The Ponto-Caspian orogenic region is characterized by sharply differential rates of recent vertical crustal movements (RVCM) with velocities ranging from −6 to +30 mm/ year, and with high gradients, in places exceeding 20 · 10 −8 year −1. The direction and velocity of RVCM are closely connected with the morphostructural plan of the region. Within the mountain regions the velocity of uplift increases from West to East from 2–4 mm/year in the Stara Planina and Crimean mountains, to 6–8 mm/year in the western Caucasus, and more than 12 mm/year in the axial zone of the central and eastern Caucasus. There is a parallel increase eastwards in the topographic relief of conjugate depressions and mountains. The Black Sea shores are subsiding slowly with a mean velocity of about 1 mm/year. However, in certain local parts the subsidence is more active (Varna, −5.35 mm/year; Poti, −6.5 mm/year). The western shore of the Caspian Sea is characterized by a range of RVCM within the limits −3.5 to +4.5 mm/year. The RVCM of the Ponto-Caspian orogenic region clearly reflect the differentiation of longitudinal and transversal morphostructures of different orders. This is displayed most clearly in the contrasted movements of superposed sea depressions and mountain constructions, and intermotane and foothill depressions. Within the limits of mountain constructions proper it is displayed in diversely directed vertical movements of separate blocks. The most intensive and contrasted movements are observed in the zones of inversion of foothill depressions (velocities up to 30 mm/year and gradients of 1.0 to 3.0 mm/year per km).