the state contract with Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, No. 075-00069-20-02, dated September 10, 2020, topic No. AAAA-A20-120092590017-4.