Pre-Akchagylian buried drainage network of KaraKum

Abstract

Ramified paleo-drainage of Pre-Akchagylian age is discussed, which had been buried under Pliocene-Quaternary deposits at the sand plains of Low and South-Eastern Kara Kum. Main valley was paleo- Amu Darya, which crossed Kara Kum from East to West and had several left tributaries (paleo-Balldi, paleo-Murgab, paleo-Tedgen etc.). Right tributaries have not been known yet. Studies of ancient valley pattern in Turkmenistan are of importance for geological prospecting, fresh water and hydrocarbons in particular.