Volga Region

A first for the Volga region described two new species of echinoids and shows their stratigraphic position. Analyzed the relationship identified Maastrichtian sea urchins of the region coupled with synchronous complexes conjugate paleobiochores

In the course of this work we cast the light on the state of research of the Late Cretaceous sea urchins in the Volga region as well as the development of ideas about their distribution in the rocks of the Upper Cretaceous in the region. Resources used in the research include studies about this group of invertebrates since the beginning of the XIX century up to the present day. It was estab­lished that the vast majority of publications consist of fragmentary information containing mentions of echinoderm remnants findings.

The level with anomalous high values of natural remanent magnetization and Koenigsberger ratios was identify in the Upper Maastrichtian of Vol’sk depression (Saratov Volga Region). The microprobe studies of samples from this layer registered elevated concentrations of microparticles of iron, nickel, intermetallics and magnetite spherules of cosmic genesis. Similar petromagnetic anomaly was detect in the uppermost of Maastrichtian in the South Cis-Caspian (Aktolagay Plateau, Kazakhstan).

The paper analyzes the stratigraphic distribution of elasmobranchs in the deposits of the Melovatka Formation (Cenomanian) from the right bank of the Volga (part of the Penza, Saratov and Volgograd regions).

The horizon enriched in glauconite and phosphorite was revealed at the carbonatic outcrops near Volsk in the Coniacian and Campanian stage deposits. The short descriptions of studying sections are presented. The spread of synchronous deposits within Khvalynsky district was traced. The Lower and Upper Santonian and the Campanian age deposits are proved by the presence of the inoceramids, belemnites and echinoides. Its vertical distribution was traced.

The Gubkino Horizon (Turonian-Coniacian) in the Bolshoy Kamenny ovrag section (Zhirnovsk town, Volgograd Region) has not been purposefully studied so far. As a result of biostratigraphic and magnetostratigraphic researches the carbonate rocks of the Gubkino Horizon were first divided into zones based on benthic foraminifera complexes and characterized by geomagnetic polarity and rock-magnetism data. The most part of the Bolshoy Kamenny ovrag section is covered by the reverse polarity zone.

The first representatives of Cameroptychium on the territory of Russia, which are established in the rocks of the Upper Cretaceous of the Volga region, are described. The labyrinthine structure of the skeleton and the modular, colonial level of organization of these sponges are considered, which is typical for many Late Cretaceous Hexactinellids. The widespread manifestation of isomorphism indicates the finiteness of the formation of representatives of Hexactinellida. The origin of Cameroptychium is correlated with Santonian Plocoscyphia.