Astrochronological (cyclostratigraphic) connection of the lithological and geochemical characteristics of the Pliocene–Quaternary deposits of the Eurasian sections to the Milankovitch cycles (eccentricity, axial tilt, and precession) has been carried out. An analysis of the relationship between the established variations in climate and paleotemperature with the moments of coincidence of different-order eccentricity cycles and their paleoclimatic characteristics was given. The way these results were implemented during the student practice in geology at the Chashnikovo camp of Moscow State University is shown. During the research, the materials from the exhibitions of the Moscow State University’s Subdepartment of Regional Geology and Earth History and the Museum of Earth Science of the same university were used. The study results have been used when conducting an educational practice in geology at the Chashnikovo camp and can also be used in the subdivision of geological sections, as well as in their regional and global correlation, when conducting geological surveys, creating cyclostratigraphic scales of the flatland and mountainous regions of Eurasia, and in the creation and further development of the museum exhibitions, for example, at the University Gymnasium of Moscow State University.

There are presented the results of geochemical studies of the Vendian-Cambrian terrigenous rocks in the Upper Kalar depression– sandstones of the Silimkun formation, exposed in the floodplain of the Kilcheris River (left tributary of the China River), in the upper reaches of the Kemen River. The rocks are enriched in Sc, Cr, Nb, V, Co, Ni, as well as in Mo and heavy rare earth elements. This study demonstrates a rare pairwise correlation between Mo and Cr. A strong positive correlation of P with Nb, Ti and Fe is indicative of P sorption phenomena in alteration products of titanium minerals (e.g. leucoxene). It has been found that the sandstones of the Silimkun Formation were formed as a result of the destruction of granitoids of the Kalar massif – presumably granite porphyries and fine-grained porphyritic biotite granites. The influence of the gabbro-norites of the Chiney complex, enriched in trace elements commonly found in rocks, is less pronounced.

—Geochemical studies of Inikan Formation rocks from the coastal outcrops of the Yudoma River were carried out. All analyzed lithological varieties are characterized by significant enrichment in B, Ni, Mo, Ag, Sb, U (redox-sensitive trace metals and elements associated with biodeposition). The source of the elements was sea water that leached them from the eolian material. It was found that the deposits accumulated in anoxic environments with periods of both euxinic (probably, in the bottom water mass) and suboxic conditions. Such anoxic and euxinic conditions developed due to the stable stratification of the ocean that existed in the early–middle Cambrian in this part of the basin. In addition, the long-term accumulation of organic-rich sediment under conditions of anoxia, periodic euxinia, and stable stratification indicates the presence of a geomorphologically isolated depression in this part of the basin. CIA-Kcorr ranges from 68 to 95. The low values of the CIA may be related to the height of the relief in the sedimentary source area.

The Verkhnyaya Lena Group (Є2–3vl) has been studied in a section on the right bank of the Malaya Chuya River. Concentrations of main oxides and some trace elements (Cr, V, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Zr, Ba, U, Th, Y, Nb, and Cl) have been determined in samples using an X-ray spectral fluorescence (XRF) analysis. The normative mineral composition has been determined based on the results of the XRF analysis using the MINLITH software. Based on geochemical data, intervals of change in the weathering features (physical/chemical and arid/humid weathering) are clearly differentiated in the denudation area, which are fixed by variations in the values of the Al2O3/K2O and Ln(Al2O3/Na2O) ratios and concentrations of V, Cu, Zn, Rb, and Ni, as well as the normative mineral composition. Apparently, Cr was transported to the basin exclusively by the aeolian process in this case and marks periods of increased wind transport intensity. Under conditions of tectonic activation and progressive isolation of the Upper Lena paleobasin, the described lithological and geochemical features provide some information about the climate changes that accompanied these events.

The astrochronological (cyclostratigraphic) relationship of the lithological and geochemical characteristics of Quaternary deposits to the Earth’s orbit eccentricity cycles has been studied. The relationship of the established climate and paleotemperature variations with the moments of coincidence of different-order eccentricity cycles and their paleoclimatic characteristics is analyzed. The results of introducing the obtained data into the exhibition space of natural science museums are shown.

Astrochronological (cyclostratigraphic) referencing of the lithological and geochemical characteristics of Jurassic deposits of the Crimea Mountains and the Caucasus to the eccentricity cycles of Earth’s orbit is performed, the relationship of the determined variations in climate and paleotemperature with the times of coincidence of different orders of eccentricity cycles is analyzed, and their paleoclimatic description is given. New data on paleotemperatures of the Southern Demerdzhi Mountain section are presented.

The Evenki Formation of the Siberian Platform has been studied on the right bank of the Podkamennaya Tunguska River near the Sulomai settlement (Evenki municipal district of Krasnoyarsk krai). The structures and textures of the composing sediments are described. The main petrogenic oxides have been identified and the normative mineral composition has been determined following this identification. The increase of terrigenous components in the strata indicates periods of enhanced erosion in the provenance area (the Yenisei Ridge). In turn, the increased contribution of feldspars in the middle part of the section shows an intensification of physical weathering in arid conditions. The principal hypotheses of the origin of the Evenki Formation and other recent and ancient tidal flat and sabkha facies are outlined. We suggest that the studied facies of the Evenki Formation accumulated mostly under intertidal and, possibly in part, under lower supratidal conditions, which alternated depending on eustatic fluctuations in the basin. A conceptual model of the genesis of the Evenki Formation on the Siberian Platform has been developed.

Выполнены геохимические исследования пород иниканской свиты из береговых обнажений р. Юдома. Для всех проанализированных литологических разностей характерно значительное обогащение B, Ni, Mo, Ag, Sb, U, т. е. редокс-чувствительными элементами, а также элементами, способными к биоосаждению. Источником элементов являлась морская вода, выщелачивающая их из эолового материала. Установлено, что отложения накапливались в аноксических условиях с периодами возникновения как эвксинных (по-видимому, в придонном слое), так и субоксических условий. Развитие таких аноксических и эвксинных условий вызвано устойчивой стратификацией океана, существовавшей в раннесреднекембрийское время в данной части бассейна. Помимо этого, длительное накопление богатых ОВ осадков в условиях аноксии, периодической эвксинии и устойчивой стратификации указывает на возможное наличие в данной части бассейна геоморфологически обособленной впадины. CIA—Кcorr варьируется от 68 до 95. Невысокие значения индекса могут быть связаны со значительной высотой в области денудации. Geochemical studies of Inikan Formation rocks from the coastal outcrops of the Yudoma River were carried out. All analyzed lithological varieties are characterized by significant enrichment in B, Ni, Mo, Ag, Sb, U (redox-sensitive trace metals and elements associated with biodeposition). The source of the elements was sea water that leached them from the eolian material. It was found that the deposits accumulated in anoxic environments with periods of both euxinic (probably, in the bottom water mass) and suboxic conditions. Such anoxic and euxinic conditions developed due to the stable stratification of the ocean that existed in the early–middle Cambrian in this part of the basin. In addition, the long-term accumulation of organic-rich sediment under conditions of anoxia, periodic euxinia, and stable stratification indicates the presence of a geomorphologically isolated depression in this part of the basin. CIA-Kcorr ranges from 68 to 95. The low values of the CIA may be related to the height of the relief in the sedimentary source area.

—The lithological and geochemical characteristics of the Meso-Cenozoic interval of the Leskinskaya borehole section (the mouth of the Yenisei River) and its paleogeographic and paleoclimatic characteristics are given.

Data on the abundance of petrogenic and trace elements (including rare earth elements) in the Quaternary deposits of Sevastopol Bay at the pre-technogenic stage of its development were obtained. Anomalies in the enrichment with Ag, Au, Hg, Pb and elevated levels of Cu, Zn, Cd, Sn, Sb in some layers were discovered. These features are apparently due to sulfide mineralization in the denudation area and the emergence of specific geochemical barriers (hydrodynamic and, possibly, saline ones) in the periods of changes in the paleogeographic environment. The ratios of the contents of elements sensitive to the change in the weathering type made it possible to establish the climate characteristics in the source area. During the accumulation of the liman deposits, relative warming and humidization took place, with the boundary strata of this period evidencing drier and colder conditions at the very beginning and completion of the deposit formation. The marine stage begins with warming (the lack of samples in the lower and middle parts does not allow us to trace further the prevailing conditions), but cooling and aridization are observed later on. These constructions fit into the general regional picture of climate change in the southwestern Crimea in the interval of 9.5–3.0thousand years ago.

Data on the abundance of petrogenic and trace elements (including rare earth elements) in the Quaternary deposits of Sevastopol Bay at the pre-technogenic stage of its development have been obtained. Anomalies in the enrichment with Ag, Au, Hg, and Pb and elevated levels of the Cu, Zn, Cd, Sn, and Sb concentrations have been recorded in some layers. These features are apparently determined by sulfide mineralization in the source area and the appearance of specific geochemical barriers (hydrodynamic and, possibly, saline ones) during changes in the paleogeographic environment. The ratios of the concentrations of elements sensitive to changes in the weathering type have made it possible to establish the climate characteristics in the source area. The accumulation of estuary deposits was accompanied by relative warming and humidification, with the boundary strata of this period evidencing drier and colder conditions at the very beginning and at the end of the formation of the deposit. The marine stage begins with warming (the absence of samples in the lower and middle parts does not allow us to trace further prevailing conditions); however, cooling and aridization are then observed in the Dzemetinian period. Relative salinity peaks correspond to several supposed periods of aridization. These constructions fit into the general regional picture of climate change in southwestern Crimea and the Black Sea region between 9500 and 3000 years ago.

A study of the microstructure and geochemical features of bedded cherts of the Inikan Formation (Є 1–2 in) from coastal outcrops of the Yudoma River shows that the key role in their formation apparently belongs to siliceous organisms: radiolarians and sponges. The Ge/Si ratio indicates that there is no direct contribution of fluids to the formation of cherts in this part of the paleobasin. The studied chalcedony-quartz rocks were formed of primary biogenic silica that underwent diagenetic redistribution and post-diagenetic processes.

The study of amorphous biogenic silica content in marine sediments makes it possible to evaluate changes in the silicon cycle in the world ocean, while periods of intense silicon deposition record changes in the water chemistry and the atmosphere. The technique of sequential leaching of silica with subsequent calculation of the contribution of clay minerals is actively used by researchers for Quaternary deposits. This study used sediments that differ in age (Neogene, Cambrian), composition (clay minerals content from 0 to 27

Paleotemperature curves for water masses and average annual temperatures were constructed from our own and published data for Central and Eastern Tethys for the Jurassic-Quaternaryfor the first time.

The results of a geochemical study and paleogeographic, paleoclimatic interpretation for a cyclically constructed section of upper Cretaceous deposits near Volsk city, Saratov region, are presented. Elementary formation cyclites and cyclic variations of a number of certain parameters were associated with the Milankovich astronomical-climatic cycles. The curves of changes of paleotemperature, humidity, paleobathymetry were compiled. The results obtained give an idea of the migration of the arid belt boundaries in the upper Cretaceous and the overall climatic zonation, which is important for regional and global paleoclimatic reconstructions, as well as the history of the development of shelf seas that covered the Russian plate (especially Ulyanovsk-Saratov trough). Paleotemperatures of the land surface in the denudation areas are obtained from the chemical index of alteration (CIA). In the Turonian-Campanian interval selected climatic cyclicity, including period of relative cooling (Turonian–Coniacian) with paleotemperature about 20 °С, the period of relative warming in the mid-late Campanian (20–24 °С), the cooling time at the end of the late Campanian (19–21 °С) and the period of warming at the turn of the Campanian and Maastrichtian and in the early Maastrichtian time. In Maastrichtian age, there are two climatic cycles, beginning with a time of relative cooling (about 19 °С) and ending with a time of relative warming (about 20 С, at the end of Maastrichtian to 25 °С). The cycles of climate humidity change are also determined: two cycles in Campanian time, three cycles in early Maastrichtian, and one cycle in late Maastrichtian. The boundary of the early and late Maastrichtian corresponds to the change of arid conditions to humid ones. The paleobatimetry curves show transgressive-regressive cycles: one in the late Turonian-Coniacian time, two in the late Campanian time, five in the early Maastrichtian time, and one in the late Maastrichtian time. Depth variations were estimated: in the Turonian-Coniacian time in the range of 70–80 m, in the Campanian-Maastrichtian time, the paleobatimetry consistently increased and changed from 100 to 200 m (on average about 150 m). The results obtaired give and idea of the migration of the boundaries of the arid belt in the Late Creataceous and main features of the climatic zonation, which is important for regional and global paleoclimatic reconstructions, as well as for the history of the development the Russian plate in the Ulyanovsk-Saratov region.

The results of a geochemical, paleogeographic, and paleoclimatic study of a cyclically constructed section of upper Cretaceous deposits near Vol’sk city (Saratov oblast) are presented. Elementary layered cyclites and cyclic variations of several certain parameters were associated with the Milankovich astronomical-climatic cycles. Paleotemperature, humidity, and paleobathymetry curves were compiled. Paleotemperatures of the land surface in the denudation areas were obtained from the chemical index of alteration (CIA). Climatic cyclicity was established in the Turonian–Campanian interval, including a period of relative cooling (Turonian–Coniacian) with a paleotemperature of approximately 20°С, the period of relative warming in the mid–late Campanian (20–24°С), the cooling time at the end of the late Campanian (19–21°С) and the period of warming at the turn of the Campanian and Maastrichtian and in the early Maastrichtian time, there are two climatic cycles in Maastrichtian age, beginning with a time of relative cooling (approximately 19°С) and ending with a time of relative warming (approximately 20°С, at the end of Maastrichtian to 25°С). The cycles of climate humidity change are also determined: two cycles in Campanian time, three cycles in early Maastrichtian, and one cycle in late Maastrichtian. The boundary of the early and late Maastrichtian corresponds to the change of arid conditions to humid ones. The paleobatimetry curves show transgressive–regressive cycles: one in the late Turonian–Coniacian time, two in the late Campanian time, five in the early Maastrichtian time, and one in the late Maastrichtian time. Depth variations were estimated: in the Turonian–Coniacian time in the range of 70–80 m, in the Campanian–Maastrichtian time, the paleobatimetry consistently increased and changed from 100 to 200 m (on average approximately 150 m). These results provide an idea of the migration of the boundaries of the arid belt in the Late Creataceous and main features of the climatic zonation, which is important for regional and global paleoclimatic reconstructions, as well as for the history of the development the Russian Plate in the Ulyanovsk–Saratov region.

We present the results of a geochemical study and their paleogeographic and paleoclimatic interpretation for a cyclically constructed section of the Upper Cretaceous deposits near Staryi Oskol in the Belgorod region.

Geochemical studies of sarmatian clays and silts of the Kerch Strait and the Taman Peninsula to determine the paleogeographic features of their formation were researched for the first time. Proxies for paleosalinity and paleobatimetry were built using geochemical data to specify previous reconstructions. Two regressive (early Sarmatian; from the middle of the Late Sarmatian) and two transgressive (middle and early Late Sarmatian; late Late Sarmatian — early Meotian) stages in the development of the study area were distinguished. Data on salinity in ppm were obtained. The effectiveness of the used methods of interpreting geochemical data in paleogeographic reconstructions, which can subsequently be successfully applied to deposits deprived of fossil remains or characterized by a weak indicator function of the species of fauna and flora, is proved.

The paleotemperature curves for water masses and average annual temperatures have been plotted for the first time on the basis of original and published data for the Central and Eastern Tethys for the Jurassic–Quaternary period.