Geological heritage of the Northwestern Caucasus and its importance for promoting a better understanding of the Earth's structure and evolution

Abstract

In this article, 13 sites of geological heritage were identified in the Seversk district of the Krasnodar region (Russia), which rests on the northern slope of the Northwestern Caucasus. Their geomorphological, tectonic, stratigraphic, paleogeographic, and paleontological subtypes in the basins of the Ubin and Afips Rivers were described. It was found that the Seversk district can be a potentially attractive geotourism destination because it hosts many unique natural sites, attracts a large tourist flow annually, and has a well-developed infrastructure. Measures were proposed to increase the geoconservation potential of the Seversk district and make it more appealing for geotourists. The results obtained and presented here are essential for enhancing and promoting our understanding of the structure and evolution of the Earth during the Late Mesozoic–Cenozoic events.

Keywords

• geological natural sites
• trace fossils
• cretaceous
• caucasus mountains