Kimmerian Stage

Kimmerian Stage

 

(from the “Cimmerians” or “Kimmerians”), one of the stages of the Neocene system in the Black Sea-Caspian area. It is divided into three horizons (from the bottom up): Azov, Kamyshburun, and Panticapaeum. The stage is composed of sands, clays, conglomerates, coquinas, and brown oolitic iron ores (Kerch’ Iron-Ore Basin). The mollusks characteristic of the Kimmerian stage are the largest in the entire Neocene (Acricardium and Didacna of the Cardiidae, Congeria of the Dreissenidae, and Valenciennesia of the Gastropoda).