About This Item

Share This Item

The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Special Volumes

Abstract


Pub. Id: A108 (1973)

First Page: 239

Last Page: 245

Book Title: M 19: Arctic Geology

Article/Chapter: Correlation of Tertiary Nonmarine Deposits in Alaska and Northeastern Asia: Regional Arctic Geology of the USSR

Subject Group: Geologic History and Areal Geology

Spec. Pub. Type: Memoir

Pub. Year: 1973

Author(s): S. F. Biske (2)

Abstract:

Comprehensive paleobotanic studies of the major stratigraphic sections of the Tertiary nonmarine deposits of Alaska and Asia show that correlation is possible.

In Alaska, the basal Tertiary Chickaloon Formation is correlative with the Avekova Suite of Asia. Warm-temperate plant assemblages with minor quantities of subtropical plants characterized the time of deposition of these strata. The Fultonian of Alaska correlates with the lower Ravenian Tastakh Suite of Asia. This depositional period was characterized by subtropical and tropical assemblages, but some flora represent warm-temperate trees. Both angiosperms and gymnosperms (of the latter, mainly Cupressaceae and Taxodiaceae with minor Pinaceae) are present.

The upper Kummerian Omoloy Suite is characterized by a warm-temperate flora including angiosperms (Betulaceae with minor evidence of broad-leaved trees) and gymnosperms (Pinaceae, including Ketelleria, Cedrus, and Dacridium, and minor Toxodiaceae). The assemblages from the lower units of the Koynatkhun Beds resemble those of the upper Angoonian Stage in northeastern Asia, and the upper strata resemble lower Seldovian units. In Alaska, the Miocene(?) Tsadaka Formation and the lower part of the Kenai Group are equivalents of the Omoloy.

Among the Seldovian suites--Marekane, Pekulneyveyem, Namtsy, and Mamontova Gora, and the upper Nero Beds--are found flora of coastal conifers (e.g., broad-leaved trees with minor subtropical components) and midland-upland conifers and birch and minor broad-leaved trees. The age of the Marekane Suite is confirmed by marine mollusks. In Alaska, the Kenai Group, except for the lower part, is considered to be equivalent to the named Seldovian suites.

In the Osinovskaya Member of the Homerian, Pinaceae and Betulaceae predominate, but scarce broad-leaved plants are represented.

Transitional beds characterize the upper Homerian and the lower Clamgulchian Stage of Alaska. In northeastern Asia, the following units are correlative with those transitional beds: Tirekhtyakh, Khapchan, Gusinka, Delyankyr, and Erman. The lower units of the Clamgulchian are similar to the Homerian, whereas middle and upper units contain boreal assemblages with a dominance of Betulaceae and Pinaceae. The age of the Erman Suite is confirmed by marine faunas. The middle Clamgulchian is correlative with the Enemten Suite and the Impoveyem Beds of northeastern Asia. The Enemten contains Salix assemblages with Betulaceae and Pinaceae; the Impoveyem contains different genera of Pinaceae.

The evolution of the Tertiary floras in Asia proceeded from warm-temperate Paleogene floras to subtropical Eocene floras; in middle Oligocene--late Miocene time, the dominant floras were warm-temperate ones of Turgay type, which gradually became extinct. Pliocene floras were a temperate type which were ancestors of the Quaternary floras.

Pay-Per-View Purchase Options

The article is available through a document delivery service. Explain these Purchase Options.

Watermarked PDF Document: $14
Open PDF Document: $24