Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
2. Himachal Pradesh:
The Thrust Sequence of NW Himalaya
Kinnaur apples
Overview
Himachal Pradesh, a state in northern India, is known for its natural beauty. The state is the third fast growing
economy in India. Almost the entire state is mountainous with elevations ranging from 300 to 7000 meters
above mean sea level. Major rivers flowing in the state include Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej and Yamuna.
Climate varies from hot sub-humid tropical in the south to Alpine and glacial in the north and cold desert in
areas like Lahaul and Spiti. The state is known for its handicraft which include shawls, carpets, wood work
and printing.
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TripPlanNo. 2a: 4 Days 3 Nights
Starts: NewDelhi
Finishes: NewDelhi
TripDescription
Day 1 Departure New Delhi Sight seeing at Shimla
Arrival Shimla by air
Day 2 Shimla-Rekong Pio Study of Greater Himalayan Sequences of Sight seeing at Rekong Pio
Shimla Klippe; rocks of Proterozoic Rampur
Group (quartzite and metavolcanics)
exposed in Kulu-Rampur-Larji window;
inverse metamorphic sequence of the
over-thrusted rocks
Day 3 Rekong Pio-Shimla Study of South Tibetan Detachment Surface
and the Lower Paleozoic Kinner-Kailash
granite
Day 4 Departure Shimla
Arrival New Delhi by air
Section Highlights Tourism Offered
shale and micaceous sandstone of Dagshai Formation, massive sandstone and grey to red shale dominated Kasauli Formation
along the MBT. The Paleogene sequence is thrust over the clastic fluvial sequence of Neogene Siwalik Group along the
Palampur Thrust.
Rotation of feldspar porphyroclasts in
Lower Palaeozoic Kinner Kailash granite
Sinistral sense of shear in the rocks
of Central Crystallines, Rekong Pio
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TripPlanNo. 2b: 4 Days 3 Nights
Starts: NewDelhi
Finishes: NewDelhi
TripDescription
Day 1 Departure Delhi Sight seeing at Chandigarh and
Arrival Chandigarh
by air
Day 2 Chandigarh-Shimla Himalayan Frontal Fault at Panchkula; Sight seeing at Shimla
Nahan Thrust at Kalka; Main Boundary
Thrust between Kasauli and Blani/Krol
Formations at Anjhi; Chail Thrust
Day 3 Shimla-Kumarhatti- Study of Main Boundary Fault at Kumarhatti
Chandigarh
Day 4 Departure Chandigarh
Arrival Delhi by air
Pinjor Gardens
between Siwalik and Subathu;
Nahan Thrust at Nahan
Section Highlights Tourism Offered
Pinjor Gardens
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Image of a part of Satluj valley
SynopticQuaternaryGeology
Fromits origin in arid zone, the Satluj River passes though humid zone between Karchamand Rampur, semi-arid zone between
Rampur and Luhree and again humid zone between Sundernagar and Ropar. Upstreamof Rampur, the river has steep walled,
V-shaped narrowvalley while in downstreamit shows wide, meandering form.
Quaternary sediments of alluvial, fluvial, debris flow and lacustrine origins occur along the Satluj and its major tributaries in the
formof terraces, hill slope debris and alluvial fans. The river shows both degradational and aggradational habits. The excursion
will show the climatic sensitive sectors where >80 m thick pile of sedimentary deposits show variations in paleo-climatic
conditions.
2. Himachal Pradesh:
Intensified Monsoon Phases in Satluj Valley
Satluj valley architecture near Nogli, Himachal Pradesh Fluvial deposit 200m
above river bed, Himachal Pradesh
Overview
Satluj, a perennial river of Indus System originates from Rakshas Tal and Mansarovar Lake in Tibet at an
elevation of 4572 m. After traversing about 320 km through the Higher, Lesser and Outer Himalayan belts In
Himachal Pradesh, it debouches on the alluvial plain near Ropar in Punjab. Spiti and Baspa Rivers are its
major tributaries.
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TripPlanNo. 2c: 4 Days 3 Nights
Starts: NewDelhi
Finishes: NewDelhi
TripDescription
Day 1 Delhi-Chandigarh- Siwalik sections near Kalka Pinjor gardens, Shimla
Shimla by rail/road
Day 2 Shimla-Rampur- Alluvial fans, debris and terrace deposits of Baspa Valley
Satluj along Rampur-Tapri-Karcham.
Lacustrine sequence near Sangla
Day 3 Rampur-Luhree- Gravelly and sandy terrace sections. Satluj Valley
Rampur
Day 4 Rampur-Chandigarh- Landscape along Shimla-Solan highway
Delhi by Road/Rail
Sangla-Rampur
Meandering and straight river morphology
Section Highlights Tourism Offered
Sandy terrace of Satluj near Dattnagar, Himachal Pradesh Gravelly terrace at Luhri, Himachal Pradesh
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Bells toll at Chitai temple, near Almora.
SynopticGeology
The foreland sediments of the IndoGangetic Plains are overthrust by the Neogene Siwalik Group of rocks along the Main Frontal
Thrust. The Siwalik Group is in turn overthrust by the Lesser Himalayan rocks along the Main Boundary Fault. In the outer zone
of the Lesser Himalaya, the Nagthat Formation is overlain by the synformally disposed Mussoorie Group comprising Blaini
Formation, Krol Formation and Tal Formation. Towards the inner zone of Lesser Himalaya the dominant unit is the Garhwal
Group which is subdivided into the granite-gneiss and mica-schist dominatedAgastmuni Formation; metavolcanic and quartzite
dominated Uttarkashi Formation; dolomite with minor phyllite and quartzite bearing Tejam Formation and quartzite-slate-
phyllite dominated Berinag Formation. The rocks of Garhwal Group are tectonically overlain by the rocks of Central Crystalline
Group along the Main Central Thrust (MCT). The MCT is defined by a broad zone constrained by Munsiari thrust (MCT 1) at the
bottom and Vaikrita thrust (MCT 2) at the top. The rocks between these thrust sheets are predominantly chlorite- and garnet-
bearing schist, quartzite with minor granite gneiss belonging to the Helang Formation and streaky biotite gneiss, quartzite, schist
and amphibolite of Bhilangana Formation. The Central Crystalline Group in this area is represented by psammitic gneiss and
schist of Pandukeshwar Formation and garnet, staurolite, kyanite bearing schists, sillimanite bearing migmatites of Badrinath
Formation. Amphibolites and undeformed younger Tertiary granites are the intrusive phases. Overthrust rocks fromthe Central
Crystallines are present as klipp within the Lesser Himalayan Belt.
3. Uttarakhand:
Thrust Tectonics in Central Himalaya
Folded quartzite near Takula, Almora District Wild flowers in bloom
Overview
Uttarakhand is a hilly state in the northern part of India. It is commonly referred as Dev bhumi (land of gods)
due to presence of numerous temples in the state. The northern part of the state is covered by high mountains
and large glaciers. Nanda Devi (7816 m), the second highest mountain in India is located in Uttarakhand. The
dense forest covering most of the state supports a high floral and faunal diversity. Many national parks and wild
life sanctuaries are present including Nanda Devi National Park and Valley of Flowers National Park, both
being UNESCOWorld Heritage Sites. The JimCorbett National Park is a famous and the oldest tiger reserve
forest present in theTarai region of Uttarakhand.
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TripPlanNo. 3a: 5 Days 4 Nights
Starts: NewDelhi
Finishes: NewDelhi
TripDescription
Day 1 Departure New Delhi Sight seeing at Rishikesh
Arrival Rishikesh
by bus
Day 2 Rishikesh-Srinagar Blaini Diamictite near Shivpuri; Tal Group and
Garhwal Nappe near Bayasi; Precambrian-
Cambrian boundary near Kauriyala; rocks of
Chandpur phyllite and Jaunsar Group of
Lesser Himalayas and North Almora Thrust
at Kirtinagar
Day 3 Srinagar-Joshimath Observing old workings for base metals; Rudraprayag and Joshimath are scenic
stromatolite at Rudraprayag, exposures of
Garhwal metavolcanics and MCT (Munsiari
Thrust) at Helang
Day 4 Joshimath-Hardwar Exposures of Higher Himalayan Sight seeing at Hardwar
Crystallines at Joshimath
Day 5 Departure Hardwar
Arrival New Delhi
Travel by road
Section Highlights Tourism Offered
Migmatite of Central Crystallines Shearing in chlorite schist of Helang Formation
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TripPlanNo. 3b: 5 Days 4 Nights
Starts: NewDelhi
Finishes: NewDelhi
TripDescription
Day 1 Departure Delhi Arrival Sightseeing at Bhimtal
Bhimtal Travel by road
Day 2 Bhimtal-Nainital Himalayan Frontal Fault at Kathgodam/ Sightseeing at Nainital
Haldwani; Main Boundary Thrust at Jeolikot;
rocks of Krol Group at Nainital; Krol Thrust
at Bhumiadhar
Day 3 Nainital-Kausani Ramgarh Thrust south of Gagar; Ramgarh Sightseeing at Kausani
Group and South Almora Thrust south of
Bhatelia, rocks of crystalline nappes of
Lesser Himalaya (Almora Nappe) and North
Almora Thrust at Someshwar/ Manan
Day 4 Kausani-Sattal Sightseeing at Sattal (Seven Lakes)
Day 5 Departure Sattal
Arrival Delhi
Travel by road
Section Highlights Tourism Offered
Kyanite schist of Almora crystallines North Almora Thrust near Someshwar
16
SynopticQuaternaryGeology
Uttarakhand, in the western Himalayas, exhibits important geological sequences and thrust sheets. From north to south, the
fossiliferous sedimentary and meta-sedimentary rocks of Tethyan sequence lie north of South Tibetan Detachment (STD), the
mediumto high grade metamorphic rocks of Higher Himalayan Crystalline (HHC) occur between STD and Main Central Thrust
(MCT) while the sedimentary and low grade rocks of lesser Himalaya occur between MCT and MBT. The southernmost ranges
are constituted by Neogenerocks of Siwalik Group which are thrusted over the alluviumalong Himalayan Frontal Fault (HFT).
The Quaternary deposits are scattered as moraines and glacio-fluvial deposits in the higher reaches. These sediments also
occur as terraces and lacustrine deposits along the rivers in the middle and lower reaches and as alluvial fans, debri deposits
along the valleys. This field excursion would depict the diversity in terms of river morphology, sedimentary architecture and
processes in the cliff sections of terraces in mountain region. The focus will be on the study of fluvial sedimentary packages that
illustrate the response of the Ganga systemto late Quaternary climate changes.
Alaknanda River with unpaired terraces Confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers at Devprayag
Badrinath Shrine
3. Uttarakhand:
Late Quaternary Aggradation Degradation
of Alaknanda River
Overview
Uttarakhand comprising of Garhwal and Kumaon regions is largely a mountainous state in northern India. It is
known for places of spiritual importance and beautiful landscape. Traditionally known as the Land of Gods,
the state houses many glaciers including Gangotri and Yamunotri fromwhere the rivers Ganga and Yamuna
originate. The Ganga River Systemis among the largest in the world. Originating in Garhwal Himalayas and
formed by the confluence of Bhagirathi andAlaknanda rivers, the Ganga travels about 2599 km through the
Himalaya and plains to finally join the Bay of Bengal. Uttarakhand offers excellent sporting opportunities like
river rafting, skiing and mountaineering.
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TripPlanNo. 3c: 4 Days 3 Nights
Starts: NewDelhi
Finishes: NewDelhi
TripDescription
Day 1 Departure Delhi: Arrival Rishikesh is the spiritual towns of
Rishikesh by road
Day 2 Rishikesh - Nandprayag Gravel dominated > 80 m high aggradational Scenic confluence of Alaknanda and
terrace sections at Ratura and Gauchar
marking the response of high monsoonal
rains during 52-32 ka interglacial MIS 3
Day 3 Nandprayag Hardwar Terrace sections near Srinagar. Meandering The holy city of Hardwar offers a unique
Rampur
Day 4 Departure Hardwar
Arrival Delhi by road
mythological and religious importance.
Has sacred bathing ghats and river
bank temples
Bhaghirathi rivers at Devprayag
and straight incised morhology of spiritual experience. The evening prayer
Alaknanda River at the bank of the Ganga River is an event
to watch
Section Highlights Tourism Offered
Alluvial cut terrace (80 m high) of Alaknanda River
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Gita updesh - Kurukshetra
SynopticGeology
The NW-SE trending ridges of Delhi Supergroup in southern part and EW ranges of Siwalik belt in northern part constitute the
hardrock terrain covering 5 percent area of Haryana. The remaining 95 percent area is covered by loose to semi-consolidated
Quaternary sediments on gently slopping plains. The Quaternary sediments comprise a northerly thickening (> 400m thick)
column of alluvial, lacustrine and aeolian deposits calcretised at various levels. The aeolian deposits are common along the
western border as extension of Thar desert.
The sand dunes and sheets of stabilized and active nature are of aeolian origin at various phases. A number of disjointed
impressions of palaeodrainage are scattered all over the alluvial and aeolian plains. Among them, a segment of Vedic Sarswati
River near Fatehabad is the most prominent. Relicts of Harappan culture and civilization are also scattered
in northern and northwestern parts. The Quaternary deposits and archeological mounds of the state are
important archives of palaeohydrological, desertification processes. The excursion will show the
fluvio-aeolain transitions, Holocene limestone, sulphate bearing lake deposits and Harappanmounds.
along the
palaeochannels
palaeoclimatic conditions and
4. Haryana:
Holocene Climate and Harappan Civilization
Stabilised Sand dune, Fatehabad Aerial view of palaeochannel of Saraswati
Overview
Haryana is a small state in northern India spreading over 44,212 sq km area. About 65 percent of its
population is engaged in agriculture. All villages stand connected with metalled roads. There is a network of
44 Tourist Complexes in the state. Alarge part of the state witnesses a semi-arid climate and lies in the Indus
plains near the northeastern border of Thar desert. Haryana finds mention in the great epic of Mahabharata.
Kurukshetra is the place of the epic battle betweenthe Kauravas and the Pandavas.
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TripPlanNo. 4: 3 Days 2 Nights
Starts: NewDelhi
Finishes: NewDelhi
TripDescription
Day 1 Departure Delhi Alluvialaeolian transition at Rohtak,
Arrival Hissar by road
Day 2 Hissar-Fatehabad- Cliff section of Ghagghar River, Gujri Mahal, Agricultural farms
Hissar by road
Day 3 Hissar- Delhi by road
Holocene carbonate lake deposits of Riwasa
and and sulphate lake deposit at Saherwa
Palaeochannel of Saraswati River(?),
Fatehabad
Section Highlights Tourism Offered
Section of Rakhigarhi cultural mound
A Harappan mound near Fatehabad Limestone bearing lake deposit, Riwasa
20
Taj Mahal during night, Agra
SynopticQuaternaryGeology
Uttar Pradesh, located mainly in the Ganga plains, has a foreland with the Himalayas in its north. The Ganga, an axial river
originating in the Himalaya, is joined by several tributaries including Yamuna, Ramganga, Ghaghra and Gandak before draining
through Bihar and West Bengal into the Bay of Bengal.
Several kilometre thick column of sediments along the Ganga plains comprise mainly gravels in the north and sand-silt-clay in
the south. This field excursion along a part of the Ganga River is aimed to understand the geodiversity of this large river systemin
terms of morphology, processes and sedimentation patterns in the middle reaches. The focus will be on the study of fluvial
sedimentary packages of cliff sections in the southern Ganga plains that illustrate the response of this systemto late Quaternary
climate change.
5. Uttar Pradesh:
Geodiversity of Ganga Dispersal System
Imambara, Lucknow Chaukhandi Stupa
Overview
Uttar Pradesh covering 2,36,286 sq km area is known for its heritage, etiquette, culture and bounties of
nature. It is considered to be the land of ancient cities and also the seat of Buddhism. Some of the greatest
monuments dot the state. It is the most populated state of India accounting for 16.4 per cent of the countrys
total population. It is the second largest state-economy in India. Two sacred rivers Ganga and Yamuna flow
throughthe state and forma perennial source of water.
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TripPlanNo. 5 3 Days 2 Nights
Starts: NewDelhi
Finishes: NewDelhi
TripDescription
Day 1 Departure Delhi
Arrival Kanpur
Day 2 Kanpur- Delhi by train Palaeobank cliff section near Narela and Red Fort, Kutub Minar, Lotus temple
Day 3 DelhiGarh Mukteswar- Cliff sections of palaeobank, terraces and Holy ghats of Ganga and temples
morphology of Ganga river near
Garh Mukteshwar
Cliff section of the Ganga River near Kanpur
by train (Bithur section)
Yamuna banks in Delhi
Delhi by road
Section Highlights Tourism Offered
Cliff section of the Ganga River near Kanpur (Bithur section)
22
Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
SynopticGeology
Rajasthan forms the north-western part of the Indian Shield and exposes a variety of rock sequences ranging in age from
Archaean to Quaternary. The cratonic nucleus in the western Indian Shield occupies large tracts in south and east Rajasthan
and is classified as Bhilwara Supergroup. It is bound on the west and southwest by Proterozoic mobile belt comprising
supracrustal sequences of Aravalli and Delhi Supergroups. An arcuate belt of low grade volcano-sedimentary rocks and
platformal sediments of the Vindhayan Group demarcate the eastern boundary of this craton.
Quaternary formations in Rajasthan state occur in the form of assorted sediments of aeolian, fluvial and lacustrine origin in the
Thar Desert in the western part. Rajasthan occupies leading position in the mineral map of India with almost one fifth of the total
working mines of the country. Ore deposits of metallic minerals for zinc, lead, copper and tungsten occur in Rajasthan besides
significant reserves of building stones, industrial minerals and semi precious gemstones.
Pb-Zn ore deposits occur in
di f f er ent hor i z ons i n
Rajasthan. The deposits of
Rampur a- Agucha and
Bethumbi-Dariba-Rajpura
belong to the Archaean to
Lower Proterozoic Bhilwara
Supergroup, those of Zawar
are associated with the
Lower Proterozoic Aravalli
Supergroup and Kayar-
Ghugra with the Lower to
Upper Proterozoic Delhi
Supergroup.
6. Rajasthan: Palaeoproterozoic
Lead-Zinc Sulfide Metallogenesis in
Aravalli-Delhi Orogenic Belt
Overview
Rajasthan is the largest state of India occupying nearly 11 percent of the total Indian territory. The
northwestern part of the state is occupied by the Thar Desert that covers almost 32 percent of the total area.
TheAravalli Hill Rangedivides the state into twounequal parts and forms a prominent physiographic feature.
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Geological map of Khetri Belt
TripPlanNo. 6a: Days 1 Nights
Starts: NewDelhi
Finishes: NewDelhi
2
TripDescription
Day 1 Delhi-Khetri- Jaipur. See the copper mineralization in tightly folded Pink city Jaipur is well known for palaces,
forts and the artifacts of traditional
Rajasthani culture
Day 2 Departure Jaipur Arrival
New Delhi by air
by road Proterozoic metasediments and operating
underground copper mines. Visit would reflect
upon the surface signature of the ore body
while covering the nature, controls and origin
of mineralization
Section Highlights Tourism Offered
RelatedInformation
Khetri Copper belt, JhunjhunuDistrict
Khetri copper belt extends over a strike length of 80 km from
Singhania in the north to Raghunathgarh in the south. As many
as 45 deposits and prospects have been explored in and
around this belt
The mineralized zones are generally marked by gossan, old
workings, mine dumps and iron staining. The copper
mineralization,
is found in the metapelite and
metapsammite of the Proterozoic Delhi Supergroup.
Mineralization in the southern part of the belt is mostly along
shear and breccia zones.
manifested by disseminations of chalcopyrite,
pyrrhotite and pyrite,
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TripPlanNo. 6b: 4 Days 3 Nights
Starts: NewDelhi
Finishes: NewDelhi
TripDescription
Day 1 Departure New Delhi Sambhar is a large inland saline lake The salt production in operation.
up in the surrounding hills of Aravalli sanctuary
with a circumference of about 100 km
Day 2 Ajmer to Bhilwara via
Day 3 Bhilwara to Agucha This open cast multimetal mine provides Udaipur is known as City of Lakes
opportunity to study rich stratabound ore
mineralization, its structural control and
effects of metamorphism
Day 4 Departure Udaipur
Arrival New Delhi
by air
nestled
Arrival Jaipur by air Range Bird
Jaipur-Ajmer via Pushkar Lake and nearby religious
Sambhar Lake places
Geophysical exploration led to the Bhilwara is an old tribal town having a
Kayar Zn-Pb prospect identification of this zinc-lead deposit that thriving textile industry now. It is a big
extends for over one kilometre and is hosted centre for mining of industrial minerals
predominantly by the metapelites of the and manufacturing of refractories
Proterozoic Delhi Supergroup
Zn-Pb deposit and
halt at Udaipur
Section Highlights Tourism Offered
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TripPlanNo. 6c: Days 3 Nights
Starts: NewDelhi
Finishes: NewDelhi
4
TripDescription
Day 1 Departure New Delhi
Arrival Udaipur by air
Udaipur-Zawar-
Udaipur
Day 2 Udaipur-Rajpura-
Dariba-Chittaurgarh-
Bhilwara
Day 3 Bhilwara-Rampura
Agucha-Ajmer
mineralization, its structural control and
effects of metamorphism
Day 4 Departure Ajmer Arrival
New Delhi by train/road
Ancient Pb-Zn mining and smelting activity Known as City of Lakes, the historic city
in the region where dolomite hosted ore from of Udaipur is famous for the aesthetic
the Proterozoic metasedimentary water bodies and the palaces
lithopackage is being mined
A prominent gossan over a sulphide rich The historic city of Chittaurgarh is famous
zinc-lead ore, the origin and the controls of for its fort, and other palaces
mineralization
This opencast multi-metal mine provides Bhilwara has a thriving textile
opportunity to study rich stratabound ore and mining industry
Section Highlights Tourism Offered
26
RelatedInformation
AguchaZinc-LeadDeposit, BhilwaraDistrict
The mineral deposit is located near Agucha (25 49N:74 44E) in Bhilwara district, and is being worked as an opencast mine.
Surface manifestation of this deposit is a weak gossan.
The Zn-Pb mineralization in Agucha occurs within high-grade metapelitic rocks that are associated with amphibolite and calc
silicate rocks. This deposit is stratabound and of SEDEX type. The mineralization consists of sphalerite, pyrite, pyrrhotite,
galena, and traces of chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite and sulphosalts. The ore is recrystallised and laminated owing to its proximity to
a ductile shear zone.
o o
o o o o
Bethumbi-Rajpura-DaribaLead-Zinc Belt, RajsamandDistrict
This N-S to NE-SW trend belt extends for about 17 km forming a sickle shaped structure with convexity towards west. Major
prospects occur between Surawas (25 05N:74 14E) in north to Dariba (24 57N:74 0746E) in south within a tight,
overturned synformthat truncates against a ENE-WSWfault at Surawas.
Adiagnostic gossan is developed over a part of the ore deposit. The main Pb-Zn sulphide ore bearing horizons are confined to
mica schist, metachert, with lenses of dolomitic marble and carbonaceous schist overlying theArchaean basement. Sphalerite,
galena, chalcopyrite and pyrite formthe main sulphide ore minerals. It is considered to be a SEDEXtype of deposit.
Geological map of Agucha Belt
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Zawar Lead- Zinc Belt, Udaipur District
Zawar (2417N:7341E) lead-zinc belt is located about 40 km south of Udaipur city in the state of Rajasthan and extends for
about 20 km. The area around Zawar village was an important site for lead-zinc--silver mining in ancient India and continues to
be so even now.
The rock sequence exposed in the Zawar belongs to the Lower Proterozoic Aravalli Supergroup. It includes thickly bedded
polymictic conglomerate and grits; quartzite, greywacke, dolomite and its variants; phyllites and slates with minor interbands of
quartzite and dolomite. Presence of primary and well-preserved multi-deformational structures in the area makes it important for
understanding the controls of mineralization.
The Pb-Zn mineralization in Zawar area is stratabound and confined to dolomite and its variants. Sphalerite and galena are the
main ore minerals for zinc and lead and also produce subordinate cadmium and silver. Studies show that the Zn-Pb metals
present in the host dolomite and associated carbonaceous phyllite formed proto-ore that was later remobilized in dilational or
extensional fractures developed during deformation of the Zawar rocks. Dewatering of basinal fluids was probably responsible
for remobilization of ore and formation of Pb-Zndeposits.
Geological map of Zawar area
28
Jodhpur Fort
SynopticGeology
Volcanism initiated as basaltic eruption with occasional andesite or trachybasalts followed by voluminous outpouring of
peralkaline and peraluminous rhyolite, basalt, dacite and trachyte flows and terminated with the outburst of ash flow deposits.
The other rock types associated with rhyolite are trachyte, dacite, pithstone, welded tuff, lithic and crystal ash, ignimbrite,
obsidian, pyroclastic slates, agglomerate, volcanic breccia and volcanic conglomerate. Majority of the acid volcanics are high
potassic and feware calc-alkaline or lowpotassic in composition. Essentially eruptions were under terrestrial conditions through
fissures, shield volcanoes and central cones. The hot spot triggered volcanismin an extensional tectonic regime of continental
crust had initial basaltic magma generated at greater depth. This magma while migrating upwards supplied additional heat for
the partial melting of lower sialic crust resulting in the generation of felsic magma. The crustal extension has helped in the upward
advancement of the felsic magma.
6. Rajasthan:
Malani Volcanic Province Hot Spot
Triggered Felsic Volcanism
Geological map of Majhgawan lamproite body Image of the Majhgawan lamproite body
Overview
The diamondiferous rock at Majhgawan (2438'30"N: 8002'E), near Panna, described as diamondiferous
green mud during early part of the 19 century, was discovered during the 13th centuryAD. Thus, Majhgawan
is the first-known primary source of diamonds in the world. The region is also known for extensive secondary
diamond-bearing gravel and conglomerate. The conglomerate and gravel have been exploited for diamond
since pre-historic times. The Majhgawan lamproite is too small to be considered as a source for the diamonds
found in the conglomerate and gravel, and thus the primary source(s) for these alluvial diamonds remain
elusive. The primary and secondary diamond deposits together constitute the PannaDiamond Belt (PDB).
th
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TripPlanNo. 8e: 4 Days 3 Nights
Starts: NewDelhi
Finishes: NewDelhi
TripDescription
Day 1 Departure New Delhi Majhgawan mine. Diamond Processing Unit
Arrival Khajuraho by air
Khajuraho-Majhgawan
Day 2 Khajuraho-Shahidan-
Hatupur section-
Khajuraho
Day 3 Khajuraho-Bunder
project-Khajuraho
Day 4 Departure Khajuraho
Arrival New Delhi by air
Visit to the world heritage site to
Khajuraho Temples
Extensive historical secondary diamond Visit to Panna Tiger Reserve
workings; diamond mines
Diamondiferous lamproites of Atri cluster
Section Highlights Tourism Offered
Regional map showing the Vindhyan basins
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Chaitya and Vihara types of caves, Ajanta
SynopticGeology
The Deccan Volcanic Province (DVP) is one of the largest continental flood basalt provinces of the world occupying an area of
over 5,00,000 sq. km. Popularly known as the Deccan Trap due to its step like appearance, the province derives its name froma
Sanskrit word Dakshin meaning south or southern and a Swedish word Trapp/ Trappa meaning stair. Deccan Traps occupy
nearly 75 percent of Maharashtra and also extend to the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and
Jharkhand.
The lava pile has a maximumthickness of over 1.5 kmin the western parts of India that gets reduced to a fewtens of metres near
exposed margins. The DVP is largely made of basaltic lava flows with subordinate intrusive bodies and very low proportion of
pyroclastics. The lava flows are nearly horizontal over vast distances but assume measurable dips in the western parts near
Mumbai and in Satpura Ranges. The average thickness of the individual lava flows is around 20 mand they can be traced for few
to over hundred kilometres. Majority of the individual lava flows exhibit pahoehoe or a`a morphology. The rocks are mainly
tholeiitic basalt with minor picrite. The intratrappean fossils provide an Upper Cretaceous to Lower Eocene age whereas the
isotopic data limits the eruption from69 to 64 Ma with a peak around 65 Ma.
9. Maharashtra:
The Deccan Volcanic Province
Pentagonal and hexagonal geometry of
the cooling joints in aa flow at Ajanta
Western Ghats escarpment as seen from Mahabaleshwar
Overview
Maharashtra contributes to about 15 percent of the countrys industrial output. It is the third largest state and
Mumbai the largest city of the country is the State capital. It is bound by the Arabian Sea in the west. The
Sahyadri Range or the Western Ghats, extend parallel to the coast flanked by the Konkan plains on the west
and the Deccan plateau in the east. Major rivers like Godavari and Krishna descend from the Sahyadri and
drain into the Bay of Bengal forming enormous river basins.
The excursions are planned in the southwestern part of Maharashtra and originate from the cities of
Aurangabad and Pune. Aurangabad (19 53' 47"N: 75 23' 54"E) is a historic city and nowthe tourismcapital
of Maharashtra due to its vicinity to the famousAjanta and Ellora caves.
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TripPlanNo. 9a: 4 Days 3 Nights
Starts: NewDelhi
Finishes: NewDelhi
TripDescription
Day 1 Departure New Delhi
Arrival Aurangabad
by air
Day 2 Aurangabad - Lonar
crater-Aurangabad
Day 3 Aurangabad -
Contributions of geological studies in
preservation of ancient monuments
Day 4 Departure Aurangabad
Arrival New Delhi
by Air
Observe lava flows and meteorite impact The panoramic Lonar Lake occupying
crater for related structures the circular crater
The morphology of the Deccan Traps and the Ellora caves rank among the largest
Pitalkhora- internal features of the pahoehoe lava flows. monolithic structures in the world. These
Ellora caves- also feature in the list of World Heritage
Aurangabad sites
Section Highlights Tourism Offered
Panoramic view of Ajanta Caves
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RelatedInformation
The Lonar Crater
Lonar (1958N: 7631E) is located at a distance of about 125 kmnortheast of Aurangabad. The ~ 50,000-year-old Lonar crater
has an almost circular outline measuring 1830 m across and a depth of 150 m. The area around the crater is covered by the
basaltic flows of DVP and is capped by ejecta blanket, comprising angular fragments. The idea of Lonar
crater being volcanic in origin prevailed for quite some time till the theory of its being carved due to the impact of extra-terrestrial
body was proposed by La Fond and Dietz (1964) citing youthful morphology and presence of sub-surface breccia as evidence.
As the only known terrestrial impact crater in basalt, the Lonar crater therefore provides unique opportunities for comparison with
craters in lunar maria and lunar samples of shocked basalt.
It nowoccurs as a saline lake showing presence of methanogens of diverse origin.
are exposed on the hill slopes. The caves have
been excavated in the lower flow and consist of 18 units. Both the lava flows
several metres thick,
The Pitalkhora Caves are located about 90 km northwest of Aurangabad and mark the beginning of a glorious tradition of rock-
cut cave architecture in the Deccan Traps which lasted for over a thousand years, resulting in more than 1200 caves, with the
finest examples at Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta. There are 14 caves at Pitalkhora dating back to 1st century B.C. Ten of these are
located on the right bank and four on the left bank of a steep narrowgorge carved out by theAruna River. The lava flowin which
the caves at Pitalkhora are excavated has pahoehoe morphology. At the base of cave no. 9, the pahoehoe flow lobes are
underlain by a green interflowhorizon (bole).
Ellora is located 29 kmnorthwest of Aurangabad and is well known for its monumental caves. The cave temples of Ellora are the
product of three religious faiths, each represented by elaborate carvings of
each faith. Cave no.16 carved out from~ 300000 cubic feet of rock and known
as 'Kailash', is the largest and the best of all Ellora excavations.
The Ellora caves are located at the foot of a N-S trending hill that rises to about
160 m above extensive plains of the Shivna River to the west. Two basaltic
compound pahoehoe flows
PitalkhoraCaves
ElloraCaves
A view of the monolithic Kailash Temple and the rock-cut face
exposing a stack of numerous pahoehoe flow lobes.
48
display many features typical of the inflated pahoehoe lava lobes. The natural processes of weathering, scarp retreat and biotic
interference have had a serious deleterious impact on the sculptures and paintings in the caves and their environment.
AjantaCaves
The rock-cut caves of Ajanta belong to the period between 2nd century BC to
the 6th century AD and are located about 104 km fromAurangabad. After the
decline of Buddhismin the region, these caves lay buried under a debris cover
in the jungle clad slopes till 1819, whenthey wererediscovered by chance.
The Ajanta Caves (30 in number) are excavated in a 76-m-high semicircular
escarpment carved out of compound pahoehoe lava flowby the Waghur River
that descends in a waterfall beyond the last cave. The area around Ajanta
Caves exposes three lava flows. The lower and upper lava flows are a`a in
nature whereas the middle flowhas pahoehoe morphology. The individual lava
lobes display various features such as reddened flow unit contacts, pipe
vesicles, crack infilling structure (inflation cleft) and ropy structure. Avariety of
cavity minerals including different species of zeolites can be seen in small vugs
or veins in the vesicular crust of many lobes.
A view of a rock-cut pillar in Kailash Temple Complex at
Ellora showing a stack of many pahoehoe lava lobes
Delicate carving in vesicular part of pahoehoe flow in cave 2, Ajanta Ajanta Caves
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Sinhgarh Fort
SynopticGeology
Pune area marks a transition in the style of eruptions from the dominantly compound pahoehoe lava flows in the lower parts to
largely simple lava flows in upper parts of the lava pile. The excursion passes through the Western Ghat crest zone and the
adjoining main Deccan Plateau cutting across the middle and upper parts (Poladpur, Ambenali, Mahabaleshwar Formations) of
the Western Deccan Province. Besides, there would be opportunities to sample the least contaminated part (Ambenali chemical
type) of the Deccan lava sequence as well as the red interflowhorizons that probably represent the pyroclastic component of the
Deccan Volcanic Province.
Highland laterite capping has also developed at many places over the Deccan lava. Koyna area, ca 120 km south of Pune,
regularly experiences Reservoir Induced Seismicity (M =6.3).
a
Max
9. Maharashtra: The Western Ghats
Vesicle cylinders in the pahoehoe flow, Pune Upper clinker in the a flow, Pune
Overview
Pune is the eighth largest metropolis in India and the cultural capital of Maharashtra. It is located due
southeast of Mumbai on the main Deccan Plateau. The landscape is characterized by a broad, flat-bottomed
valley that is boundedon its southern side by a nearly east-west trending Katraj Hill Range.
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TripPlanNo. 9b: 4 Days 3 Nights
Starts: NewDelhi
Finishes: NewDelhi
TripDescription
Day 1 Departure New Delhi.
Arrival Pune by air
Day 2 Pune - Panchgani -
Mahabaleshwar
the upper parts of the lava pile. Note changes
in the internal structure of different lava flows
near Mahabaleshwar
Day 3 Mahabaleshwar -
Koyna - Pune
Day 4 Departure Pune Arrival
New Delhi by air near Pune and in museums
Sinhagad Fort sitting atop a Deccan Trap Pune has many temples, museums and
section on a 1312-m-high hill scenic places in the vicinity
Observe typical features of inflated pahoehoe Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar are hill
lava lobes in the bottom part and a flows in stations with lush evergreen forests.
These offer an excellent panorama
of the Tableland. Scenic Venna lake
Highland laterite over Deccan basalt. Koyna Panorama of the Deccan Volcanic
Reservoir known for its seismicity Province and the picturesque Koyna
reservoir
Beautiful specimens of cavity-filling
minerals
Section Highlights Tourism Offered
Panchgani Tableland
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Map showing the Trans-Deccan Straits
SynopticGeology
The basaltic flows exposed in the quarries near Rajahmundry have been traditionally regarded as part of Main Deccan Volcanic
Province with lava flows travelling along river valleys or subterranean tunnels. Later this has been substantiated by
magnetostratigraphy and geochemical similarities between basaltic flows of Main Deccan Volcanic Province and those of
Rajahmundry.
9. Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh:
Cretaceous-Palaeocene Marine Sea-way
across Deccan Trap Province
Intertrappean section near Jhilmili village, Madhya.Pradesh Intertrappean section near Gowripatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Overview
The Deccan volcano-sedimentary sequences (intercalated with Deccan volcanic flows), informally
designated as intertrappean beds, are traditionally regarded as terrestrial lacustrine strata deposited on the
topographic lows during the quiescent periods of volcanism. However, introduction of bulk screen-washing
techniques in early eighties of last century resulted in the discovery of many new groups of vertebrates in
addition to gastropods, ostracods, and charophytes from these beds. Some of the Maastrichtian
intertrappean beds, such as Asifabad (A.P.), Nagpur, and the Lameta Formation of Pisdura, Dongargaon
(Nand-Dongargaon basin, Maharashtra), which lie along the Godavari graben on the eastern margin of
Deccan Volcanic Province yielded predominantly brackish water to marine fishes representing the bottom-
dwelling skates and rays. As marine pycnodontid fish remains and foraminifers are also known fromthe Early
Palaeocene intertrappean beds of Rajahmundry, it has been suggested that a marine sea-way named as
Trans-Deccan Straits existed across the Deccan Volcanic Province connecting the southeastern coast with
the western coast along the Godavari graben and Narmada lineament. Recently, this has been confirmed by
the discovery of planktonic foraminifers from the Early Palaeocene intertrappean beds of Jhilmili
(Chhindwaradistrict, M.P.) in central India.
52
Based on biostratigraphy of the intertrappean beds, radiometric dates of the basaltic flows and geochemical correlations with the
main volcanic province, the lower traps underlying the intertrappean beds have been correlated with C29r and the upper traps
with C29r/C29n reversal boundary. The eastern basaltic flows exposed at Asifabad, Nand-Dongargaon basin and Nagpur are
correlatable with Poladpur-Ambenali formations of Western Ghats on the basis of geochemical signatures.
Map showing the distribution of Deccan Traps in peninsular India and route map of field excursion
Location map of Deccan Trap and intertrappean beds near Rajahmundry
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TripPlanNo. 9c: 4 Days 3 Nights
Starts: NewDelhi
Finishes: NewDelhi
TripDescription
Day 1 Departure New Delhi. Papi Hills. Scenic Godavari
Arrival Rajahmundry
by air
Day 2 Rajahmundry -
Mancherial - Wardha the right bank of River Godavari near
Rajahmundry. The intertrappean beds of
Asifabad
Day 3 Wardha - Pisdura -
Dongargaon - Pavna -
Wardha
Day 4 Warda - Nagpur
Departure Nagpur.
Arrival New Delhi by air
Deccan intertrappean beds exposed on
Dinosaur coprolite, bone and egg nesting
sites
Takli intertrappean beds that produced Sight seeing in Orange City Nagpur
marine fish remains, GSI museum
Section Highlights Tourism Offered
TripPlanNo. 9d: 3 Days 2 Nights
Starts: NewDelhi
Finishes: NewDelhi
TripDescription
Day 1 Departure New Delhi.
Arrival Nagpur by air
Nagpur - Wardha -
Nagpur
Day 2 Nagpur - Chhindwara - Jhilmili intertrappean beds near Chhindwara
Nagpur
Day 3 Departure Nagpur Sight seeing in Nagpur city
Arrival New Delhi by air
Takli intertrappean beds that produced Sight seeing in Orange City Nagpur
marine fish remains. GSI museum
that yielded planktonic foraminifers
Section Highlights Tourism Offered
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Vertebraria remains within carbonaceous shale
SynopticGeology
The Gondwana sedimentation is considered to have initiated in India during the late Carboniferous after the Hercynian Orogeny
and is coincident with the clockwise rotation of the supercontinent. It began with glacio-marine and rift-related
sedimentation, transgress into coarse clastic-dominated proximal sequence. The coal-bearing formations in fault-controlled
sub-basins represent the post-glacial warm period during the Permian. Early Cretaceous termination of Gondwana
sedimentation is linked to the outpouring of the Rajmahal Group of lavas.
The Damodar Valley belt exhibits a type section of the Lower Gondwana rocks. The Bokaro coalfield is one of the three major
coalfields in the Damodar Valley belt besides Raniganj and Jharia and is named after the Bokaro River that meanders through
this coalfield. Geographically, it is divided into West and East Bokaro coalfields.
The West Bokaro Coalfield spreads over an area of about 180 sq kmwith its northern margin characterized by a boundary fault.
Towards south and west, the Gondwana sediments overlie the Precambrian rocks of Chhotanagpur Gneissic Complex with a
profound unconformity. Talchir, Karharbari, Barakar, Barren Measures, Raniganj, Panchet and Supra Panchet Formations of the
Gondwana Supergroup, each manifesting its characteristic litho-assemblage and depositional environment, are exposed in the
area. A number of near-surface coal seams of non-coking and medium-coking variety are being mined from the coal-bearing
Barakar Formation. Some thin coal seams are present in the Raniganj Formation as well.
Gondwana
10. Jharkhand:
Basal Gondwana Glacio-Marine
Sedimentation in West Bokaro Coalfield
Lamproite dyke in Barren Measures, Chotha Nadi Step faults within Barren Measures along Chotha Nadi
Overview
The West Bokaro Coalfield (2344-235030N; 8524-8542E) is located in the Hazaribagh, Ramgarh and
Bokaro districts of Jharkhand State. Ranchi, the state capital is situated about 70 km towards south of this
area.
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TripPlanNo. 10: 4 Days 3 Nights
Starts: NewDelhi
Finishes: NewDelhi
TripDescription
Day 1 Departure New Delhi Johna Falls, Rock Gardens, Tagore Hill
Arrival Ranchi by Air
Day 2 Dudhi Nadi section Talchir rocks with glacial/marine imprints
resting over a Precambrian basement.
Features of glacial origin and sedimentary
structures
Day 3 Dumerbera area of West
Bokaro Coalfield and the pronounced unconformity between
them. Coal seams of Barakar
Day 4 Chotha Nadi section
Departure Ranchi
Arrival New Delhi
by air
Basement/Gondwana contact relationship Rajrappa Temple
Contact between coal-bearing Barakars and
overlying argillaceous Barren Measures.
Ultrabasic intrusive rocks
Section Highlights Tourism Offered
Normal fault observed within Raniganj Formation near Lugu hill
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SynopticGeology
The 2000-km-long foreland alluvial plain flanking the Himalaya displays a characteristic transverse drainage systemformed by
rivers originating in this mountain belt and flowing in southerly direction. Kosi and Teesta megafans are two huge sediment
bodies associated with this kind of drainage. Teesta megafan lies in the foothills of Darjeeling Himalaya between Mahananda
River in the west and Teesta River in the east with its apex coinciding with the emergence of the river. It covers an area of about
18,000 sq kmin India and Bangladesh. Besides these bounding rivers, many other streams flow across the megafan in a radial
pattern.
From north to south in the Sikkim - Darjeeling Himalaya, the Teesta River traverses through a gamut of lithounits belonging to
Gondwana Supergroup (comprising sandstone, carbonaceous shale and
coal), Siwalik Group (comprising alternating sequence of soft sandstone,
siltstone, claystone and pebble beds), Quaternary sediments of
Pleistocene age and unconsolidated gravel, sand-clay of Holocene.
The Main Central Thrust (MCT) crosses upper part of Teesta whereas the
Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) separating the Siwalik Group of rocks from
the overlying Gondwana Group and low-grade metamorphites of Daling-
Buxa Group (slaty quartzite and chloritic phyllite) crosses the lower part
within the mountainous reaches. The Teesta River follows the NW-SE
Teesta lineament in its lower reaches.
Some key sections in the Teesta megafan and few smaller coarse-grained
piedmont deposits occurring in the inter-megafan areas can be examined.
Dynamics of the transverse drainages and sedimentation fromthese rivers
can be gleaned fromselected exposures.
11. Sikkim: Transverse Drainages of
the Himalayan Foreland Basin Tectonic
Geomorphology of the Teesta Megafan