A fragment from the book of I.E. Vorobyov "Search of resources in the Northwest Caucasus"
15.05.2015In addition to the quarry, output attractions of dark mudstone of early Aalenian age (Jura Caucasus, 1991), dedicated to the upper part of the formation of Mount Induk may be interesting to visit here. From these deposits are known findings belemnite Megateuthis elliptica (Maslowski horizon, p. Skakuha) and ammonites: Ludwigia impolita,. patula, Leioceras acutum et al. (near the village of St. George). Pshishskaya Formation, exposed in the basin Tuapse river transgressively lies at volcanic formations suite of Induk mountain begins horizon clay conglomerates (Maslowski horizon; Lomize, 1961), changing the above layer of mudstone with occasional interbedded limestones, siltstones, sandstones and grits. Approximately 200-300 m above the base lies a sandstone horizon (Horizon Hoki, Vyalov 1934) and strata of clay pack with septarievy concretions stands at the top. Power Formation is estimated at about 2 thous. M. Above deposits transgressively overlap Teton. From the bottom of Pshishskoy Formation (left bank of the river. Tuapse, D.I. Vydrin, A.I. Dyakonov, K.O. Rostovtsev) known findings: Leioceras acutum, Ludwigia cf. murchisonae, L. cf. bradfordensis, L. cf. patula, L. cf. impotula and others. Which means that the deposits are of Aalenian age. The location itself is situated on a mountain Neveb and timed to the quarry producing crushed stone. It is worth noticing that the interest of researchers is concentrated in the stratigraphy of the Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous. Conventionally, these layers are confined to the so-called suite Neveb. That it is in the North Caucasus, a key to the dismemberment of the Tithonian and Berriasian, and still is not driven in a "golden nail." Krivenkovskoe quarry, on whose territory is the location, is situated on the mountain Neveb. With a height of cut it overlooks the valley Tuapse and its left tributary - Pshenaho in rock pools of which the Aalenian age stone rocks are opened with characteristic ammonite fauna. I was fortunate to visit the Krivenkovskoe quarry with V.J. Vuks. Our goals and objectives have certainly been different, Valery Yanovich selected the micro-faunal samples, I focused on finding macrofossils. At the first cursory examination of the cut, interlayer dark clay bounded above and below the limestone strata threw in the eye. A more detailed study of clay facies showed the presence of large amounts of calcified fossils. The most widespread were the representatives of sponges (Spongia classes in Sphinctozoa) and bryozoans (Gymnolaemata), in addition there were ammonites belonging to the family: Rhulloseratidae, Aspidoceratidae, Perisphinctidae and others. Based on the composition of the fossil fauna, as well as some of the facial features of this part of the section, you can assume that we are dealing here with redeposited fauna complexes of reef community, whose age (based on the findings of ammonites) can be designated as Oxford’s. Elements of the ancient reef array serving today a source of fossil material, were likely buried in younger sediments, during the marine transgression in late Tithonian time. But this assumption still demands confirmation micro faunal analysis. HOW TO GET THERE The quarry is located near the village Krivenkovskoe, in the south-eastern slope of Mount Neveb. If we move in the direction of Tuapse, then the turn to the quarry will be on the left side, the pictures of the conveyor plant for the production of crushed stone serve as a reference. Climbing Mount sufficiently prolonged, gravel road and very dusty. Distance from the turn from the highway to the crossing is about 3.5 km, from the checkpoint to the cut - a little more than 1 km. To get to the productive strata, from the entrance one should move up the road. Immediately making a loop, the road will become straight and will climb up in an almost straight line. After 300 m straight section the turn to the right lapel will appear. By turning to the location distance is about 150 m. The dark clay very well stand out from the limestone strata and are therefore easy to see. RECOMMENDATIONS First of all, you should know that Krivenkovskoe quarry – is a working object, and it has strict safety requirements. To visit this location you must obtain permission from the management of the quarry. If one is using a personal transport to come to the entrance, while driving one needs to be very careful that, on this stretch of road. Transport technology having larger dimensions regularly run there. In dry weather, the road is very dusty, which further complicates progress on it. For walking option, it is desirable to choose the moment when the surface of the ground is wet, it is much easier way on the gravel road. In order to collect an average fossil material one needs a hammer and small chisel. Despite the fact that the fossils are on the surface, leachable by the rainy seasons, sometimes there are large boulders that need pretreatment. Here's one practical tip: if caught specimen, partially hidden in the rock, while having a decent weight, do not have high hopes on its successful cleaning. The cleaning process takes a lot of time, and the desired result can be just do not get. Experience shows that it’s not always possible to completely clean such patterns.