Middle Miocene (Sarmatian) sandstones in the Ukrainian Carpathian Foredeep are important exploration targets for natural gas. In this paper, we report on petrophysical studies on core samples of these sandstones with which we integrate wireline log data from 42 boreholes. Sarmatian siltstones and sandstones in the study area are assigned to the lower part of the Dashava Formation. Seventeen units (LD17 to LD1: 0.05 to 5m thick) are recognized in this formation on the basis of lithostratigraphy and log response. Sandstone content is highest within three lithostratigraphic complexes corresponding to units LD17-LD14, LD9-LD8 and LD5-LD3.

During the Sarmatian, the Carpathian Foredeep was characterized by two depositional systems: a basinal turbidite system, and a second, more mixed system. Important controls on sedimentation included basin configuration and water depth, the occurrence of turbidity and other currents, and the location of provenance areas. Clastic material was delivered to the basin by rivers and ephemeral streams mostly from the Carpathian foldbelt. The content of sandy material within the Sarmatian succession increases from NW to SE, and from the central portion of the Krukenychy depression to the margins of the basin.