STRATIGRAPHIC SCHEME OF THE QUATERNARY (ANTHROPOGENE) DEPOSITS IN BYELARUS

A new stratigraphic scheme of the Quaternary deposits of Belarus is di scussed. The scheme is based on the principle of succession in evoluti on of the fossil biota during the interglacial Pleistocene epochs. Sta ges in the evolution of natural. complexes are identified by assuming only one optimum in the interglacial beds. It is suggested to subdivid e the Quaternary System of Belarus into the Eopleistocene, Mezopleisto cene, Neopleistocene and Holocene, and to accept the lower boundary ag e of the Pleistocene as corresponding to 1.65 Ma The Eopleistocene is subdivided into five regional horizons, the constituent units of two s uperhorizons. Mezopleistocene includes eight regional horizons, among which three lower units represent the Minsk Super-horizon. The lower N eopleistocene boundary was transposed down to the base of the Dnieper Horizon because boundaries between Pleistocene units drawn at the base of glacial horizons are more logical and convenient.