The Lower Miocene Askazansor Formation in Central Kazakhstan: Paleontological characteristics, biostratigraphy and paleogeographical conditions

This manuscript provides valuable insight into the geological evolution of Central Kazakhstan during the Cenozoic and serves as a key tool for understanding the paleogeographic evolution of the surrounding regions. Based on the literature and the results of our own research, data on the Oligocene-Early Miocene fauna of the Askazansor site, located in the southern part of Central Kazakhstan, were analyzed and summarized. The stratigraphy was examined, the history of the research was studied, and an attempt was made to synchronize the paleofauna with other localities in Kazakhstan and Eurasia. The article presents descriptions of bone remains of previously unknown equids from here. The age of the deposits is considered to be the Early Miocene. Based on the study of mammals and the lithofacial analysis of sediments, conclusions were drawn about the paleoecological situation of this time.