Lithological-paleogeographical zonation of the European North-East of Russia and correlation of moraines within territorial zones

For the first time, based on geological, paleoglaciological and paleogeomorphological factors of glaciolithogenesis and their influence on the formation of the composition of moraines, the lithological and paleogeographic zoning of the European North-East of Russia was carried out. 32 littoral regions were identified, which were elementary units of zoning, within which the lithological correlation of moraines was carried out without hindrance in any direction. The map of littoral regions was compiled taking into account the results of a comprehensive lithological study of moraines. The structural (granulometric) characteristics of the Pechora (Dnieper) and Vychegda (Moscow) moraines of the Middle Neopleistocene were obtained, the mineral composition of the fine-sand fraction and the petrography of the coarse-grained material from the moraine horizons were studied. Mineralogical and petrographic features, orientation of detrital material, index rocks in moraines, as well as potassium-argon dating of boulders of crystalline rocks allowed reliable identification of locations of feeding glacial provinces. The compiled map is proposed to be used as a basis for regional and interregional lithological comparisons of moraines.