Ustyurt Plateau scarps morphology and age

Abstract

The Ustyurt Plateau scarps (so called «Chynks») morphology is controlled by the rocks lithology and tectonics, The Upper Cretaceous, Paleogene and Neogene carbonate rocks form precipices and steep slopes with steps. If Miocene limestones overlie the Oligocene sands and clays, landslides are developed. The landslide zone is up to 5 km wide, which depends on the scarp height. The scarps age differs at different places, but it is not older than Early Pleistocene, as active and deep erosion preceded the Bakinian transgression. The parts of scarps washed by the Quaternary seas are still younger, mostly of Late Pleistocene and Holocene age, and not older than Middle Pleistocene.