ABSTRACT
Recent studies of Pleistocene deposits in the Russian Plain have permitted the recognition of complex climatostratigraphic sequences that can be used for long-range correlation with the ‘Cromerian-Complex’ and the Elsterian of the Western European standard sequences. The transition from reverse to normal magnetic polarity (Matuyama-Brunhes reversal) has been determined in the middle part of the Mikhailovsky horizon in Moldavia. In the vicinity of the city of Voronezh the stratigraphy of the alluvial deposits of the Petropavlovsk horizon is partially comparable with that of the Mikhailovsky horizon. These deposits are followed by the till and periglacial loess of the Pokrovsky horizon (cryochron). The overlying Ilyinsky horizon is composite and represents at least two thermochrons separated by a cryochron (Setun and Narev tills), which can be correlated with the stratotype section at Tiraspol and, further, with the middle part of the ‘Cromerian-Complex’ in the Netherlands (Interglacial II, Glacial B, Interglacial III). Stratigraphically, above the aforementioned horizons can be found the sediments of the Don glacial lobe. These, in turn, are overlain by the interglacial alluvial deposits of the Muchkapsky horizon (thermochron) containing a Late Tiraspolian assemblage of micromammals. This horizon may correlate with Interglacial IV of the ‘Cromerian-Complex’. The younger Oka glacial horizon (cryochron) would then be contemporary with the Elsterian of Western Europe.
