Neogene Regional Scale of the Eastern Paratethys, Stratigraphy and Paleontological Basis

The stratigraphic scale of the Eastern Paratethys is revised based on a study of the Neogene stratotype and reference sections, their biotic characteristics, and paleomagnetic and sedimentological data. New data on the correlation of its regional subdivisions with the Central Paratethys and Mediterranean stratotypes are presented. The section “Regional Stage Scale of the Eastern Paratethys” considers the history of identification and a brief description of the horizons of the regional scale, which later became regional stages, as well as their historical stratotypes and lectostratotypes, and division into Beds and Substages. The section “History of Separate Biota Groups” provides reviews on the most important groups of fauna, phytoplankton, and terrestrial vegetation, as well as on magnetostratigraphy, the possibility of correlation and dating of sections based on these data, and comparison with the Central Paratethys and stratotypes of the Mediterranean. In conclusion, the main results of the revision of the stratigraphic scheme of the Neogene of the Eastern Paratethys are given.