GTU Student Conducts Biostratigraphic Study of Upper Cretaceous Sediments in Racha

A fourth-year student of the Faculty of Mining Geology and Sustainable Mountain Development of the Georgian Technical University conducted a field geological survey in Racha.

GTU student Rati Rachvelishvili conducted the research project “Biostratigraphic Study of Upper Cretaceous Sediments in the Racha Region (Surroundings of Krichi)” near the village of Krichi, Ambrolauri Municipality. He carried out the research with funding awarded after winning a scientific conference organized by the Department of Geology.

Professor Noe Khozrevanidze, Dean of the Faculty of Mining Geology and Sustainable Mountain Development of GTU, notes that according to Gamkrelidze’s scheme of tectonic regionalization, the area explored by Rati Rachvelishvili belongs to the Racha Subsidence Subzone of the Gagra-Java Zone and, based on its facies complexes, to the Abkhazia-Racha structural-facies type.

Professor Noe Khozrevanidze emphasizes that the geological section is represented by carbonate sediments, including light-gray, white, and yellowish limestones and marls.

“The importance of such studies, first and foremost, lies in the fact that students are given the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired at the university directly in field conditions. The research conducted by Rati Rachvelishvili is important not only from an educational and practical point of view, but also for a better understanding of the geological structure of the region and its Upper Cretaceous sediments. The Racha region is particularly interesting from a geological point of view; studying the rocks and sediments, their faunal composition, and stratigraphic characteristics allows us to reconstruct the history of the region’s geological development more fully.

Of particular importance is the fact that the research was carried out as part of the student’s independent scientific work. Such projects contribute to the professional development of young geologists, the development of research skills, and preparation for larger-scale scientific work in the future. Our goal is to provide students with the opportunity to work in a real geological environment, explore interesting geological objects, and present their findings to the scientific community.”

 – Professor Noe Khozrevanidze

According to Rati Rachvelishvili, a student of the Faculty of Mining Geology and Sustainable Mountain Development, during the fieldwork, the research section was documented in detail, GPS coordinates were recorded, and photographs were taken.

“The scientific goal of the research is to identify and study the microfauna in detail based on the material collected during the fieldwork under laboratory conditions. The ultimate goal is to carry out a detailed biostratigraphic division of the section and identify zonal units, reconstruct the paleogeographic and paleoclimatic characteristics of the region, and assess the scientific, educational, and geotourism potential (geoheritage) of the site. I would like to emphasize that the fieldwork creates a solid foundation for further, larger-scale, and targeted studies of Cretaceous sediments in the Racha region.”

– Student Rati Rachvelishvili