Buried River Valleys of the Neogene and Early Quaternary in the Middle Volga Region, European Russia

Buried river valleys from the Neogene–Quaternary time are widespread throughout Middle Volga region of Russian Plain. They have been studied for a long period, since 1940s, with last major generalizations dating back to 1980s. This paper presents new results based on GIS mapping using materials state geological study in 1960–1970, 1984–1996 and 2000–2002. On whole, pattern buried valley network is close modern region. During Quaternary, right-sided displacement incisions prevailed. The located above Neogene (pre-Akchagyl) almost entire territory. vertical amplitude ranges 30 200 m. morphometric characteristics paleovalleys (the depth width incisions, as well gradients bottoms paleovalleys) exceeded ones. maximum values were typical middle Paleo-Volga valley: reached 10 km, incision was−201.4 m below sea level bottom gradient was 0.9–5.0 m/km. most important factor that influenced position their morphological appearance fluctuations Caspian paleowaterbody. According this study, development began Miocene ended Early Quaternary. alluvial–lacustrine type sedimentation predominant. work contribute paleogeography Cenozoic southeast