The Caspian–Black Sea Neopleistocene Corridor: The Manych Depression

The geographical location and relief of the Manych Depression have inspired researchers to speculate for a long time about the existence of a strait between the Caspian Sea and the Sea of Azov–Black Sea basins in past epochs. An integrated study of the structure of the sedimentary sequence, which has shown the stages of strait functioning, suggested that it was opened at least six times during the Neopleistocene (MIS 19-2). The present-day landscapes markedly express the Late Neopleistocene events. This work provides an overview of scientific opinions about the history of the Manych straits, including the results of long-term studies by the authors, and identifies unsolved questions in the paleogeography of this unique region.