During upper pliocene and pliestocene a non-marine succession (Akchagyl and Apsheron formation respectively), about 485 m thick, was deposited in Moghan basin, NW of Iran. Both formations begin with fluvial conglomerate and ultimately with lacustrine deposits. Mud is the main constituent of this succession. XRD and XRF analyses have been carried out on mudstones from f1uvial to lacustrine deposits. The clay minerals identified were beidellite, illite-smectite mixed-layer, illite, chlorite and kaolinite. Apart from clay minerals, calcite, quartz, feldspar, volcanic ash and heulandite were recognized. Heulandite is of diagenetic origin and some calcites were authigene. The other components were detrital and derived from the out of basin and surrounding lands. X -ray diffractmeters show no changes in volcanic ashes composition. These amorphous materials were made of opal and/or opal, quartz, feldspat and mica. Clay minerals in fluvial and lacustrine systems had no obvious differences. In the other word new clay minerals had not been formed in lacustrine system. Variations of the amounts and proportions of the clay minerals were related to paleoclimatic changes. Based on the former findings and the unchanged volcanic ashes in the muds. The paleosalinity of Akchagyl and Apsheron basins must have been fresh or brackish.