Crimean Mountains Research Articles

Biostratigraphy and magnetostratigraphy of the upper Tithonian–Berriasian of the Crimean Mountains

Our data from studies over many years on upper Tithonian–Berriasian strata of the Crimean Mountains are summarised. Their zonal subdivision has been significantly refined using ammonites and foraminifera, as well as on the basis of calpionellid, ostracod and dinocyst distributions. We have been able to document the presence of all standard Tethyan zones in the Berriasian, i.e., the Jacobi, Occitanica and Boissieri Zones, identified on the basis of foraminifera, ostracods and dinocysts. Based on calpionellids (families Chitinoidellidae and Calpionellidae) in Eastern Crimea, three standard zones were identified: Chitinoidella (Dobeni and Boneti Subzones; Tithonian), Crassicollaria (Remanei and Massutiniana subzones; Tithonian) and Calpionella (Alpina and Elliptica subzones; Berriasian). Tithonian and Berriasian calpionellid assemblages were identified in Southwestern Crimea. A magnetostratigraphic scale for the upper Tithonian–Berriasian has been also developed, thus corroborating a continuous succession of magnetic chrons from M20 through M14. The existence of the M16n.1r subchron (‘Feodosiya’) is substantiated; it should be included into the Geomagnetic Polarity Time Scale. The base of polarity chron M18r appears to be the most likely choice among other palaeomagnetic intervals to determine the lower boundary of the Cretaceous System, because it is close to the base of the Grandis Subzone in Tethyan sections and the Chetae Zone in Boreal sections.

The position and age of flysch deposits in the Crimean Mountains (Southern Ukraine).

The Crimean Mountains (CM) are regarded as part of the Alpine-Himalaya orogenic belt related to the collision of the Eurasian and African plates. Our research in the CM has allowed confirming the existence of at least two flysch formations of different ages: the Taurida Flysch Formation (Upper Triassic/Lower–? Middle Jurassic) and the Sudak Formation (uppermost Jurassic/Lower Cretaceous) in the western and eastern sectors of the CM, respectively. After the Middle Jurassic volcanism, the freshwater claystones with coal-bearing intercalations, as well as local alluvial fan conglomerates were deposited. Then, following the Oxfordian/Kimmeridgian marine transgression, three separated Tithonian/Berriasian carbonate platforms developed: Baydarska, Chatyr-Dag and Demerji/Karabi. At the turn of the Late Jurassic, the deep-water Sudak Basin (eastern sector of the CM) began to develop in the eastern periphery of the Demerji/Karabi carbonate platform. This basin, dominated by turbiditic deposition, was probably connected with the Great Caucasus sedimentary system. Finally, distal flysch sedimentation in the Sudak Basin was followed by debris-flow deposits, with huge blocks of Upper Jurassic limestones. These blocks were derived from destruction of the Karabi carbonate platform. During the Berriasian/Valanginian, the eastern sector of the CM began to subside. As a result, both carbonate platforms (western CM) and the debris flow fans of the Sudak Basin (eastern CM) were overlain by marly shales and/or distal turbidites. This type of deposition lasted until the Aptian/Albian. In the post-Albian period, the Alushta-Salgir tectonic zone was transformed into a SE-dipping thrust fault with at least 10 km amplitude of overthrusting.

Cretaceous and Jurassic intrusions in Crimean Mountains: The first data of U–Pb (SIMS SHRIMP) dating

U–Pb geochronological studies of igneous rocks of the Crimean Mountains were carried out for the first time. The ages of magma crystallization determined for gabbro–dolerites of the Dzhidair and Pervomaiskii intrusions point to the injection of these rocks during the Middle Jurassic Aalenian–Bajocian stage of magmatism. The Berriasian–Valanginian and Aptian age of sill-like bodies within the mass of volcanogenic–sedimentary rocks presumes the necessity to reconsider the common notion of an exclusively Albian magmatic event during the Cretaceous. High-precision U–Pb dating of magma intrusions allowed us to verify the age of Middle Jurassic magmatism and to distinguish the new Early Cretaceous Berriasian–Valanginian magmatism stage of basic composition.

SCREENING OF ACTINOMYCETES – POTENTIAL BIOCONTROL AGENTS OF THE TYPICAL TREES INFECTIONS

From the main ridge of Crimean mountains were isolated 564 strains of soil non-rhizospheric actinomycetes and 640 isolates from rhizosphere medicinal and endemic plants Thymus roegneri K. Koch aggr., Jurinea sordida Stev., Helianthemum stevenii Rupr. ex Juz. & Pozd., Orchis purpurea Huds., Trinia bibershteinii Fedoronch., Potentilla depressa Willd. ex D. F. K. Schltdl. Their antimicrobial properties were studied against phytopathogenic bacteria Pseudomonas syringae IMV 8511, Xantomonas campestris pv. campestris IMV 8003, Agrobacterium tumifaciens IMV 8628 і Erwinia amylovora Mi2 and fungi Fusarium oxysporum IMV 54201, Aspergillus niger IMV 16706, which are typical infectious diseases wide range of plants, including trees. Isolates with antibacterial and antifungal properties are more represented in the rhizosphere of plants. Overall, about half non-rhizospheric or rhizospheric isolates inhibited growth of at least one test-culture. Most antagonists were found in the rhizosphere Thymus roegneri K. Koch aggr. (67.4 %). least – in the rhizosphere Helianthemum stevenii Rupr. ex Juz. & Pozd. (39.8 %), there were 50.6 % among non-rhizospheric strains. Most isolates inhibited growth of X. campestris pv. сampestris (almost 30 %), least – P. syringae (about 5 %) and fungi (not more 3 %). We isolated 18 strains, which are capable of inhibiting all used phytopathogenic bacteria (10 non-rhizospheric and 8 with rhizosphere of plants), 35 isolates inhibited growth Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium oxysporum , of which 27 were non-rhizospheric. Also we isolated 4 strains of non-rhizospheric actinomycetes which showed activity against all used test-cultures. At the same time in non-rhizosphere soil more isolates were found that supressed the growth of pathogenic bacteria or fungi, and 4 actinomycete strains have antimicrobial activity against all teststrains. We selected 57 isolates for further research that could be potential biocontrol agents of infectious diseases of trees.

О произрастании Holosteum marginatum C. A. Mey. (Caryophyllaceae: Alsinoideae) в Крыму

Holosteum marginatum C. A. Mey. was firstly reported from the Crimea by H. E. Grosset in 1977 on the base of his findings in the central part of the Crimean Mountains (Mt Chatyrdag and Mt Demerdji) in 1958. That record was generally either omitted or considered to be doubtful by following florists because H. E. Grosset did not indicate the herbarium where his specimens were deposited. The species was additionally reported for the eastern part of the Southern Coast of the Crimea (Karadag) by Ya. P. Didukh with co-authors in 2004. In the present investigation, the presence of H. marginatum in the Crimea is confirmed due to finding anew of H. E. Grosset’s specimens in herbarium MW and our rediscovering of the species on the Mt Chatyrdag. At the same time, our studying of the relevant specimens deposited in the Herbarium Institut of Botani (Barcelona, BC) shows that the report of this species from Karadag is erroneous. Description and diagnostic characters of H. marginatum are provided with evidence that it is morphologically well recognized species. The species occurs on Mt Chatyrdag in the alliance Androsaco tauricae-Caricion humilis Didukh in Didukh et Mucina 2014 and should be considered to be a native element of the Crimean flora. The nomenclature and the general distribution of the species are discussed. The author of the name H. marginatum is C. A. Meyer but not F. B. Fischer and C. A. Meyer. General distribution of the species includes Russia (Republic of Crimea, Stavropol Territory, and Republic of Dagestan), Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Iran. The report of this species from Romania in the Euro+Med Plantbase is erroneous.

Дослідження слідів вилуговування в ізвестнякпах континентального схилу Криму

The paper is about the leaching process. Processes are common in almost all calcareous rocks of Crimea. They meet in the F irst ridge of the Crimean Mountains in the Neogene and Paleogene rocks, as well as in the Jurassic limestone of the Main ridge of Crimean mountains. A large number of geological and tourist sites associated with chemical weathering process, named in honor of the Slovenian Karst. Among the typical karst plateau consists of a large number of fascinating caves to a depth of 500 m. As well as smaller form. They are distributed in almost all types of limestones of the Crimean peninsula. However, not all forms of leaching have classic karst origin. Particularly interesting findings with clear signs of leaching on the seabed, raised in several expeditions OMGOR NAS of Ukraine when working on the Crimean continental slope, at the latitude of Cape Foros. About weathering Mesozoic rocks of the seabed of the Black Sea is known very little. Only in the Yu.G. Balandin and V.I. Miller describes the properties of the weathering crust Jurassic shale strata shelf southern coast. On the continental slope Crimea leached rocks were first raised in the 80s geological expeditions Department of Marine Geology and Sedimentary Ore (OMGOR). In the works of Ye.F. Shnyukov, Yu.Yu. Orovetskiy dense limestone with spongy voids leaching dated lower chalk have been described. In subsequent flights OMGOR NAS of Ukraine repeatedly met limestones, mudstones, travertine with different forms of weathering, including emissions of solid mud volcanoes. Forms of weathering in the Crimean Mountains, besides the classic speleogeneticaly genesis, can be formed at the contact of limestone strata of the Upper Jurassic to the lower chalk. These boundaries are observed traces of erosion and karst phenomena. This indicates the presence of a significant erosion between the Jurassic and Cretaceous. The Upper Jurassic limestone rocks spread from the border plateau Karaby-Yayla to Cape Fiolent. Rocks presented thin-layered clean and brecciated limestones. Studies have shown that the geological history of the Crimean Mountains and the deep-sea basin of the Black Sea have the same course of the processes. The test is a limestone facies Shallow Upper Jurassic age, and have been leaching at rewashing on the border of the Jurassic and Cretaceous. The limestone fissures silicification was formed as a result of the activity of living organisms. As a result, silica katagenesis finally formed in the quartz in the Upper Cretaceous. Column was down to great depths, and is a component of the continental slope in the present form. Most likely, fragments of limestone have been omitted hypsometrically lower levels on the occurrence of Cretaceous strata, as a result of neotectonic and landslides.

An offshore-onland transect across the north-eastern Black Sea basin (Crimean margin): Evidence of Paleocene to Pliocene two-stage compression

The tectonic evolution of the Black Sea (BS) is a subject of debate, there are several unsolved questions: 1) the timing and the spatial progression of the BS basin opening and 2) the timing of Cenozoic shortening along the northern margin of the Eastern BS basin. The timing of the main compressional deformations, related to the inversion of the Greater Caucasus (GC) basin, is assumed to be Oligo-Miocene. However, Late Cretaceous/Early Paleocene shortening, linked to the final closure of the northern branch of the Neotethys, is also suggested. The Crimean Mountains (CM), to the north of the Eastern BS, is one of the key areas to investigate in order to fix the tectonic evolution of the BS. To precise the timing of the Cenozoic shortening of the Eastern BS, we focus on an integrated onshore/offshore transect from the Eastern CM to the Sorokin Trough (north of Eastern BS). We use newly collected stratigraphic and structural data from the Eastern CM, and a new interpretation of multichannel seismic lines. We define 1) the offshore seismic stratigraphy and constrain the relative chronology of deformations, 2) the age of seismic units by correlation of the seismic data with the Subbotina-403 well log, and 3) we construct an on-to-off shore transect of Eastern CM - northern Eastern BS region. Our results evidence a polyphased Cenozoic compression in the northern part of the Eastern BS: 1) Paleocene-Earliest Eocene and 2) Oligocene-Miocene (Maikopian). Normal faults appear to be related to a formation of the foreland basin, instead of evidencing the Eastern BS Cretaceous rifting. Finally, this study allows precising the shortening phases within Eastern CM and Eastern BS since the Early Paleocene, linking them to the Neotethys closure and the GC tectonic evolution.

The upper Bajocian of the Crimean Mountains: Paleogeography and sedimentation conditions from palynological data

Based on the spore-pollen data, the mineral composition of clay rocks, analyzed structures and facies, and a general paleogeographic analysis, the sedimentation conditions and landscapes of islands located during the Late Bajocian in the region of the present-day the Crimean Mountains have been reconstructed. It is shown that the sublatitudinally elongated insular land zone had a width of 30 km, the heights of the islands were no more than 1 km, with steep mudflow-affected northern slopes and with an extensive river system on the southern slopes.

Collision processes at the northern margin of the Black Sea

Extended along the Crimea–Caucasus coast of the Black Sea, the Crimean Seismic Zone (CSZ) is an evidence of active tectonic processes at the junction of the Scythian Plate and Black Sea Microplate. A relocation procedure applied to weak earthquakes (mb ≤ 3) recorded by ten local stations during 1970–2013 helped to determine more accurately the parameters of hypocenters in the CSZ. The Kerch–Taman, Sudak, Yuzhnoberezhnaya (South Coast), and Sevastopol subzones have also been recognized. Generalization of the focal mechanisms of 31 strong earthquakes during 1927–2013 has demonstrated the predominance of reverse and reverse–normal-faulting deformation regimes. This ongoing tectonic process occurs under the settings of compression and transpression. The earthquake foci with strike-slip component mechanisms concentrate in the west of the CSZ. Comparison of deformation modes in the western and eastern Crimean Mountains according to tectonophysical data has demonstrated that the western part is dominated by strike-slip and normal- faulting, while in the eastern part, reverse-fault and strike-slip deformation regimes prevail. Comparison of the seismicity and gravity field and modes of deformation suggests underthusting of the East Black Sea Microplate with thin suboceanic crust under the Scythian Plate. In the Yuzhnoberezhnaya Subzone, this process is complicated by the East Black Sea Microplate frontal part wedging into the marginal part of the Scythian Plate crust. The indentation mechanism explains the strong gravity anomaly in the Crimean Mountains and their uplift.

Upper Bajocian of the Crimean Mountains: Paleogeography and sedimentary conditions based on palynological data

The reconstruction of the sedimentation conditions and insular land landscapes on the site of modern Crimean Mountains for the Late Bajocian based on spore-pollen data, the mineral composition of clay rocks, textures and facies analysis and general paleogeographic analysis.It is shown that sublatitudinally elongated insular land had a width 30 km, the height not more than 1 km, steep northern slopes with mudflows and low-angle southern slopes with extensive river system.

Determination of characteristics maximal runoff mountain rivers in Crimea

This article has been examined maximum runoff of the rivers of the Crimean Mountains. The rivers flow through the western and eastern part of the northern slope Crimean Mountains, and on its southern coast. The largest of them: Belbek, Alma, Salgir, Su-Indol and others. To characterize the maximum runoff of rain floods (the layers of rain floods and maximum discharge of water) on the rivers of the Crimean Mountains were used materials of observations for long-term period (from the beginning of observations to 2010 inclusive) on 54 of streamflow station with using a the so-called «operator» model for maximum runoff formation. Keywords: maximum runoff; rain floods; hillslope runoff; karst

The Alan-Kyr Coniacian–Campanian section (Crimean Mountains): Biostratigraphy and paleobiogeography aspects

This investigation continues the study of the Alan-Kyr reference section (Central Crimea, Belogorsk Region). The zoned age difference in the stratigraphic scheme of the Upper Cretaceous in the Eastern European Platform is considered according to benthic and planktonic foraminifers, as well as radiolarians in the Alan-Kyr section. This fact can be explained based on the suggestion that stratigraphically important taxa could have appeared in Crimea several million years earlier than on the platform, where they could migrate under the great global eustatic transgression in the Early Campanian. We also considered the influence of paleobiogeographic conditions on the taxonomic composition of the zoned foraminifer complexes, both benthic and planktonic.

Key problems of stratigraphy in the Eastern Crimea Peninsula: some insights from new dating and structural data

Abstract The tectonic evolution of the Eastern Black Sea Basin has previously been explained based on offshore and onshore data, some of the latter from the Crimean Mountains (CM). However, changes in the stratigraphy of the CM have recently been proposed: the Late Triassic–Early Jurassic Tauric Group was assigned as younger (Albian). To clarify the stratigraphy and the tectonic evolution of this area, we sampled the eastern CM for micropalaeontological datings (nannoplankton). The results demonstrate an Early Cretaceous age for the Tauric Group in the eastern CM. The samples contained substantial amounts of volcanic ash, indicating a period of magmatic activity along all the eastern CM. Our field observations allowed us to propose a new structural map and cross-sections, using which three main tectonic units were distinguished. We define a phase of extension during the Early Cretaceous and one of shortening during the Paleocene–Early Eocene, before the main Middle Eocene limestone unconformity. These two phases are related to: (1) the opening of the Eastern Black Sea Basin along NNW–SSE-trending normal faults and the associated magmatism; and (2) north–south shortening that could be comparable with the inversion in Dobrogea and/or with north–south shortening linked to the collision of continental blocks in the Pontides and Taurides domains.

The polygenetic origin and surface development of the Laspi slope deformation in the Crimean Mountains

The polygenetic origin and surface development of the Laspi slope deformation in the Crimean Mountains

Extreme precipitation over the Crimean península

Based on daily precipitation data for 1951–2009 from 18 hydrometeorological stations all over the Crimean peninsula, a 58-year data series of extreme precipitation parameters (precipitation concentration, level of extreme precipitation and number of days with extreme precipitation) were calculated. Linear trends of calculated parameters are estimated in this paper. Manifestations of the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) of the extreme precipitation changes were analyzed. The precipitation concentration is found to increase in the Crimean Mountains region in the winter season, but in the summer season the precipitation concentration is characterized by uniform distribution. Linear trends of the winter and summer precipitation concentration during the last 58 years are predominantly negative over Crimea. The maximum values of precipitation level in the winter season are typical for the Crimean Mountains region. In the summer season, values of precipitation change insignificantly. The number of days with extreme precipitation exhibits decreasing trends in the winter season over the territory of Crimea. In the summer season, the number of days with extreme precipitation in south-eastern part of Crimea has increasing trends. The negative PDO phase in the winter season was found to accompany increased precipitation concentration (up to 11%) all over Crimea and by decreased concentration (up to 4%) in the summer season in central, southern, and eastern regions of Crimea. The number of extreme precipitation days in the winter season is up to 30% higher in the negative PDO phase over the whole territory of Crimea, while in the summer it is up to 60% lower in the south-eastern part of peninsula.

Song Repertoire and Origins of Crimean Population of Chiffchaff, Phylloscopus collybita (Sylviidae)

Abstract Song repertoire of geographically isolated Chiffchaff population that formed in Crimean mountains in 1990s is analyzed. There are 42 song elements in the Crimean Chiffchaff repertoire. A quarter of their song elements appear to be specific for this population because it is absent in neighboring European Chiffchaff populations from regions to the north (Ph. c. abietinus subspecies) and west (Ph. c. collybita subspecies). Comparison of song elements of Crimean Chiffchaffs with those of Caucasian birds of Ph. c. caucasica subspecies shows that they belong to same vocal population: specific elements in Crimean Chiffchaff songs are found also in songs of Caucasian birds. This is evidence that breeding population of Chiffchaff in Crimea originated from the species expansion from Caucasus, and that Crimean Chiffchaffs belong to Ph. c. caucasica subspecies.

Representatives of Stigonematales in the Flora of Ukraine: Diversity, Ecology, and Taxonomic Position

The information about the diversity of representatives of the order Stigonematales Geitler in flora of the Ukraine is analyzed in light of modern ideas on taxonomy, ecology, phylogeny, and the position of true branching forms in the system of heterocytous cyanoprocaryotes. Critical revision of historical and contemporary data on their findidngs in Ukraine revealed 14 species of true branching cyanobacteria belonging to 7 genera and 4 families of the monophyletic group Nostochophycidae. Hapalosiphonaceae is the most diverse (3 genera) followed by Stigonemataceae (2), Capsosiraceae and Symphyonemataceae (one genus and one species in each). Genus Stigonema C. Agardh ex Bornet & Flahault in Ukraine is represented by eight out of ten species found in Europe; other genera have one species each. Most of the revealed species are subaerophytes, usually occurring in marsh ecosystems, three are freshwater species, and two species (Brachytrichia quoyi Bornet & Flahault and Mastigocoleus testarum Lagerh.) dwell in the seas on limestones; the latter refers to a group of boring euendoliths. In Ukraine, very rare species were found: Capsosira brebissonii Kütz. ex Bornet & Flahault and Pulvinularia suecica Borzi are known in the world by single finds; Fischerella major Gomont was recorded in Europe only three times. Stigonema intermedium N.V. Kondrat. until now is known only from several localities in Ukraine; it has been described as the inhabitant of drying up sites of hypnum-sedge bogs in Western Polesie and later found again on dripping rocks in the Crimean Mountains. Ukrainian nature is rich in landscapes with favorable habitats for true branching Cyanoprokaryota, which allows consideration, given the list of species is a preliminary one.

Radiolarians, foraminifers, and biostratigraphy of the Coniacian–Campanian deposits of the Alan-Kyr Section, Crimean Mountains

Data on the distribution of radiolarians and planktonic and benthic foraminifers are obtained for the first time from the Alan-Kyr Section (Coniacian–Campanian), in the central regions of the Crimean Mountains. Radiolarian biostrata, previously established from Ak-Kaya Mountain (central regions of the Crimean Mountains) were traced: Alievium praegallowayi–Crucella plana (upper Coniacian–lower Santonian), Alievium gallowayi–Crucella espartoensis (upper Santonian without the topmost part), and Dictyocephalus (Dictyocryphalus) (?) legumen–Spongosaturninus parvulus (upper part of the upper Santonian). Radiolarians from the Santonian–Campanian boundary beds of the Crimean Mountains are studied for the first time, and Prunobrachium sp. ex gr. crassum–Diacanthocapsa acanthica Beds (uppermost Santonian–lower Campanian) are recognized. Bolivinoides strigillatus Beds (upper Santonian) and Stensioeina pommerana–Anomalinoides (?) insignis Beds (upper part of the upper Santonian–lower part of the lower Campanian) are recognized. Eouvigerina aspera denticulocarinata Beds (middle and upper parts of the lower Campanian) and Angulogavelinella gracilis Beds (upper part of the upper Campanian are recognized on the basis of benthic foraminifers. These beds correspond to the synchronous biostrata of the East European Platform and Mangyshlak. Marginotruncana coronata-Concavatotruncana concavata Beds (Coniacian–upper Santonian), Globotruncanita elevata Beds (terminal Santonian), and Globotruncana arca Beds (lower Campanian) are recognized on the basis of planktonic foraminifers. Radiolarian and planktonic and benthic foraminiferal data agree with one another. The position of the Santonian–Campanian boundary in the Alan-Kyr Section, which is located stratigraphically above the levels of the latest occurrence of Concavatotruncana concavata and representatives of the genus Marginotruncana, is refined, i.e., at the level of the first appearance of Globotruncana arca. A gap in the Middle Campanian–lower part of the upper Campanian is established on the basis of planktonic and benthic foraminifers. The Santonian–Campanian beds of the Alan-Kyr Section, on the basis of planktonic foraminifers and radiolarians, positively correlate with synchronous beds of the Crimean-Caucasian region, and beyond. Benthic foraminifers suggest a connection with the basins of the East European Platform.

Using hydrochemical data to estimate the components of the water balance (the Bodrak river basin, southwestern Crimea)

The assessment of the individual elements of the water balance in the catchment area of a small river was made. The water balance equation of Bodrak Basin (north-western slopes of the Crimean Mountains) based on hydro-chemical data was proposed. When calculating the incoming articles of precipitation the authors used data of the weather station located in the village Pochtovie. The corrections to the vertical zoning were inputted when calculating. Estimation of the condensation flow was based on long-term observations of the karst spring during the low-flow period. Estimations of evaporation were based on the calculation methods, recommended in the special publications.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF NIKOLAY S. BLAGOVOLIN IN THE CRIMEA

Nikolay S. Blagovolin (1927–2006) – scientific researcher of Institute of Geography AS USSR (RAS), talented geomorphologist which creative career during more than 40 years was associated with the Crimean Peninsula. His academic interest was focused on the Crimean Mountains morphostructure, history of relief development, including the stage of modern tectonic movements. He was one of the authors of unique approach of complex field and an office study which was optimized in 1960–1970 years within the territories of the geodynamic field test sides including Crimean one. N.S. Blagovolin is the author of more than 60 scientific papers on the Crimean geomorphology.