Paleogeomorphology of river valleys at the SE Russian Plain

Abstract

Some problems of paleogeomorphological reconstructions are discussed and recon structed topography is analysed for Early-Middle Jurassic, Middle Miocene and Middle Pliocene epochs of continental conditions. The epochs are typical for river valleys development which were identified and mapped within the limits of all the Central and south-eastern Russian Plain. Paleo-topography has been reconstructed within the Paleo-Don and PaleoVolga drainage basins; maps are compiled showing the surfaces topography in paleo-isohypses. The Don valley appeared to exist since Pre-Bajocian-Callovian time, and inces-santly since Middle Miocene. Paleo-Volga was formed during Middle Pliocene; under the conditions of low base level it intercepted most of upper Paleo-Don tributaries.