Lithostratigraphy of the Lower Cretaceous of Southwestern and Central Crimea

The revision and updating of the local geological units of the Lower Cretaceous in the Southwestern and Central Crimea have been carried out. For this purpose, the materials presented in numerous publications and the results obtained by the authors during field studies were used. Updated local stratigraphic schemes of six structural and facies subzones were compiled. In their correlation, not only paleontological data but also eight sedimentary sequences established in the outcrop sections and formed as a consequence of regional sedimentary cycles were employed. The results obtained provide a foundation for the development of a regional stratigraphic scheme of the Lower Cretaceous of Crimea reflecting the main stages of sedimentation in the palaeobasin.