Some problems of the Crimean Mountains paleogeomorphology in connection with the Kerch iron ore formation

Abstract

New data are given on the widespread once ferruginous weathering crusts in the Crimean mountains at planation surfaces of different ages. Intensive uplift of the Crimean mountains at the beginning of Pliocene resulted in the erosion of the crusts and their evacuation out of the mountain area. Nevertheless the remnants of the crusts show scale of their distribution and suggest the Crimean mountains to be main source of iron-bearing material during the formation of the Cimmerian (Middle Pliocene) iron-bearing deposits at the Kerch Peninsula and Western Azov region.