Composition and accumulation conditions of the Belokatay Formation of the Lower Permian (Middle Urals)

Introduction. Deposits of the Belokatay Formation were studied in four quarries in Belyanka region and Kirikeevo region (Belokataisky District, Bashkortostan). All of these careers are quite similar to each other. The Belokatay Formation is represented by polymictic conglomerates with rare layers of fine-medium-grained polymictic sandstones. The composition of the pebbles is extremely diverse - there are fragments of all types of rocks - sedimentary (70%), magmatic (20%), metamorphic (10%). Sedimentary rocks: pelitomorphic limestones, fragments of coral reefs and organogenic-detrital limestones. Igneous rocks - basaltoids and granitoids. Metamorphic rocks - shales, gneisses, quartzites. The roundness of all the pebbles is very good, there are no angular fragments. The size: more than 70% of fragments – 5-10 cm, which accords to a medium-grained conglomerate (although rare boulders, as well as smaller pebbles, are also sometimes found).

Materials and methods. We analyzed thinsections of matrix rocks and individual fragments in the amount of 60 pieces, identified foraminifera from pebbles of organogenic limestones, and also examined some samples for the presence of conodonts and other fauna.

Results and discussion. The diversity of the composition of the fragments, their consistent size and good roundness, as well as their high thickness (more than 700 meters) indicate that the formation accumulated in a very active hydrodynamic environment. In literary sources, faults are reported - but they were not found on our territory. On the other hand, in the conglomerates vertically layers of sandstones were found. Perhaps these are not layers, but olistoplaks from older formations. However, olistoplaks, as well as faults, only confirms a very active environment. The main source of material for this formation was the Ural Orogen located to the east of the trough. When the mountains were uplifting, fragments of rocks of different formations were demolished into this basin. And not only the rocks of the orogen could be eroded, but also the sediments, which filled the trough earlier (Late Carboniferous-Permian). The formation of sediments of the Ural foredeep has certain patterns: from the bottom up the section, there is an alternation of coarse-grained rocks (including the Belokatay Formation) and fine-rhythmic flysch strata. The formation of Ural foredeep occurs simultaneously with the collision. There are several stages in this process. The accumulation of the Belokaty Formation characterizes the beginning of one of the stages of collision, as the rocks change – from flysch to conglomerates.

Financial support. The research has been funded by RFBR and CNF as a part of the research project № 19-55-26009 Czechia_a