LATE CREATACEOUS-CENOZOIC SEDIMENTS OF THE BAIKAL RIFT BASIN AND CHANGING NATURAL CONDITIONS

Abstract

The late Cretaceous-Cenozoic sediments of fossil soils and weathering crusts of the Baikal rift have been subject to long-term studies. Based on our research results, it is possible to distinguish the following litho-stratigraphic complexes which are related to particular stages of the rift development: the late Cretaceous–early Oligocene (crypto-rift Arheo-baikalian), the late Oligocene–early Pliocene (ecto-rift early orogenic Pra-baikalian), and the late Pliocene-Quaternary (ecto-rift late orogenic Pra-baikalian – Baikalian) complexes. Changes of weathering modes (Cretaceous-quarter), soil formation (Miocene-quarter) and differences of precipitation by vertical and lateral stratigraphy are analysed with regard to specific features of climate, tectonics and facial conditions of sedimentation. Tectonic phases are defined in the Cenozoic period of the Pribaikalie.

Keywords

• baikal rift basin
• sedimentary layer
• weathering crust
• fossil soil
• tectonics
• climate