On the mechanism of the formation of the eastern scarp of the Ustyurt Plateau

Abstract

New data are presented on the geomorphology of the intermediate step between the eastern scarp of the Ustyurt Plateau and the western coast of the Aral Sea. The step relief formation is supposed to be result of limestone blocks detachment and extrusion of clay ridges between them. The process is a kind of diapirism. The connection of the described mechanism with tectonics and Holocene history of the Aral is pointed out.