Structure, Mineral Composition and Age Determination of Gaverdov and Armavir Formations (Western Ciscaucasia)

The article examines the Late Miocene deposits of the Western Ciscaucasia, represented by the Gaverdov (Belaya River) and Armavir (Kuban River) formations. Based on field and laboratory studies conducted by the authors in 2024–2025 and earlier studies, which Provided new stratigraphic, lithological, and paleontological data, as well as U–Pb dating of detrital zircon, their stratigraphic features and provenances are compared. These results allowed us (i) to refine the chronology of the geological development of the Greater Caucasus folded structure; (ii) to identify evidence of exposure of its crystalline core in the Late Miocene; (iii) to investigate the influence of neotectonic uplifts on the formation of continental sedimentary strata and the dynamics of core exposure. Our data refine and complement the thermochronology and lithostratigraphy of the study region.