Gomez-Perez, Irene1, Larisa Voronova1, Mark Allen1,
Christine Brouet-Menzies1
(1) CASP, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
ABSTRACT: Mesozoic Evolution of the Turan Domain from Paleogeographic Reconstructions: Implications for the Central and South Caspian Basins
An independent study compiling the Mesozoic surface and subsurface geology of the Turan
Domain and its southern margin, reflected in 17 paleogeographical maps, has yielded
results with implications for the evolution and hydrocarbon systems of the Central
Caspian, Caucasus and South Caspian basins. Mesozoic subsidence was punctuated by rifting
events in the Permo-Triassic, Early Jurassic and Eocene, and inversion events in the Late
Triassic, Mid Jurassic, Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous, and Cenozoic. A new model for the
evolution of the Turan Domain, taking into account these events, is presented. Its key
points are:
- Late Triassic collision causing Cimmerian deformation was incomplete. Although
deformation is present along the southern, active margin of Turan, continental collision,
with the Cimmerian blocks of Iran, is only proven in the southeast.
- Although no oceanic spreading occurred until the Cenozoic, continental extension and
subsidence occurred in the South Caspian Basin from the Early-Mid Jurassic. Extension was
maximum westward, linking with the oceanic-floored, back-arc North Caucasus Trough, and
minimum eastward, linking with intracontinental rifting in the Kopet Dag region.
- Mesozoic inversion events along the southern margin resulted in reactivation of local
highs over the Turan Domain. These highs likely acted as local sediment sources and
controlled the patterns of sediment distribution in the Central Caspian Basin, with
implications for reservoir characteristics and distribution. Studies of sediment
provenance are being carried out in the Greater Caucasus of Azerbaijan and are planned for
the Mangyshlak Mountains of Kazakhstan.
AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90026©2004 AAPG Annual Meeting, Dallas, Texas, April 18-21, 2004.