Deep structure of the southern Caspian Lowland according to geomorphological and geophysical data

Abstract

Structural-geomorphological studies in the southern Caspian Lowland ascertained the presence of a series of large (hundreds of kilometers in diameter) macromorphostructures undergoing neotectonic movements of «key-board» type widely varying in rate. The macromorphostructures are found to correspond to deep-seated large blocks in the lower earthcrust, which developed in a continuous tectonic regime up to recent time. Intrusive activity was of primary importance in the blocks evolution at different tectonic stages. Each large crustal block appears to correspond to a definite type of morphostructure and sedimentary cover which is uniform in thickness and faultines density within the block. It may be suggested that large blocks of similar structure bear oil and gas deposits of the same type.