Geology aspects and formation of the erosional structure of Upper Miocene deposits of the Western Cicaucasus

The results of regional studies of the Early Miocene deposits of the Western Ciscaucasia, carried out on the basis of seismic stratigraphic analysis, are presented. The spatial pattern of sediment accumulation is analyzed and the paleogeographic conditions during the regressive stages of the Late Miocene in the Western Ciscaucasia are clarified. Erosion incisions of several levels were identified, which developed during the fall of the erosion base level during major regressions in the studied time interval. By spatial correlation of paleochannels based on a selected series of intersecting seismic profiles, the buried river valleys of the Paleo-Don and Paleo-Donts were reconstructed and constructed at the Sarmatian‒Meotis boundaries and within the Late Meotis‒Late Pontian interval.