REVIEW OF STRATIGRAPHY OF EASTERN PARATETHYS 
Sea (Likharey, 1958). The Khazarian, Girkan and Khvalynian 
appear equivalent to the Uzunlarian, Karangatian and 
Neoeuxinian respectively of the Black Sea 
(Pleistocene-Holocene). Zubakov & Borzenkova (1990) 
calibrate the Khazarian, Girkan and Khvalynian against 
magnetostratigraphic polarity epoch | (Brunhes). 
Kuyalnikian to Neoeuxinian (Black Sea) (Fig. 12) 
The Kuyalnikian to Neoeuxinian of the Black Sea appear 
equivalent to the Akchagylian to Khvalynian of the Caspian 
(Late Pliocene to Holocene). Details of Kuyalnikian to 
Neoeuxinian stratigraphy have been discussed by Wall & Dale 
(1973), Karmishina (1975), Vekua (1975), Kaplin (1977), 
Shikmus et al. (1977), Schrader (1979), Semenenko & Pevzner 
(1979), Shatilova (1984), Sirenko & Turlo (1986), Yanko 
(1990a—b, 1991), Balabanov et al. (1991) and Trubikhin et al. 
(1991a—b). 
Kuyalnikian (Fig. 12) 
The Kuyalnikian takes its name from a locality on the Danube 
Delta (Likharev, 1958). The Romanian appears synonymous. It 
appears equivalent to the Akchagylian of the Caspian. Zubakov 
& Borzenkova (1990) calibrate it against magnetostratigraphic 
polarity epochs 3 (Gauss) to 2 (Matuyama). 
The Kuyalnikian/Akchagylian represents a major 
transgressive episode when Eastern Paratethys was reconnected 
with the world oceans (Fig. 12). During this time, marine 
plankton were introduced into Eastern Paratethys enabling 
calibration to global datums. 
Details of Kuyalnikian stratigraphy have been discussed by 
Karmishina (1975), Vekua (1975), Semenenko & Pevzner (1979), 
Shatilova (1984) and Sirenko & Turlo (1986). 
Micropalaeontology. Only the non-age-diagnostic, 
quasi-marine, smaller benthonic foraminifera Ammonia beccarii 
and Elphidium incertum were recorded by Karmishina (1975) 
from the Kuyalnikian of Prechernomore (Northern Black Sea). 
Stratigraphically and/or palaeoenvironmentally significant 
ostracods recorded by Karmishina (1975) and Vekua (1975) 
from the Kuyalnikian of Prechernomore (Northern Black Sea) 
and Abkhazia (North-eastern Black Sea) respectively include 
Bakunella  dorsoacuata, Caspiocypris labiata, _ Caspiolla 
acronasuta, Cryptocyprideis bogatschovi, Cypria arma, 
Leptocythere andrusovi, L. circumsulcata, Loxoconcha eichwaldi, 
L. petasa, Mediocythereis apatoica and Pontoniella acuminata. 
Bakunella dorsoacuata, Caspiolla acronasuta and Loxoconcha 
petasa are quasi-marine species (Yassini, 1986). Caspiocypris 
acronasuta and Cypria arma are fresh-water. 
Nannopalaeontology. Stratigraphically significant calcareous 
nannofossils recorded by Semenenko & Pevzner (1979) from the 
Kuyalnikian include Discoaster pentaradiatus (NN9?-NN17) 
and Reticulofenestra pseudoumbilica (NN7?-NN15). 
Palynology. Only non-age-diagnostic palynomorphs have been 
recorded from the Kuyalnikian. Pollen spectra from 
‘Thermo’-SCT15 are characterised by polydominance 
(Shatilova, 1984: Sirenko & Turlo, 1986). 
Gurian 
The Gurian takes its name from an ancient province of what is 
now Western Georgia (Likharev, 1958). It appears equivalent to 
43 
the Apsheronian of the Caspian (Pleistocene). Zubakov & 
Borzenkova (1990) calibrate it against magnetostratigraphic 
polarity epoch 2 (Matuyama). 
Chaudian 
The Chaudian takes its name from a promontory on the Kerch 
Peninsula (Crimea) (Likharev, 1958). It appears equivalent to 
the Bakunian of the Caspian (Pleistocene). Zubakov & 
Borzenkova (1990) calibrate it against magnetostratigraphic 
polarity epochs 2 (Matuyama) to 1 (Brunhes). 
Uzunlarian, Karangatian and Neoeuxinian 
The Uzunlarian takes its name from a lake, the Karangatian 
takes its name from a promontory on the Kerch Peninsula 
(Crimea), and the Neoeuxinian its name from an ancient name 
for the Black Sea (Likharev, 1958). The Uzunlarian, 
Karangatian and Neoeuxinian appear equivalent to the 
Khazarian, Girkan and Khvalynian respectively of the Caspian 
(Pleistocene-Holocene). Zubakov & Borzenkova (1990) 
calibrate the Uzunlarian, Karangatian and Neoeuxinian against 
magnetostratigraphic polarity epoch | (Brunhes). 
Details of Uzunlarian, Karangatian and Neoeuxinian 
stratigraphy have been discussed by Schrader (1979) and 
Markova & Mikhaleska (1994). Schrader (1979) recorded the 
palaeoenvironmentally significant diatoms Actinocyclus divisus, 
A. ochotensis, Cymatopleura solea and Stephanodiscus astraea 
(which indicate a palaeosalinity range of 0.5-3.0ppt). Markova 
& Mikhaleska (1994) recorded the ostracods Amnicythere 
cymbula, Callistocythere alfera, C. lopalica, C. mediterrarea, C. 
quinquetuberculata and Loxoconcha immodalata in the 
stratotypical Uzunlarian. 
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. We wish to acknowledge our colleagues at the 
Azerbaijan Academy of Sciences, Baku, in particular Drs. Elmira 
Ateava, Dilara Mamedova and Reyhan Koshkarly, for their assistance in 
procuring publications, for facilitating fieldwork, and for sharing their 
extensive knowledge with us. We also wish to acknowledge Dr. Fred Rog! 
of the Naturhistorisches Museum, Vienna, for his constructive critical 
review of the manuscript. BP Exploration provided drafting facilities 
and is thanked for permission to publish. 
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