Devonian continental deposits of Central Kazakhstan
M . A. S E N K E V I C H
ABSTRACT
Devonian continental deposits of central Kazakhstan are con-
fined to the Caledonian zone comprising vast areas in the nor-
thern, eastern and southern parts of the region.
In the area of the Caledonides, geosynclinal conditions per-
sisted during the Riphean and Lower Palaeozoic. At the end of
Silurian time, the geosynclinal zone was turned into the zone of
folding. New tectonic conditions continued up .to the Eifelian.
Uplifts were accompanied by volcanic extrusions and accumulation
of continental volcanic and sedimentary rocks.
The Eifelian folding caused redistribution of the areas of de-
pressions and uplifts in Givetian time: source areas became
more widespread. The Givetian volcanic rocks are localized and
confined to significant fractures. In the Givetian, extensive
emergent areas existed, bordered by Caledonide midland basins
in which a molasse was deposited.
In Frasnian time, the region was largely emergent, and even
in the midland basins inundation was intermittent. Lava extru-
sion from fracture zones continued.
By the beginning of Famennian sedimentation, the topographic
relief of the Caledonides was somewhat reduced by erosion. Tec-
tonic movements resulted in marine transgression from the Var-
iscan zone into Caledonian depressions. To the south of the
Caledonides extrusives were localized.
Plant and fish remains occur abundantly in Devonian continen-
tal rocks of central Kazakhstan. The marine Devonian also
yields a flora, associated with a number of different faunal
assemblages. This association sets more precise distribution limits
of floral taxons in terms of the marine assemblages of known
age so that the age relations of the continental rocks of Early
Devonian, Eifelian, Givetian, Frasnian and Famennian of
Kazakhstan have thereby been established.
(1967) Intl. Symposium of the Devonian system: Papers, Volume ,I
2010 by the Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists
INTRODUCTION
Central Kazakhsta n i s include d i n th e Palaeozoi c geosyn -
cline area . Withi n th e Palaeozoi c massi f o f centra l Kazakh -
stan th e Varisca n zone , th e Caledonia n zon e an d junctio n
zone, i.e. , th e margina l volcani c belt , ar e designate d (Bo g
danov, 1959) . Devonia n continenta l formation s o f centra l
Kazakhstan ar e confine d t o th e Caledonia n zon e includin g
vast area s i n th e northeast , north , wes t an d southwes t o f
the region , an d t o th e margina l volcani c bel t a s wel l (Fig .
1). I n th e Caledonia n zon e a geosynclina l regim e existe d
during th e Riphea n an d Lowe r Palaeozoic ; sinc e th e en d o f
the Siluria n th e geosynclin e wa s a highland . Thi s chang e
took plac e durin g th e perio d fro m th e Ludlovia n til l Lat e
Couvinian time ; i n th e Varisca n zon e th e geosynclina l re -
gime existe d durin g th e whol e cours e o f th e Middl e Palaeo -
zoic an d th e geosynclin e turne d int o a folde d are a toward s
the en d o f th e Carboniferous .
The continenta l lithologica l formation s o f centra l Kaz -
akhstan whic h wer e accumulatin g durin g th e Devonia n
period, ar e o f a rathe r unifor m composition : re d effusiv e
clastic formations , re d effusiv e formation s a s wel l a s vol -
canic formation s ar e dominant . I n th e Earl y Devonian -
Early Couvinia n th e las t on e i s prevalent .
Plant remain s wer e considere d a s th e principa l criteri a i n
chronological identificatio n o f th e Devonia n continenta l for -
mations, bu t d o no t occu r everywhere . A detaile d sub -
division o f roc k masse s withi n on e give n regio n i s difficul t
 because o f strik e fault s i n sedimentar y bands , insufficien t
palaeontological evidenc e u p throug h th e sequenc e i n thic k
layers o f continenta l deposit s an d simila r sedimentatio n
conditions. Besides , th e facie s developmen t o f Devonia n
deposits i s characterize d b y a sharpl y marke d zonalit y de -
fined b y th e tectoni c positio n o f separat e zones . Fo r thes e
reasons, scientist s studyin g th e Devonia n deposit s i n cen -
tral Kazakhsta n wer e no t abl e t o agre e o n th e ag e o f th e
Devonian continenta l formation s i n thi s region .
However, whe n analyzin g an d correlatin g lithologica l for -
mations an d flora l complexes , a definit e cycli c recurrenc e i n
the formatio n o f effusiv e serie s an d effusive-clasti c serie s
is observed , dependin g upo n th e tectoni c developmen t o f
central Kazakhsta n durin g th e Devonia n period .
In thi s pape r th e establishmen t o f a chronologica l sub -
division o f th e Devonia n continenta l formation s i n centra l
Kazakhstan base d o n factua l dat a an d analyse s o f plan t
remains i s attempte d (Tabl e I) .
Plant remain s ha d bee n date d o n th e basi s o f worl d ag e
limits o f th e flora l taxons , correcte d b y fauna l complexe s o f
central Kazakhstan , becaus e i n th e Variscid e are a band s
with plan t remain s ar e interbedde d alternatel y wit h band s
yielding fauna , o r occu r wit h faun a togethe r i n th e sam e
deposit.
The flor a wa s identifie d i n differen t year s b y A . N .
Krishtofovich, A . L . Jurin a an d th e author . Th e fish
fauna wa s identifie d b y D . B . Obrutshe v an d O . P . Obrut -
sheva an d spore s b y L . N . Rjanikova .
Is. MARGINAL VOLCANIC BELT
I \
PALAEOGEOGRAPHY
ABYSSAL FRACTURES EARLY DEVONIAN
Early Couvinian
ZONES OF DEVONIAN CONTINENTAL DEPOSITS
Since th e en d o f Siluria n tim e th e area s o f sedimentatio n
in th e Caledonia n are a bega n t o decrease . A par t o f forme r
1 . KYZYLOSK ZONE 7- E R E M E N T A U MOUNTAINS areas o f sedimentatio n becam e area s o f erosion . I n Earl y
2. CENTRAL ZONE
8 , KEREGETAS MOUNTAINS Ludlovian marin e condition s stil l persiste d a s i s prove d b y
9. BAYANAUL TSCHINGYZ ZONE
3. KURMANTSCHITA ZONE ,0.PRETSCHINGYZ ZONE
Wenlockian an d Ludlovian-date d faun a foun d i n re d sand -
4. SARYSU - TENYZ UPLIFT 11 . W E S T B A L K H A S H L A N D ZONE Stones, a s wel l a s b y th e presenc e o f calcareou s pebble s wit h
5. ESKULA DOME 12.CENTRAL ZONE a brachiopo d faun a o f Lowe r Ludlovia n ag e i n Lowe r De -
6. SOUTHERN ZONE
vonian basa l conglomerates .
Fig. 1. Disposition of zones of Devonion continental deposits within Palaeozoic
structures in Central Kazakhstan. (Compiled on A. A . Bogdanov's Tectonic Zon-
ation scheme). Later, wit h th e risin g movement s increasing , th e se a
basin cease d t o exis t an d th e Caledonia n are a turne d int o a
highland.
In Earl y Devonian-Earl y Couvinia n th e geosynclina l re -
gime whic h existe d i n th e Riphea n an d Lowe r Palaeozoi c
was replace d b y a perio d whe n th e geosynclina l zon e turne d
into a folde d area . I n thi s perio d th e continenta l deposit s
are represente d b y a re d clasti c formatio n an d b y re d
terrestrial volcani c formations , bot h representativ e fo r th e
conclusion o f th e Caledonia n cycle .
As a consequenc e o f th e rapi d an d large-amplitud e eleva -
tions a mountain-dissecte d topograph y appeared . I n thi s
period th e Caledonia n landscap e presente d a sigh t o f hug e
intracontinental basin s bordere d b y mountai n ridge s an d
dissected b y valley s wit h norma l orientatio n t o th e ridg e
strike.
On th e vas t Caledonid e surfac e Earl y Devonian-Earl y
Couvinian sediment s di d no t accumulat e everywhere : thos e
in th e shap e o f detrita l rive r cones , lak e deposit s etc. , wer e
deposited merel y i n intracontinenta l basins . A n enormou s
quantity o f clasti c materia l wa s carrie d b y river s down -
stream fro m mountain s an d a t th e foo t o f ridge s conglom -
erates accumulated , ofte n wit h boulder s an d typica l o f
molasse, ver y poorl y grade d an d wit h angula r pebble s o f a
most varie d composition . Durin g thi s perio d formation s
accumulated irregularly . Basa l conglomerate s rang e i n
thickness fro m 10-13 0 m i n variou s part s o f th e Betpak -
Dala anticlinorium , u p t o 55 0 m i n th e Uluta u folde d zone ,
while i n th e Wes t Balkhas h synclinoriu m th e conglomerate s
are abou t 67 0 m thick . Th e thicknes s o f conglomerate s
permits a reconstructio n o f th e relie f whic h existe d i n thi s
period. Th e highes t ridge s (mai n erosio n areas ) wer e i n
the southwester n part , i n th e souther n an d norther n termin -
ation o f Betpak-Dal a anticlinoriu m centra l zone , an d i n th e
Keregetas an d Erementa u mountain s o f th e Erementa u
anticlinorium. Intracontinenta l basi n part s mor e remot e
from th e mountain s wer e place s fo r th e accumulatio n o f
continental re d clasti c strat a a s follows : siltstones , sand -
stones, gritstones , tuffaceou s sandstones an d tuffaceou s silt-
stones.
It appear s tha t river s playe d a considerabl e par t i n th e
formation proces s o f re d deposits . Durin g th e perio d o f
abundant atmospheri c precipitatio n river s overflowe d thei r
banks an d i n freshet tim e hug e territorie s wer e flooded .
Ripple marks , occurrenc e o f caulin e an d filamentou s algae ,
long an d ben t offshoot s o f Psilopsida ar e indicativ e o f a
water regime .
During dr y period s th e quantit y o f wate r sharpl y decreas -
ed, th e strea m carryin g powe r lessene d an d detrita l materia l
grew finer ; river s becam e dr y an d a large r amoun t o f fine -
grained sediment s wa s transporte d b y wind . Th e basin s
also partl y becam e dry . Dessicatio n fissure s and flo w trace s
correspond t o thi s period . Alternatio n o f rain y an d dr y
seasons, poo r vegetatio n cove r i n th e epoc h i n questio n ar e
the reaso n fo r th e smal l humi c matte r conten t i n deposit s
as wel l a s fo r th e oxidatio n o f weatherin g product s account -
ing fo r th e reddish-brow n colourin g o f th e clasti c forma -
tions.
This descriptio n o f th e sedimentatio n proces s canno t b e
applied everywhere . I n th e Kyzylso k depressio n situate d i n
the centra l zon e o f Betpak-Dal a anticlinoriu m th e sedimen -
tary strat a consis t o f differin g grey-green, greyish-pin k an d
more rarel y o f violet-brow n deposits . Sandstone s ar e lam -
inated becaus e o f alternatin g band s o f differen t intens e col -
ouring. Clasti c material s ar e angular . Th e lac k o f desic -
cation fissure s i s typical ; rippl e mark s ar e onl y seldo m ob -
served.
During th e Earl y Devonia n - Early Couvinia n downwar d
movements apparentl y subordinate d th e risin g on e i n th e
Kyzylsok zone . A strongl y pronounce d downwarpin g ten -
dency wa s th e caus e o f a continuou s wate r regim e i n th e
intracontinental basi n o f th e Kyzylso k depression , wher e
tremendously thic k Devonia n sediment s (9600m ) accumu -
lated. Thi s i s particularl y tru e o f th e Earl y Devonia n -
Early Couvinia n deposit s whic h reac h abou t 460 0 m i n
thickness.
The continuin g risin g movement s wer e accompanie d b y
volcanic effusions . I n abyssa l fractur e zone s o f long-ter m
development (th e Djalair-Naima n zon e an d Sarytu m zon e
in th e Betpak-Dal a anticlinoriu m an d th e Akbastau s zon e
in th e Tschingy z anticlinorium ) outpourin g o f lav a occur -
red; consequently , a n effusiv e series wit h a comple x struc -
ture ha d bee n formed . A margina l volcani c bel t arose ,
probably als o a s a resul t o f larg e fracture s situate d alon g
the souther n par t o f th e West-Balkhas h synclinorium , alon g
the norther n par t o f th e Karagand a synclinoriu m etc . Be -
sides abyssa l fracture s throug h whic h t o fee d lava , ther e
Table I. Correlation scheme for sections of Devonian continental
 Marginal Volcanofenous Belt Step t onal Unif l e d
51 rat l gra-
Sir a I i graphical
Eremcnttsu a n t i c I c T6 chin f> y z West-Balkhash phical SchemeScale
3 n t id i n ore u Synclinorium Synclihor
Southern zone Eremeniau Moi/nta ins
fferepctas Mountains Pretschinpyz zone Went -BalkhashCentral zone
tffesides the author's
data
py 2
those of A # He
(Malert sit of J. 6 Hats, Land zone y

M V. Marty nova, AI Juri na

(Besides the
data
Author's
those ef A.A.Boo
(Besides t (Besides the author's
e(o", '9SO, were used) et a/, ltd, and fl Uspens- danor, J.f. Mabanov, OA
... /^j flte U f f j iy Masarovitsh,
eta/.,
AtJuriha
I960, were used)
the orj

Srey tt/nestones
faun*,
wu
liyht-yellow
Srey limestones Limestones,
Sandstones with
cstcareou
fat Grey, prey - li^ht
siltstones, f m
Ce^halopterts cf m

Greyish - drown sands to Grey. yellowish

limestones,
- ore y
calcareous
West East
ft e d ie r i e r - sandstones with faun. grey-lilac fetsites, gu an des ft c Akbastau
tuffs, In the
Red, tight yellow tout -
der conpfomerates,
Cyclosttgma jp., Knorrta artz porphyries,
dtabasic porphyries,
rarer
tuff phy rites,
series
green, grey
- May

ent rt/da ce o sands t on e s, calcareous, the iasement

Conplc sandstones. rarer liti
stones, . ,.00m
In the upper pari: Most I sandstones
melt* sp. fniomophyfot
Y Gray, red sandstones.Green sandstones fine
cf. super ium, S,al6erdi, tones with fauna, in
polymorph/; fishes:
Both rio(epii as i ateca -pebble conglomerates.
In Ih'e lower part: H^e"ta ^rifti,
Calamophrtni
ffraeiliphyton arlscha -
leneit, Protoleptc/oden- OraciCifihyton
sis,
arttcfiaten
Prolotepidodendron
sp ^Protojate-
dron schariartum Pseudosporochnus cf. hrejt>
Barra ndel na cf.dusli-
scharia nurr., P sp , fepn
dendropsis hdiachslan, Tomtphylon primae mm, TcmeZe, A i darly
ca, Bar r,< ndeina ep., Hostimetla
Taemocrada
street tssi ma,
sp , ffraci h -
Cephalopte -
Brigfaria norregtca phyton artsehalensis,
Protolepidodendron scha- in the north
Prt-<j#rA
ria rum, Lepi dedendrop -
sis katachslantca
Sitic-brtSJlC
porphyrites

Red, It oh t - green, snuff

cotoored %iff
- Ham bo baa cfy r
sandstones, s e r i e s - reef-6ro w.
Irgaily sen e s
tuffs with acid comp< fled conglomerates tuffi
siltstones, sandstones tuffs with acid compo tlOn. tufaoenoi/t sandsto tes, ItpartCe porphyry tuffs,
Asteroxyton rarer aetd effusive sition, ti/ff sar&ston. Jndcsi i oid dace C e por-
Pro tolepiefo jtiirtcv>
nes. siltstones, m the
dendren tuffs, 750 f in the iasement large phyries, rarer querti da
SCharlanum, Ancum.
aero -peiite congto tes, thin dasa^lt porphy Tire porphyries, diadast
phyton germ ant TaCa't
Pr. sp , Cala rr fitlopstda, Graciiiphyton
<3rtschalensis, Lidasimo
phyton aAJrermerrsis, fin
to I ept do dencfrop sif ( V

In the nc
Ccnptomerat e stratj - n l/ppc. Xaic/aol A Uppe r Vpper Jfa Ltfau I part-
dark-on
large - 6oulder - fine member - i g y r^/d I redd is >
pi title conglomerates, fyro w n alditopAyres, grey, grey-vt olet Qua.
quari atiitophyres, mrer tuffl with acta porphyries, luffs wit A
tuffs with acia> com -
position, sandstones. stones with plant '
HazaHh
Volcanogenous strata Srey-litac toffs
red-brown quart por acid compost 11 or Pro to tep:. cfo dendro n scha.
rianum, Pr. sp , In the Icerpa
phyries, al6i tophy res
tuffs with an aeid f^itophyton turnotense Zosteryihyltw.
Composition, tufa ceo Drepanophycus spinoe- vu'ta, pre pa no
phycui ept na e>
limestone 6and, '
Atbitophyre screes- Albitophyre series-
tivas, hparite porphy,
preen polymictic -ey
a pi . ,
tuffs atittophyre
cryslaltuffs
tuft
' '
Sardjat
rarer daoite porphy-
tic porphyrites, in ries, in the Case me.-'
the basement targe- a pacAet of large -
-peiile conglcme r& - peidle conolomerat
(00 m) /ioo m
Porph yrtie ten'e
andesitic porphyn'les a SP
bnoht
tufts
Porphyrite Sen es-
in West do cite Balk hash
porphy-
in tes
Upari
i.r rites,
andesittc
tower darh -green
porphyrites
land
with pyroctsitu mate-
rtdls,
in fait-tufsgenous sandsto -
nes and conglomerates,

deposits of Central K a z a k h s t a n . Compiled by M . A . Senkevich, 1966.

existed a grea t numbe r o f centra l typ e volcani c system s fo r
the eruptio n o f larg e lav a masses .
The onse t o f th e effusiv e serie s i n th e Earl y Devonia n -
Early Couvinia n i s characterise d b y a n effusio n o f lava s
with basi c an d intermediat e compositio n (andesitic , diabasic ,
basalt porphyrites) . I t i s succeede d b y lav a accumulatio n
as wel l a s b y a n aggregatio n o f pyroclasti c formation s o f
liparite-dacite composition . Onl y i n th e Pretschingy z zon e
is th e onse t o f th e effusiv e cycle manifeste d b y effusion s of
lavas wit h liparit e compositio n (500-75 0 m) , succeede d b y
the formatio n o f lava s o f intermediat e compositio n (u p t o
1600 m) .
Volcanic formation s wit h basi c an d intermediat e composi -
tion wer e accumulate d everywher e whil e thos e wit h liparit e
composition wer e bu t locall y propagated .
The Earl y Devonia n - Earl y Couvinia n effusiv e series i n
the West-Balkhas h synclinoriu m i s 2200-250 0 m thick ; i n
the Karagand a synclinorium , Tschingy z anticlinoriu m an d
on th e Sarysu-Teny z uplif t th e thicknes s o f volcani c forma -
tions rise s up to 400 0 m .
MIDDLE DEVONIAN
Late Couvinian
In th e middl e o f Couvinia n tim e orogeni c movement s pro -
ceeded correspondin g t o th e fina l phas e o f th e Caledonia n
tectogenesis. Consequently , th e area s o f depositio n a s wel l
as area s o f erosio n ha d bee n redistribute d an d a t th e be -
ginning o f th e Lat e Couvinia n a highlan d ha d bee n formed .
The principa l mountai n structure s probabl y wer e situate d
in th e zon e wher e th e margina l volcani c bel t wa s joine d
with th e Caledonia n zone , a s evidence d b y th e presenc e
of conglomerate s i n Lat e Couvinia n deposit s withi n th e
West-Balkhash synclinorium , o n th e Sarysu-Teny z uplif t
in th e souther n zon e o f th e Erementa u anticlinoriu m an d i n
the Kurmantschit a zone . Mountai n structure s wer e no t
very hig h (basalti c conglomerate s di d no t excee d 100-15 0 m
in thickness ) an d wer e separate d b y downwarpin g inter -
montane trough s fille d u p wit h fresh-wate r sediments .
In Lat e Couvinia n risin g movement s stil l continue d bu t
were les s intens e a s compare d wit h thos e i n th e previou s
epoch. Volcani c outburst s change d somewha t i n character .
The increas e o f pyroclasti c material s i n Lat e Couvinia n
sediments a s wel l a s th e occurrenc e o f welde d tuf f band s
are indicativ e o f th e manifestation s o f mainl y explosiv e
volcanic activit y i n thi s period . Fro m thi s poin t o f vie w
Late Couvinia n tim e sharpl y differ s from th e Earl y Devon -
ian-Early Couvinian .
Tuffs wit h liparit e compositio n an d tuffite s playe d th e
principal par t i n th e formatio n o f pyroclasti c accumulations .
In th e Tschingy z anticlinoriu m an d withi n th e West -
Balkhash synclinoriu m th e Lat e Couvinia n volcani c cycl e
began wit h effusio n o f lava s wit h basi c an d intermediat e
composition, succeede d b y a n accumulatio n o f tuff s an d
tuffaceous sandstones. I n th e Kurmantschit a anticlinoriu m
lava effusive s wer e andesiti c an d andesitic-basal t i n com -
position mor e rarel y wit h a n aci d composition ; tuffaceou s
sedimentary rock s als o wer e accumulating .
Late Couvinia n pyroclasti c accumulation s ar e no t devel -
oped everywher e (Tabl e I) . I n th e wester n par t o f centra l
Kazakhstan thes e formation s ar e contemporaneou s wit h
molasse-type re d formation s yieldin g a considerabl e amoun t
of tuf f material s (th e Sarysu-Teny z watershed , Eskul a
dome). I n th e Erementa u anticlinoriu m a s wel l a s i n Ere -
mentau an d Keregeta s Mountain s re d molass e wa s formed .
The flor a foun d i n thes e deposit s i s rathe r wel l preserved ,
which prove s tha t th e buria l wa s no t fa r distan t fro m th e
vegetation site .
Pyroclastic formation s reac h 1000-120 0 m i n thickness ,
while contemporaneou s sedimentar y accumulation s reac h
700 m an d rarel y ar e 100 0 m i n thickness .
Givetian
In Givetia n tim e th e tectoni c regim e i n th e southern ,
western, northwester n an d norther n par t o f centra l Kazak -
hstan proceede d generall y i n th e sam e manne r a s durin g
Late Couvinia n time . I n thes e part s risin g movement s con -
tinued accompanie d b y renewe d volcani c eruptions , bu t th e
volcanic activit y wa s o f a merel y loca l nature .
The Givetia n landscap e consiste d o f hug e intracontinenta l
basins bordere d b y moderatel y hig h mountai n structures .
The differen t facie s conten t o f th e basin s prov e tha t the y
were separated . Durin g Givetia n tim e insid e thes e intra -
continental basin s situate d withi n th e margina l portio n o f
the Caledonia n area , molass e wa s accumulatingth e Ere -
o
mentau an d Betpak-Dal a anticlinori a (Kurmantschit
zone).
In th e Givetia n th e area s o f accumulatio n a s wel l a s th e
erosion area s underwen t som e redistribution . Th e centra l
zone o f th e Betpak-Dal a anticlinoriu m decrease d i n dimen -
sion a s compare d wit h th e previou s period . Aci d lava s
erupted fro m th e centra l typ e volcani c focu s an d thi s pro -
cess stil l persiste d durin g Frasnia n time .
Simultaneous growt h an d destructio n o f mountai n struc -
tures wa s accompanie d b y outburst s o f volcani c activity .
Givetian tim e set s i n wit h eruption s o f lava s o f a n aci d
composition: Sarysu-Teny z uplif t an d Kyzylso k zon e i n th e
Betpak-Dala anticlinorium , Pretschingy z zone . I n th e south -
eastern par t o f th e Betpak-Dal a anticlinoriu m th e volcani c
activity wa s changin g i n character , eruption s o f andesiti c
basalts alternat e wit h accumulation s o f tuffaceou s sand -
stones an d siltstone s yieldin g plan t remains . Th e sedimen -
tary rock s ar e grey-violet , grey-gree n i n colour . Seldo m
are rippl e mark s encountered . Finel y laminate d rocks , lac k
of dessicatio n fissure s an d grey-gree n colourin g o f sedi -
ments prov e tha t durin g th e Givetia n i n thi s anticlinoriu m
portion downwar d movement s wer e prevalent . Givetia n
sediments her e reac h 300 0 m i n thickness .
In th e souther n par t o f th e margina l volcani c bel t withi n
the West-Balkhas h synclinoriu m volcani c activit y some -
what relaxe s i n compariso n wit h th e Earl y Devonia n -
Early Couvinian : onl y i n th e Karakamy s distric t a loca l
lava eruptio n fro m a centra l typ e focu s too k place . Erup -
tions proceede d unde r terrestria l condition s a s i s evi -
denced b y effusive s turnin g int o re d stone .
In th e norther n par t o f th e margina l volcani c bel t ande -
sitic-basalt lav a eruption s whic h aros e i n th e Lat e Couvin -
ian stil l continue d i n th e Givetian , increasin g i n intensity .
In additio n ther e appeare d smal l focuse s erupting aci d lavas .
During Givetia n an d Frasnia n tim e th e wester n termina -
tion o f th e Caledonide s (Eskul a dome ) wa s a n erosio n area .
In th e en d o f th e Couvinia n an d a t th e beginnin g o f Givetia n
time, tectoni c movement s withi n th e Tschingy z anticlinor -
ium cause d th e se a t o transgres s fro m th e Dzhungaria -
Balkhash geosynclin e are a int o th e Pretschingy z zon e an d
partly i n th e Bayanaul-Tschingy z zon e a s well . I n thes e
zones marin e condition s stil l persiste d durin g Frasnia n an d
a Famennian time . Th e se a ha d bee n a shallo w on e wit h a
number o f island s covere d b y profus e vegetation , a s evi -
denced b y a n abundan t an d wel l preserve d flor a foun d i n
Givetian marin e sediments .
Within th e Pretschingy z zon e i n th e beginnin g o f th e
Givetian submarin e eruption s o f andesitic-basalt s occurred .
LATE DEVONIAN
Frasnian
During Frasnia n tim e th e natur e o f sedimentatio n differ -
ed fro m tha t o f th e Givetian . I n th e greate r par t o f th e
Caledonides risin g movement s dominate d an d i n a numbe r
of intracontinenta l basin s (Kyzylso k basin , Kandykta s
basin, etc. ) th e wate r regim e cease d t o exist . Depressio n
areas decrease d whil e erosiona l area s increased .
The Frasnia n landscap e a s wel l a s th e Givetia n on e con -
sisted o f intracontinenta l basin s bordere d b y rathe r hig h
mountains. Th e clasti c materia l decrease s i n siz e whic h i s
typical fo r Frasnia n molass e an d prove s tha t i n thi s perio d
a lowe r an d les s dissecte d relie f existed . Intens e risin g
movements ar e observe d onl y i n th e Kurmantschit a zone .
During th e firs t hal f o f Frasnia n tim e re d conglomerate s
and, i n a smalle r amount , sandstone s proceede d t o accumu -
late her e whil e late r onl y sandstone s wer e aggregating .
The molass e i s ove r 120 0 m thick . I n al l othe r place s
terrigenous accumulation s d o no t excee d 500-70 0 m i n
thickness.
The volcani c activit y get s stil l mor e local . It s manifesta -
tions ar e registere d withi n th e margina l volcani c bel t an d
in th e centra l zon e o f th e Betpak-Dal a anticlinoriu m a s
well. Th e lav a compositio n remain s abou t th e sam e a s i n
Givetian time .
Palaeontological evidenc e concernin g Frasnia n continen -
tal sediment s i s ofte n lackin g an d strat a assigne d t o th e
Frasnian ar e s o place d becaus e o f thei r positio n i n th e
section, betwee n florall y characterize d Givetia n an d
Famennian formations .
Famennian
At th e onse t o f Famennia n sedimentatio n th e contras t o f
the Caledonia n relie f ha d becom e somewha t reduced .
Vast an d fla t lan d portion s wer e situated , i n th e sout h
within th e Betpak-Dal a anticlinoriu m an d i n th e wes t o f
Kazakhstanthe Sarysu-Teny z uplift , Eskul a dom e etc .
This lan d ha d bee n a barrie r betwee n th e Ura l zoogeogra -
phic provinc e an d th e East-Kazakhsta n zoogeographi c pro -
vince (Nalivkin , 1926) .
The re d Famennia n strat a ar e a typical , obliquel y lamin -
ated molass e forme d unde r condition s o f a moderatel y high ,
slightly dissecte d relief . Thi s molass e rest s wit h shar p un -
conformity o n variou s olde r formations . I n th e firs t
phase o f Varisca n orogeny , tectoni c movement s cause d th e
sea t o transgres s int o th e Caledonia n depression , fro m th e
Variscide area .
In th e northwester n par t o f th e Betpak-Dal a anticlinor -
ium (Kurmantschit a zone ) shallo w se a condition s existe d
for th e firs t tim e an d armoure d fishe s o f th e Placoderm i
class appear , bu t bein g indifferentl y preserve d thes e coul d
be identifie d onl y dow n t o th e Antiarch i an d Arthrodir a
subclasses. Th e occurrenc e o f thes e fis h i s confine d t o
only one thin band .
Both her e an d northward s (i n th e centra l par t o f th e
Tenyz depression ) condition s ha d bee n create d i n littora l
regions favourin g depositio n o f evaporites . Drillin g ha s
revealed gypsum , sal t an d greenish-gre y claystones ; fro m
the latter , spore s hav e bee n isolate d datin g th e deposit s a s
Famennian. Th e occurrenc e o f sal t an d gypsu m i s indica -
tive o f dr y condition s whic h existe d durin g th e Famennia n
in thi s par t o f centra l Kazakhstan .
Eastwards, i n th e littora l region s o f th e West-Balkhas h
synclinorium withi n th e Sarysu-Teny z uplift , a t th e begin -
ning o f th e Famennian , re d sediment s yieldin g band s o f
manganiferous sandstone s an d manganes e ore s wer e ac -
cumulating, indicativ e o f a humi d regim e du e to a n adjacen t
sea-basin.
Northwards an d northeastward s i n th e Karagand a syn -
clinorium an d als o i n th e Erementa u an d Tschingy z anticlin -
oria, a marin e transgressio n followe d th e Famennian .
In thi s perio d terrestria l volcani c eruption s wer e restrict -
ed t o th e Betpak-Dal a anticlinoriu m centra l zone , i n th e
Karasay region . Th e fina l phases o f a centra l typ e volcani c
activity ar e relate d t o Famennia n tectoni c pulses .
PALAEONTOLOGY
FLORA
In th e Devonia n continenta l deposit s o f centra l Kazakh -
stan si x non-coeva l floral complexe s yieldin g ove r 5 5 plan t
species hav e bee n distinguished. * Plan t remain s ar e dis -
tributed irregularl y bot h withi n th e whol e sectio n an d
along th e strik e o f th e strata . Th e Earl y Devonia n epoc h
is notabl e fo r a poo r floral complex . Intens e risin g move -
ments an d violen t volcani c activit y prevente d th e plant s
from dispersin g an d als o fro m growing .
The Earl y Devonia n flora l comple x i s represente d by :
Parka cf . decipiens Flem. , filamentou s an d caulin e Algae ,
Cooksonia crassiparietilis Jur. , Zosterophyllum australianum
Lang e t Cook. , Z. sp. , Psilophyton burnotense (Gilk. ) Kr .
et W. , P. princeps Daws. , Psilophytites rectissimum (Hoeg) ,
Hedeia parvula Jurin a sp . nov . (in litt.), Dawsonites arcu-
atus Halle , Hcstimella sp. , Taeniocrada decheniana (Goepp. )
Kr. e t W. , T. sp. , Drepanophycus spinaeformis Goepp. , D.
gaspianus (Daws. ) Stockm. , Lidasimophyton akkermensis
Senk.
The flora l comple x unde r investigatio n ha s bee n foun d
in te n location s an d i s represente d b y singl e specimens . A
dominant par t i n th e flora l compositio n i s playe d b y th e
Psilopsida ( 9 species) , whil e th e Lycopsid a ar e represente d
by 3 species . Amon g thes e 1 2 specie s onl y Parka cf . decip-
iens Flem. , Cooksonia crassiparietilis Jur. , Zosterophyllum
australianum Lan g et Cook., Psilophyton burnotense (Gilk.) ,
Kr. e t W. , Hedeia parvula Jur . sp . nov. (in litt.) an d Drepan-
ophycus spinaeformis Goepp . ar e critica l fo r Lowe r Devon -
ian deposit s whil e th e res t ar e encountere d bot h i n Lowe r
and i n Middle Devonian deposits .
In th e Earl y Couvinia n a numbe r o f intracontinenta l bas -
ins drie d up , ai r humidit y decrease d an d mos t Earl y Dev -
onian plant s becam e extinct . I n th e souther n an d south -
eastern par t o f th e Caledonia n are a th e Psilopsid a ha d bee n
replaced b y the Lycopsida . Th e Early Couvinia n flora l com-
plex ha s bee n foun d i n si x location s an d i s represente d by :
Taeniocrada cf . dubia Kr . e t W. , Lidasimophyton sp. , Bla-
saria sibirica (Krysht. ) Zal. , Protolepidodendron scharian-
*Plants mentioned here have been found only in continental de-
posits.
um Kr. , Pr. sp. , Arthropsid a an d Betpakphyton rhombicum
Senkevich gen . e t sp. nov. (in coll.).
The principa l par t i n th e comple x compositio n i s playe d
by th e Lycopsid a ( 4 species) , whil e th e Psilopsid a ar e re -
presented b y bu t 1 species . Fo r th e firs t tim e th e Arthrop -
sida appear , poorl y preserve d an d therefor e indeterminabl e
below th e orde r limits ; onl y on e Pteropsid a specie s appear s
as well .
Early Devonia n an d Earl y Couvinia n floral complexe s
had bee n me t wit h onl y i n th e Uppe r Kaidau l membe r
aCo,). I t wa s impossibl e t o distinguis h Earl y Devon -
ian an d Earl y Couvinia n deposit s withi n th e membe r be -
cause th e plant s occure d i n lithologicall y simila r layer s an d
the sediment s seldo m ha d bee n characterize d b y th e flora.
In Lat e Couvinian , consequen t t o orogeni c movement s
during th e final phas e o f Caledonia n tectogenesis , sedimen -
tation condition s wer e changed ; lav a eruption s cease d an d i n
a numbe r o f intracontinenta l basin s a wate r regim e se t i n
increasing th e ai r humidity . Th e Lat e Couvinia n flora l
complex wa s fa r mor e varie d tha n tha t o f th e Earl y
Couvinian. I t consiste d of : Asteroxylon sibiricum Krysht. ,
Dicranophyton niayssiense Zal. , Lidasimophyton akkermen-
sis Senk. , Graciliphyton artschalensis Senkevitsc h gen . et. sp.
nov. (in litt.), Protolepidodendron scharianum Kr. , Proto-
lepidodendropsis (? ) sp. , Calamophyton sp. , Aneurophyton
germanicum Kr . e t W. , Barrandeina kirghizika Krysht . sp .
nov. (in coll.).
The Lycopsid a ma y b e considere d a s th e mai n back -
ground i n th e flora l composition o f th e Lat e Couvinia n land -
scape despit e it s bein g represente d merel y b y fou r species .
The lycopsi d Lidasimophyton akkermensis Senk . whic h
appeared fo r th e firs t tim e b y th e en d o f Earl y Couvinia n
became firml y establishe d i n Lat e Couvinia n an d it s area l
distribution becam e expanded . I n th e sout h o f th e Caledon -
ian are a a s wel l a s i n th e West-Balkhas h Lan d zon e som e
bands ar e packe d wit h stem s o f thi s interestin g plant .
Still mor e propagate d wa s Protolepidodendron scharianum
Kr. Durin g th e Middl e Devonia n epoch , especiall y i n Lat e
Couvinian time , thi s plan t gre w almos t everywher e i n cen -
tral Kazakhstan . It s stem s aboun d i n sandston e band s
even i n th e pyroclasti c layer s (Bayanaul-Tschingy z zone) .
The Psilopsid a ar e represente d b y 2 specie s an d occu r a s
single specimens ; th e Pteropsid a ar e als o represente d b y 2
species; th e grou p o f unestablishe d systematizatio n consist s
of on e species .
It i s typica l tha t almos t al l comple x specie s appea r fo r
the firs t tim e i n th e Middl e Devonian , excep t Lidasimophy-
ton akkermensis Senk . appearin g b y th e en d o f th e Earl y
Devonian.
The Givetia n flora l comple x wa s mor e abundan t a s com -
pared wit h th e Uppe r Couvinian . Ai r humidit y increas e du e
to transgressio n an d localizatio n o f volcani c activit y favour -
ed a mor e intensiv e plan t developmen t an d th e appearanc e
of ne w taxon s a s well . Durin g Givetia n tim e i n central Kaz -
akhstan al l vegetatio n type s o f th e Middl e Palaeozoi c wer e
growing. Simila r t o Lat e Couvinia n time , th e principa l
background wa s forme d b y th e Lycopsida . I n th e Givetia n
flora ther e were : Pseudosporochnus cf . krejci P . e t B. , P .
nodosus Lecl . e t Benks Taeniocrada decheniana Goepp. , T.
timanica Tschirk. , T. sp. , Tomiphyton primaevum Zal. , Hos-
timella strectissima Hoeg , cf . Lidasimophyton akkermen-
sis Senk. , Graciliphyton artschalensis Senkevic h gen . e t sp .
nov. (in litt.), Protolepidodendron scharianum Kr. , P . sp. ,
Archaeosigillaria rotunda Senkevic h sp . nov . (in coll.),
Lepidodendropsis kazachstanica Senk. , L . cf . theodori (Zal.)
Jongm., L. sp. , Hyenia cf . sphenophylloides Nath. , H. vogti
Hoeg, Calamophyton sp. , Protopteridium hostimense Kr. , P .
(?) ramulosum Jurin a sp . nov . (in litt.), Karagandella kab-
anovii Jurin a gen . e t sp . nov . (in litt.), Cephalopteris (?)
praecox Hoeg , Betpakphyton rhombicum Senkevic h gen .
et sp . nov . (in coll.) Barrandeina dusliana (Kr. ) Stur , B.
agadirica Senk. , B. sp. , Broggeria norvegica Nath .
In th e Givetia n comple x th e Psilopsid a ar e represente d b y
6 species , mostl y me t wit h i n singl e specimens ; th e Lycop -
sida als o ar e represente d b y 6 species , bu t eac h o f the m
amounts t o man y score s o f specimen s i n ever y localit y oc -
currence. Th e Arthropsid a ar e represente d b y 2 species, th e
Pteropsida b y 6 species ; th e grou p o f unestablishe d system -
atization consist s o f 3 species.
Most plant s o f th e Givetia n comple x rang e throug h
the whol e Middl e Devonian . Suc h specie s a s Taeniocrada
decheniana Goepp. , Lydasimophyton akkermensis Senk .
had alread y appeare d b y th e en d o f th e Earl y Devonia n
epoch; Betpakphyton rhombicum Senk . ge n e t sp . nov . (in
litt.) i n Earl y Couvinia n an d merel y Hostimella strectissima
Hoeg, Tomiphyton primaevum Zal. , Lepidodendropsis kaz-
achstanica Senk. , Hyenia vogti Hoeg , H. sphenophylloides
Nath., Barrandeina agadirica Senk . an d Broggeria norvegica
Nath. ha d appeare d i n Givetian time .
Dominant risin g movements , increas e o f area s o f erosio n
and i n par t se a regressio n cause d th e plant s t o becom e ex -
tinct i n th e greate r par t o f th e regio n unde r investigation .
The flora l complex o f Frasnia n ag e i s not varie d i n composi -
tion. Lac k o f flor a i n Frasnia n deposits , excep t som e singl e
occurrences ( 5 burials) , i s apparentl y indicativ e o f a drie r
and hotte r climat e i n thi s period . Merel y i n littora l region s
the Lycopsid a an d Pteropsid a stil l continue d t o grow .
The Frasnia n flora l complex consiste d of : Lepidodendrop-
sis theodori (Zal. ) Jongm. , Cyclostigma kiltorkense Haugh. ,
Knorria sp. , Enigmophyton cf . superbum Hoeg , Svalbardia
polimorpha Hoe g an d Archaeopteris sp .
The Lycopsid a dominat e bot h i n numbe r o f specie s ( 4
species) an d i n numbe r o f specimens , whil e th e Pteropsid a
are represented b y 3 species.
For th e Frasnia n onl y Cyclostigma kiltorkense Haugh . i s
critical; Archaeopteris appear s i n the Frasnian , continue s t o
exist throughou t th e whol e Lat e Devonia n epoc h an d die s
out i n th e Tournaisian . Th e res t o f th e plant s ar e foun d
in th e Givetia n a s wel l a s i n th e Frasnia n deposit s al l ove r
the world .
Sea transgressio n durin g Famennia n cause d th e ai r hum -
idity t o increas e an d favoure d plan t migratio n fro m th e
Variscan are a an d dispersio n int o th e Caledonia n one . Suc h
plants a s Leptophloeum rhombicum Daws. , L. nothum (Ung -
er), whic h i n Frasnia n tim e wer e growin g o n th e coas t an d
on island s o f th e Varisca n area , wer e no w penetratin g in -
land. Onc e agai n Arthropsid a specie s appear , suc h as :
Pseudobornia ursina Nath. , Sphenopteridium subtenerrim-
um Nath. , Eviostachya hoegi Stockm. , a s wel l a s Pteropsid a
Cephalopteris cf . mirabilis Nath. , Tortkophyton globosum
Jurina gen . e t sp . nov . (in litt.), Pteridorachis sp .
Pseudobornia ursina Nath. , Eviostachya hoegi Stockm .
and Cephalopteris mirabilis Nath. , di e ou t i n th e Famen -
nian. Th e genu s Sphenopteridium continue s int o th e Car -
boniferous. Th e genus Leptophloeum whic h appeare d i n th e
Frasnian cease d t o exis t i n th e Earl y Tournaisian .
Besides macro-remain s i n Famennia n deposits , th e follow -
ing plan t spore s hav e bee n detected : Hymenozonotriletes
pallidus Naum. , H. famenensis Naum. , H. submirabilis
(Luber) Jush. , H. varius Naum. , H. cf . macrosetus( ? ) Kedo ,
Lophotriletes rugosus Naum. , L. rotundus Naum. , L. aff .
grumosus Naum. , Archaeozonotriletes famenensis Naum. ,
A. aff . rugosus Naum. , A. cf . luteolus Naum. , Zonotriletes
subterus Waltz. , Trachitriletes solidus Naum .
Composition analysi s dat a fo r th e abov e mentione d com -
plexes sho w tha t i n th e Earl y Devonia n flor a th e primitiv e
plant grou p o f Psilopsid a wa s prevalen t (7 7 pe r cent ) an d
the Lycopsid a forme d a quit e unimportan t par t (1 3 pe r
cent) (Baragwanathiale s order) .
In Earl y Couvinia n th e plan t typ e rati o undergoe s a
change: th e mai n backgroun d i s compose d o f highe r organ -
ized types , th e Lycopsid a (6 4 pe r cent ) represente d no t
merely b y th e primitiv e Baragwanathiale s orde r bu t b y th e
more highl y organize d Protolepidodendrale s orde r a s well .
The Psilopsida , Arthropsid a an d Pteropsid a pla y a n approxi -
mately equa l par t (1 2 pe r cen t each) .
In Lat e Couvinia n th e Lycopsid a ar e stil l dominan t (4 5
per cent ) bein g represente d b y th e sam e orders . Bu t i n
specimen quantit y th e mai n par t i s playe d b y th e Protolep -
idodendrales order , th e Psilopsid a an d Pteropsid a constitut e
less tha n hal f (2 2 pe r cen t each) : th e plan t grou p wit h
unestablished systematizatio n i s insignifican t (1 1 per cent) .
In Givetia n tim e th e Lycopsid a wer e th e prevalen t typ e
(31 pe r cent) ; beside s tw o formerl y existin g order s a mor e
highly organize d order , th e Lycopodiales , arose . It s speci -
men quantit y wa s importan t whil e th e genera l compositio n
included bu t thre e species . Th e Psilopsid a (2 7 pe r cent )
and th e Pteropsid a (2 3 pe r cent ) constitute d on e hal f o f
the Givetia n complex ; th e Arthropsid a 7 pe r cen t an d th e
plant grou p wit h unestablishe d systematizatio n 1 2 pe r cent .
In th e Lat e Devonia n durin g Frasnia n tim e th e Psilopsid a
were becoming extinc t an d i n the floral composition a n equa l
number o f Pteropsid a an d Lycopsid a ar e left.
In th e Famennia n th e rol e o f th e Pteropsid a increase s
still more ; the y constitut e hal f o f th e whol e flora whil e
the res t i s forme d b y th e Lycopsid a an d Arthropsida .
This analysi s show s tha t i n th e Devonia n withi n th e Cal -
edonian are a a s wel l a s i n th e margina l volcani c bel t o f cen -
tral Kazakhsta n thre e larg e phase s o f vegetationa l develop -
ment ar e observed , durin g whic h th e mai n backgroun d wa s
formed b y a definit e plan t type . Accordin g t o th e preva -
lent typ e th e Devonia n flor a ma y b e respectivel y sub -
divided int o thre e floras : Earl y Devonia n - Psilopsid a
flora; Middl e Devonia n - Lycopsida , whic h becaus e o f th e
Protolepidodendrales orde r dominatin g an d Protolepidoden-
dron scharianum Kr . growin g everywher e shoul d b e name d
the Protolepidendro n flora; an d Lat e Devonia n th e
Pteropsida ( Archaeopteris) flora. I n Kazakhsta n ther e i s
no reaso n t o designat e a n Hyenia flor a (R . Krausel , 1937 )
widely distribute d i n th e Middl e Devonia n o f th e world ,
because her e al l thre e Middl e Devonia n complexe s yiel d no t
more tha n 10-1 2 pe r cen t o f Arthropsida . Thi s subdivisio n
confirms tha t th e Psilopsid a an d Archaeopteris floras wer e
really existin g a s th e polychroni c flora s designated b y A . N .
Krishtofovitsch i n 1946 .
The Middl e Devonia n Protolepidodendro n flor a i s rathe r
peculiar an d fo r it s greate r par t n o analogue s i n contempor -
aneous worl d floras hav e bee n found . Therefore, i t probabl y
should b e considere d a s a specifi c typ e dependin g upo n
the inheren t developmen t condition s o f centra l Kazakhstan .
In thi s regio n th e final phase s o f Caledonia n tectogenesi s
created mountai n structure s surroundin g intracontinenta l
basins eac h wit h it s ow n peculia r microclimate .
SUMMARY
1. Devonia n continenta l deposit s o f centra l Kazakhsta n
are relate d t o th e Caledonia n zon e embracin g vas t area s
in th e south , west , nort h an d northeas t o f th e region , a s
well a s t o th e margina l volcani c belt ; th e latte r i s th e
fracture zon e o f th e Caledonide s an d Variscides .
2. I n th e Caledonia n are a th e geosynclina l regim e exist -
ed durin g th e Riphea n an d Lowe r Palaeozoic ; fro m th e en d
of th e Siluria n til l Earl y Couvinia n th e geosynclina l zon e
was turning int o a folded area .
3. I n Lat e Couvinia n an d Givetian , i n consequenc e o f
folding movement s th e depressio n an d uplif t area s wer e
redistributed an d th e se a partl y transgresse d int o th e north -
eastern par t o f th e Caledonides . Th e landscap e o f thi s tim e
presented a sigh t o f hug e intracontinenta l Caledonide -
bordered basin s wit h molass e accumulatin g i n them .
4. Durin g Frasnia n tim e risin g movement s wer e preva -
lent an d i n a numbe r o f intracontinenta l basin s th e wate r
regime cease d t o exist .
5. A t th e onse t o f Famennia n sedimentatio n th e contrast -
ing Caledonia n relie f ha d bee n somewha t reduced . Du e t o
tectonic movement s th e se a transgresse d fro m th e Varisca n
zone int o th e Caledonia n depressions .
6. Lithologica l formation s steadil y accumulatin g durin g
the Devonia n i n th e regio n unde r investigatio n wer e rathe r
uniform i n composition . Til l th e Lat e Couvinia n th e fina l
formations o f th e Caledonia n cycl e (th e continenta l re d
clastic formatio n a s wel l a s th e terrestria l volcani c one )
dominate. I n a late r perio d th e continenta l volcani c clasti c
formation widel y develop s a s well . Th e terrestria l volcani c
formation i s especiall y wel l represente d i n th e margina l
volcanic bel t an d i n th e Betpak-Dal a anticlinoriu m centra l
zone; i n th e las t mentione d i t accumulate d throughou t th e
whole Devonian .
7. Centra l Kazakhsta n i s on e o f th e fe w region s i n th e
world wit h a widel y develope d terrestria l volcani c forma -
tion, whic h wa s accumulatin g withi n differen t area s durin g
the whol e Devonian . Wide-rangin g lava-typesfro m basal t
to liparit e are typica l fo r the abov e mentione d formation .
8. I n th e Devonia n continenta l formation s o f centra l
Kazakhstan plan t remain s ar e ofte n me t with , whil e a fish
fauna i s bu t rarel y found . I n Devonia n marin e deposit s
floras interbedde d wit h o r occurrin g togethe r wit h variou s
faunas hav e als o bee n found . Thus , i t wa s possibl e t o se t
precise distributio n limit s fo r floral taxon s an d t o elaborat e
an ag e standar d fo r th e Devonia n continenta l deposit s o f
central Kazakhstan .
9. I n Devonia n continenta l deposit s o f centra l Kazakh -
stan 6 flora l complexe s yieldin g ove r 5 5 plan t specie s hav e
been distinguished .
M . A. S E N K E V I C H ,
South Kazakhstan Geological Department, Alma Ata, Kazakhstan.