Stratotypic section of the Wenlockian Voyvyv horizon (Western slope of the Subpolar Urals)

Abstract

Research subject. The paper presents the results of a study into the carbonate-terrigenous section of 197.8 m-thick Wenlockian section in the Shchugor River basin, which is proposed as the stratotype of the regional horizon. Materials and methods. The study was based on numerous samples from Lower Silurian deposits collected by the authors in different years during fieldwork on the Western slope of the Circumpolar Urals and the Chernov and Chernyshev uplifts, as well as the biostratigraphic, paleontological, lithological, and C-isotopic data obtained during these works. Results. The obtained data allowed revising some of the established ideas about the structure of the Lower Silurian section and the position of the boundary level between the Llandoverian and Wenlockian in the Subpolar Urals and to identify a new regional subdivision with the name “Voyvyv”. The traced formation conditions of shallow carbonate sediments of the Voyvyv horizon and the consistent change of zonal taxa of marine fauna in the stratotype section indicate similarity with coeval strata on the Chernov and Chernyshev uplifts and Dolgy Island. Conclusions. The results of the study of Wenlockian Voyvyv deposits in the Timan-North Urals region showed that the section in the Shchugor River basin in outcrop 10c can be considered the most informative in the Northern Urals region in terms of exposure degree, established stratigraphic completeness, and preservation of macro- and microfauna.