Tectonical-geophysical setting of the Caucasus

Abstract

Many outstanding geologists such as G. V. Abikh, I. M. Gubkin, V. E. Khain, K. N. Paffenholtz studied the Caucasus. The Caucasus comprises four main morphological and tectonic units (Khain and Koronovsky 1997): (1) the Ciscaucasian plain (Scythian platform), including the foredeeps of the Greater Caucasus; (2) the Greater Caucasus itself, stretching in a WNW-ESE direction; (3) the Transcaucasian system of intermontane basins, and (4) the Lesser Caucasus with its an arcuate N-convex shape and the most heterogeneous structure. This geological division of the Caucasus is traditional, although it is sometimes modified (Fig. 2.1).