Reconstructions of drainage network evolution at the Caspian Lowland during late Pleistocene

Abstract

River systems has been reconstructed which existed at the Caspian Lowland during different epochs of the late Pleistocene. Watercourses direction often did not correspond to the general southward slope of the lowland. Types of deltas and coastlines also changed in the course of time, mostly due to differentiated tectonic movements. Three main trends can be traced in the tectonic evolution of the region: gradual increase in general slow upwarping of the territory, continuous tectonic activity of extensive lineaments (mostly NW strike), corresponding to deep-seated faults, increase in the rate of differentiated tectonics of both platformian type (large arch-block uplifts and graben-like troughs) and salt tectonics. The noted features in drainage network evolution essentially contribute to knowledge of the Caspian Lowland paleogeography during the late Pleistocene.