New Early Cretaceous Geosites with Palaeogeographical Value from the Northwestern Caucasus

Field investigations in the northwestern segment of Greater Caucasus, a Late Cenozoic orogen, have permitted establishment two new geosites, namely Ubin and Bezeps geosites. Both represent Berriasian–Middle Valanginian (Early Cretaceous) marine deposits with abundant trace fossils. The latter are attributed to Nereites ichnofacies indicate on deep palaeoenvironments (this interpretation challenges previous reconstructions). geosites palaeogeographical type geoheritage. They characterized, particularly, by high scientific aesthetic importance, but restricted accessibility. Further geoheritage inventory central Northwestern Caucasus seems be promising.