Pavlyutkin B.I., Pushkar V.S., Cherepanova М.V., Petrenko T.I.
Tikhookeanskaya geologiya 2004; 23(4): 73-85
The paper discusses the problems of Miocene stratigraphy of the Khanka depression, exemplified by the Fagus chankaica-bearing strata found in the geologic sections of the northwestern part of Lake Khanka shoreline. The straton corresponding to the indicated strata should be rated as a higher rank unit and may be equivalent in rank to a formation. The following name is proposed for this straton: the Novokachalinsky Formation. The type section of the stratotype of the new formation, lithologic and paleofacies characteristics of the rocks composing the stratotype, and a description of biota (macro- and microflora) are presented. Sedimentation occurred in warm-temperate climatic conditions and was characterized by alternating lacustrine and alluvial environments. The new formation was formed in Middle Miocene time. The lower age limit for the Novokachalinsky Formation may be considered to be late Early Miocene. On the basis of the Novokachalinsky Formation stratotype, a horizon under the same name is proposed to be distinguished.
