Derbent Basin in the northern Middle Caspian was studied using the continuous seismoacoustic profiling
method. In accordance with the previous standpoint, two Pleistocene deltaic complexes formed in the Enotae-
vian and Mangyshlakian time are defined in this area. The seismoacoustic records obtained for the northern
slope of the Derbent Basin demonstrate the development of specific rootless exogenic–gravitational fold struc-
tures in the upper (
150–200 m) Quaternary part of the sedimentary sequence. The Quaternary section encloses angular unconformities indicating the pulsating mode of gravitational processes in the northern slope of the
basin. South-dipping gravitational normal faults (and/or normal fault-related flexures) displacing the bottom
surface and uppermost sedimentary layers (with vertical amplitudes up to 5–6 m) were defined in the southern
part of the study area. Several impulses of the submarine slump structures predated and accompanied the dep-
osition of the upper deltaic sequence (Mangyshlakian), although their most intense formation took place later
during the Novocaspian (Holocene) time. Thus, the structural analysis of the seismoacoustic data revealed
intense development of different-origin and different-age gravitational structures within the Quaternary sedi-
ments in the northern slope of the Derbent Basin. These results should be taken into consideration when design-
ing, building, and operating submarine constructions in order to prevent potential natural hazards and reduce
their consequences.