THE LATE PLEISTOCENE-HOLOCENE HISTORY OF THE CASPIAN SEA

Repeated fluctuations of the Caspian Sea are correlated with climate f luctuations, with transgressions associated with climatic warming and regressions characteristic of cooler periods. During the Late Pleistoc ene and Holocene, transgressions are associated with the Early Khvalyn ian (32-24 ka) and Late Khvalynian (16-8 ka), corresponding to the Bry ansk interstaidal and final deglaciation, respectively. Regressions oc cured during the Yenotavian event (24-17 ka), corresponding to the Las t Glacial Maximum (Valdai), and from 8 ka until the present, correspon ding to the waning of the Holocene Climatic Optimum in the region. Var iations in meltwater supply appear to be the primary factor controllin g the Caspian Sea levels throughout the Late Quaternary. (C) 1997 INQU A/Elsevier Science Ltd.