Cretaceous sedimentary units of Mangyshlak Peninsula (western Kazakhstan)

The Cretaceous succession of the Mangyshlak Region is reviewed. Two periods in the geological history of this region are recognised. Sedimentary units are determined for period on the base of detailed stratigraphy. Usually the units are separated by unconformities, differing in range and significance. The time of terrigenous sedimentation extends from the earliest Cretaceous to the early Turonian. The Neocomian succession was formed under changing Tethyan/Boreal influence. The main interruption in marine sedimentation took place in the early Hauterivian (which is probably missing in the region)-Barremian interval, during which continental sediments were deposited. Aptian to early Turonian deposits were formed within the European Palaeobiogeographical Region with a few Boreal invasions. The time of carbonate sedimentation in the "Chalk sea" Basin of the European Palaeobiogeographic Region began in the fate Turonian and continued through the Maastrichtian.