Geological Field Report on Jaintiapur-

Tamabil Area, Sylhet, Northeastern

Bangladesh.
Report Submitted in Requirement of Partial Fulfillment of the
Syllabus for the 3rd Year B.S.(Honors)

Submitted By-
Pritam Saha
Group-03 (Dauki)
Roll-2319

Date-19.07.2012

Department of Geology,
University of Dhaka.
Abstract
This report aims at geologically characterizing the area, which was investigated by the students
of 3rd year, Department of Geology, University of Dhaka. It deals with the physiography,
geomorphology, structure, stratigraphy, petrography and its interpretation, correlation with
standard geologic succession, economic geology of Janitiapur-Tamabil, Sylhet, Northeastern
Bangladesh, along with the facies analysis and interpretation of paleo-environment of
depositional history.

The investigated area lies in between 2505 N to 2511 N and 92 E to 921115 E, latitude
and longitude respectively. It is a hilly region with irregular topography. Highest elevation of the
investigated area is 301 feet above the MSL. The drainage pattern of the area is mainly dendritic.

Structurally, the area is an outer reflection of an anticline that trends nearly E-W.

The area exposes both fossiliferous and non- fossiliferous thick sequence comprising of a
succession of limestone, sandstone, shale, siltstone and claystone. Lithostratigraphically, the
sedimentary sequence of the area is divided from bottom to top as Sylhet Limestone Formation,
Kopili Shale Formation, Barail Group, Bhuban Formation, Boka Bil Formation, Tipam
Sandstone Formation, Girujan clay Formation, Dupi Tila Formation, Dihing Formation and
Alluvium. The age range of these formaions is Middle Miocene to Pleistocene.

The constituent rocks of the region are of Sedimentary origin. It appears from the rock records
that the depositional conditions in the basin varied quite considerably and were at time cyclic in
nature. Analysis of different facies associations that observed in different formation and
application of different facies model indicates that the Sediments of different formations were
deposited in continental, continental fluviatile , deltaic, shoreline, shoreline marine.

The petrographic analysis of the collected samples is included in this report which is performed
with a view to define and classify sandstones, to reconstruct their provenance tectonic relations,
to illustrate the diagenatic changes and to find out stratigraphic implications.

The limestone exposed in the investigated area and the gravels carried by the rivers are
economically valuable. Moreover, it is to be mentioned that the adjoining areas have high
prospect for hydrocarbon exploration.

i
Acknowledgement
The author would like to express his deep gratitude and thanks to our honorable and respectable
teacher and our field leader Professor Dr. Muhammed Azizul Huque, Department of Geology,
University of Dhaka, for his systematic work procedure, supervision and guidance during the
field work and valuable suggestion about preparing the field report, specially the sedimentology
section.

Our sincere appreciation goes to Dr. Syed Humayun Akhter, Professor of Department of
Geology, University of Dhaka for his incomparable inspiration which enhanced our spirit during
the field work. We acknowledge hereby his valuable contribution on stratigraphy, tectonics and
structural part and preparation of a geological map of the investigated area.

The author expresses his deepest sense of gratitude as well as heartfelt thanks to Md. Mostafizur
Rahman, Lecturer of Department of Geology, University of Dhaka for his valuable advice and
extraordinary care.

My thanks are also for the authority of Jaintiapur Upzilla Parishad for the accommodation of our
teachers and students in their rest house and a local school. I wish to thank the local people who
helped us in arrangement of transport and in other purposes.

I extend my deepest thanks to the committee of food, transport and first aid for their great service
during the field work and my classmates for their supportiveness and friendly co-operation
during the field work.

My special thanks goes to my group mates for their helpfulness during the field work.

Staffs of the Geology Department and the cooks who were exceedingly helpful in the field also
deserve thanks.
Lastly I want to thank the laboratory and office assistants for their contribution in completion of
the field report.

Finally I have no hesitation to admit the fact that this report would never have been completed
successfully without the valuable contribution of the people mentioned above.

ii
Table of Contents
Abstract ..............................................................................................................................................i
Acknowledgement..............................................................................................................................ii
Table of Contents .............................................................................................................................. iii
List of Tables ......................................................................................................................................v
List Of Illustrations..............................................................................................................................v
List of Figures .................................................................................................................................... vi
List of Maps....................................................................................................................................... vi
Introduction.......................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Purpose and Scope ....................................................................................................................1
1.2 Location, Extent and accessibility ...............................................................................................2
1.3 Methods of Investigation ...........................................................................................................2
1.4 Previous Work...........................................................................................................................3
1.5 Physical Features.......................................................................................................................4
1.5.1 Topography and Relief.........................................................................................................4
1.5.2 Drainage and Water Supply .................................................................................................6
1.5.3 Climate...............................................................................................................................7
1.5.4 Vegetation..........................................................................................................................7
1.5.5 Population and Culture........................................................................................................8
Regional Geology................................................................................................................................9
2.1 Tectonic Setup ..........................................................................................................................9
2.2 Regional Structure ...................................................................................................................11
2.3 Stratigraphic Setup..................................................................................................................12
Structure..........................................................................................................................................15
3.1 Fold: .......................................................................................................................................15
3.1.1 Anticlinal Fold ...................................................................................................................15
3.1.2 Drag Fold ..........................................................................................................................16
3.2 Faults......................................................................................................................................16
3.2.1 Dauki Fault System............................................................................................................16
3.2.1 Local Fault ........................................................................................................................17
3.3 Joint .......................................................................................................................................17
3.4 Unconformity..........................................................................................................................18

iii
 3.4.1 Disconformity ...................................................................................................................18
3.4.2 Angular Unconformity .......................................................................................................18
3.4.3 Local Unconformity ...........................................................................................................19
Stratigraphy .....................................................................................................................................20
4.1 General Stratigraphic Succession ..............................................................................................20
4.2 Lithologic Description ..............................................................................................................21
4.2.1 Lithologic Log of Studied Section ........................................................................................27
4.2.2 Attitude of beds................................................................................................................34
4.3 Stratigraphic Correlation..........................................................................................................36
Sedimentology .................................................................................................................................40
5.1 Sedimentary Structures and Features- Paleocurrent data ..........................................................40
5.1.1: Depositional Structure:.....................................................................................................40
5.1.2: Post depositional deformed structures: .............................................................................42
5.1.3: Post depositional chemically formed structure ..................................................................42
5.2 Grain size Analysis ...................................................................................................................43
5.2.1 Sample No. 01 (Barail Group) ..........................................................................................44
5.2.2 Sample No. 02 (DupiTilla) ................................................................................................48
5.2.3 Sample No. 03 (Surma Group) .........................................................................................52
5.3 Study of Light and Heavy Minerals............................................................................................56
5.3.1 Slide No. 1 (Barail Sandstone) ............................................................................................56
5.3.2 Slide No. 2 (Surma Group) .................................................................................................56
5.3.3 Slide No. 3(DupiTilla Formation).........................................................................................57
5.4 Provenance .............................................................................................................................57
5.4.1 Condition of deposition: ....................................................................................................58
Economic Geology ............................................................................................................................60
Summary and Conclusion..................................................................................................................63
References .......................................................................................................................................64
Appendices

Appendix-A Stereographic Solution for Structural attributes data (Fold,Fault,Joint)

Appendix-B Graphic Litholog (Grain Size, Sedimentary Structure and Broad Lithology)

Appendix-C Geological Map

iv
List of Tables
Table 1: Stratigraphic succession of the studied area__________________________________________ 20
Table 2: Attitude of Beds _________________________________________________________________ 34
Table 3:Stratigraphic correlation of Surma Basin with Assam Valley & Chittagong Hill Tract__________ 36
Table 4:Stratigraphic correlation between the stratigraphy of Surma Basin and the studied sections __ 38
Table 5: Terminology of bed thickness______________________________________________________ 40
Table 6:Grain Size Analysis Data of Barail Group _____________________________________________ 44
Table 7: Barail Sandstone ________________________________________________________________ 47
Table 8: Grain Size Data of DupiTilla Sandstone ______________________________________________ 48
Table 9: DupiTilla _______________________________________________________________________ 51
Table 10: Grain Size Data of Surma Group ___________________________________________________ 52
Table 11: Surma Group __________________________________________________________________ 55

List Of Illustrations
Illustration 1: Lithological log of Shari river section ___________________________________________ 27
Illustration 2: Lithological log of Shari River Section ___________________________________________ 28
Illustration 3: Lithological Log of Mahishmara-Nayagang Section________________________________ 29
Illustration 4: Lithological log of Rangapani River Section, Sripur Tea Garden ______________________ 30
Illustration 5: Lithological log of Tamabil Road Section & Dauki River Section _____________________ 31
Illustration 6: Lithological log of Tamabil Road Section & Dauki River Section _____________________ 32
Illustration 7: Lithological log of Sonatila Chara (Tamabil Road Section & Dauki River Section) _______ 33
Illustration 8: Histrogram of Barail Sandstone________________________________________________ 45
Illustration 9: Cumulative Curve of Barail Sandstone __________________________________________ 46
Illustration 10: Histogram of DupiTilla Sandstone_____________________________________________ 49
Illustration 11: Cumulative Curve of DupiTilla Sandstone ______________________________________ 50
Illustration 12: Histogram of Surma Group __________________________________________________ 53
Illustration 13: Cumulative Curve of Surma Group ____________________________________________ 54

v
List of Figures
Figure 1: Drainage & Water Supply _________________________________________________________ 6
Figure 2: Micro Fold _____________________________________________________________________ 15
Figure 3: Drag Fold ______________________________________________________________________ 16
Figure 4: Micro Fault ____________________________________________________________________ 16
Figure 5: Local Fault _____________________________________________________________________ 17
Figure 6: Joints _________________________________________________________________________ 17
Figure 7: Joints _________________________________________________________________________ 18
Figure 8: Angular unconformity ___________________________________________________________ 18
Figure 9: Unconformity Between Dihing and Barail ___________________________________________ 19
Figure 10: Nummilitic Fossils Present in Limestone ___________________________________________ 21
Figure 11: Kopili Shale Formation __________________________________________________________ 22
Figure 12: Contact Between Barail and Kopili Shale ___________________________________________ 22
Figure 13: Barail Sandstone _______________________________________________________________ 23
Figure 14: Contact Between Surma & Barail (Laterite) _________________________________________ 23
Figure 15: Contact between Tipam & Surma_________________________________________________ 24
Figure 16: Girujan Clay___________________________________________________________________ 25
Figure 17: DupiTilla Sandstone ____________________________________________________________ 25
Figure 18: Dihing _______________________________________________________________________ 26
Figure 19: Cross Strata ___________________________________________________________________ 41
Figure 20: Lenticular Bedding _____________________________________________________________ 41
Figure 21: Flaser Bedding ________________________________________________________________ 41
Figure 22: Iron Concretion________________________________________________________________ 42
Figure 23: Hummocky Structure ___________________________________________________________ 42
Figure 24: Sand Vein ____________________________________________________________________ 43
Figure 25: Gravels and Boulders ___________________________________________________________ 60
Figure 26: Stone Crushing Industry_________________________________________________________ 60

List of Maps
Map 1: Location Map _____________________________________________________________________ 2
Map 2: Satellite Map of investigated area____________________________________________________ 4
Map 3: Contour Map of Bangladesh_________________________________________________________ 5
Map 4: Tectonic Setup___________________________________________________________________ 10
Map 5: Geological Group Formation Exposed in Bangladesh ___________________________________ 13
Map 6: Mineral Resources map of Bangladesh _______________________________________________ 61

vi
CHAPTER ONE
Introduction

The theoretical knowledge is of no value unless it is applied to the field. Fundamental to all
geological knowledge is geologic surveying. It is usually carried out for the systematic
examination of any region together available geologic information. Geology deals about the

earths history is not fulfill only by theoretical and laboratory work. So to fulfill the knowledge
about this subject comprehensive practical experience is essential for geology student. For this, a
geological fieldwork was carried out by the Geology Dept., University of Dhaka in the month of
December 2011 in Jaintiapur-Tamabil, Sylhet, Northeastern Bangladesh by the students of 3 rd
year B.S (Honors) [Session-2010-11].

1.1 Purpose and Scope

The principal tasks of the field geology is studying systematic sampling and geological mapping

covering aspects of petrology, sedimentology, stratigraphy and structural geology in order to

develop independent working ability.

The field work is done where the rocks and their necessary structural and stratigraphical features
are easily observed and studied in their natural environmental condition by some methods to
examine and interpret structures and materials at the outcrops.

Fieldwork was done for the following work

1. Producing Geological map.

2. Identification of lithology.

3. Identification Sedimentary structures.

4. Construction of Stratigraphic Column.

5. Sampling.

6. Grain size analysis.

7. Study of major structures and other structural features.

1
8. Interpretation of Geological history.

9.Identification of economic importance.

1.2 Location, Extent and accessibility

Jaintiapur is one of the Thana of Sylhet district. It is about 45-kilometer north-east of Sylhet
town. The investigated area is the northeastern part of Sylhet district near the India-Bangladesh
border. It lies roughly between latitudes 255 N to 25 11 N and longitudes 920 E to 9211
15E and cover the survey of Bangladesh Topographic sheets No. 83c/4 and 33c/8 of scale 1t
63,360.The area includes Ballaghat, Sripur , Tama Bil , Jaintiapur and Shari Ghat.

The area comprises about 147 square km, 14 km in the east-west direction from Balla Ghat to
Afifanagar and 11 km in north-south direction from Tama Bil to Shari Ghat.

Jaintapur is linked with Sylhet

toun by a metalled road. It is about
45-km northeast of Sylhet town.
The metalled road goes up to
Jaflong through Sripur and
TamaBil. TamaBil is about 60 km
northeast from Sylhet and Jaflong
is 45 km from TamaBil. Jaintapur
can be reached by bus which goes
to Jaflong. The Shari River is
connected with Jaintapur by mud
track. A mud track also runs from
Jaintapur to Mahismara Bil along
the Nayagang River. The
exposures can be found easily
along mud track or foot track.
Sylhet town is well connected with Map 1: Location Map
Dhaka City by road, rail and air.

1.3 Methods of Investigation

The investigation was done by traverse method. This work was done along road section. The
investigation was also done along the bank of the rivers.

At first a definite place was plotted on the base map and some preliminary information were put
on the map. This place is called the reference point. By pacing the distance from one station to

2
another was measured and plotted every pacing distance on the way. Every place of this work
and well exposures are worked by a station and each station was located on the base map. To
locate the stations and any position of the studying area the Global Positional System

(GPS) method was used for more confirmity. Structural attitude (dip & strike) of the bed was
measured by Clinometer and the readings were noted down on a field note book. Samples were
taken from every exposure and was collected in sample bags. Lithology was noted down in every
station and photograph of notable features were taken. For microfossil study in the departmental
laboratory samples were collected from different formations.

The different geological equipments that were used in the survey works are-

1. A base map of investigated area- Locating different outcrops in the investigated area.
2. Clinometers- For measuring the attitude of the beds.
3. Hammer- For breaking the rocks and digging for bedding planes.
4. Pocket lens-to examine the grains
5. HCl acid- Identifying the nature of rocks.
6. Sample bag- For collecting the rocks of the investigated area.
7. Field note book- To note the collected data.
8. Measuring tape
9. Haver sack
10. Camera
11. Wooden pencils, color pencils, diagonal scale, pocket knife etc.

1.4 Previous Work

A large number of exploration works and drilling has been carried out since 1933 in Sylhet.
Burma Oil Company had been the pioneer.

A geological study of the eastern and northeastern part of the Surma Basin has been carried out
by M. A. Maroof Khan of Geological Survey of Bangladesh during 196466. J.F Holtrop and

J Keizer published a correlation of Surma Basin wells in 1960. K.M. Wallid and Dr.Reimann
carried out Palynostratigsaphic analyses of Oligocene outcrop samples. M. Hoque studied the
development of the Surma Basin and its relation of Hydrocarbon accumulation. Khan published
a geologic map of one- inch equals to two miles scale, which embraced the whole Tertiary
succession of the area. Haque (1982) developed a scheme of palynologic zone of a Cenozoic
succession in the Surma Basin. He also reviewed the exposed and subsurface stratigraphy of the
Surma Basin. D. K. Guha also investigated the area. Students and teachers of geology study the
area every year.

3
1.5 Physical Features

1.5.1 Topography and Relief

The investigated area is bounded from west to east by Khashi-Jaintia hill range and is bordered
on the northeast by abrupt scarp of the 4000 to 6000 feet high Shillong plateau. The region is
almost hilly. Numerous low to moderately elevated hillocks are present here. The average

Map 2: Satellite Map of investigated area

elevation of the area is about 60 to 340 feet. Maximum elevation is found at Lalakhal area and
minimum in northwestern region. The hilly area does not comprise continuous heap of rocks but
also furrowed by numerous vallies giving the landscape of a rugged look. The area embraces two
major types of landforms. The investigated area exhibits moderately hilly topography. The hills
having low to moderate elevation are almost East-West trending. Four prominent hillocks are

4
Map 3: Contour Map of Bangladesh

5
found in the studied area. These are locally known as Tila. The most prominent is the Sonatila
in the northwestern part of the area located on the bank of Dauki River. It is about 214 feet in
height. Towards east another prominent Tila is located in the Tamabil region with the highest
peak of 200 feet. Sripur Tila marks middle portion of area. Dupitila is in the southwestern part of
the studied area and it should be specially mentioned because this is the hillock after which the
formation of Dupitila named. The height of this hillock is about 301 feet. The rest of the areas
are flat alluvial land. A large plain covering several sq. miles between Jaintiapur and Dupitila is
locally known as Boga Bil, Bally Bil.

These bills lie mainly on the valley of the Hari River used for cultivation during dry season.
During the flood these low-lying area totally undergo into water.

1.5.2 Drainage and

Water Supply

The area is well

drained by network
of locally important
streams. The
important rivers of
the area are the Hari
River, Dauki River
etc. Dauki originating
from southeastern
part of Shillong
plateau encroaches
southeastern part of
the Dauki town, India
and flows into
Figure 1: Drainage & Water Supply Bangladesh in north-
south direction. Piang
River is the important tributary of Dauki. The Hari River is originated from Khashi-Jaintia hills,
flows southward and enters into Bangladesh near Bagchara. The Ragapani and Nayagang are
important tributaries of Hari River flowing in the central portion of the area. The streams are
both structurally and lithologically controlled and dendritic in pattern. Major streams are
relatively fewer and are of perennial type but minor rivers are large in number and intermittent in
type. Many Khal, nala and bil are also present.

Some marshy lands or swamps exist in the southern side of the area, most of which contain water
throughout the year. These and the ponds provide water for irrigation and domestic purposes.
The dip tube wells and the dug wells are source of drinking water to the people. During the dry
season people suffer from insufficient supply of drinking water as little or no rainfall causes

6
lowering the water table. But during monsoon water supply becomes adequate as heavy rainfall
lets to the filling of aquifers.

1.5.3 Climate

The area can be characterized by tropical to sub-tropical climatic condition. The temperature of
the area ranges from 90F to 65F. Three distinct seasons are felt in Jaintiapur and adjoining areas.
(i) The summer starts from march and with high temperature and moderate precipitation, it lasts
till May,

(ii) In June the monsoon begins and continue up to October, with dark cloud in sky and heavy
rainfall with dusty wind and often cyclonic storm,

(iii) Characterized by pleasant cool and dry weather begins from November and ends in
February.

The average annual rainfall (according to M.A.M KHAN) is more than 150 inches in the area.

1.5.4 Vegetation

The climatic condition of this investigated area is tropical to sub-tropical. A lot of precipitation
and sufficient heat favor the luxuriant growth of evergreen forest. Hillocks and slopes of this area
are covered by thick vegetation.

Important trees of the investigated areas are Shimul, Champa, Chapalish, Teak betel nuts etc.
Tall grasses and Bamboo also grow in this hilly region. High rainfalls, moistures wind together
with vast alluvial plains is responsible for cultivation and dense vegetation.

The total cultivable land is about 63,932 acres. Bills, khals and other lowlying areas are used for
Boro cutivation. Hari River bank was under watermelon cultivation. Orange and pineapple
gardens are present in some areas. This area is suitable for tea cultivation. Huge amount of tea
are produced in this area.

When we investigated this area, we saw a lot of tea gardens. A series of tea gardens are situated
in hillocks and valleys from Jaflong to Afifanagar. A lot of fruits such as jackfruit, papaw,
banana are also grown here. Other seasonal crops like tobacco, oilseeds and vegetables such as
pumpkins, beams are also grown in this area.

7
1.5.5 Population and Culture

The total population of this area is about 98.370 (source U.N.O. Office, Jaintiapur) and the
Jaintiapur Upzilla covers an area of 99.98 sq miles. The lifestyle of these people are not so easy,
they are living along the foot of the hills and in plain land. These people are socially and
economically undeveloped. They have no adequate facilities of civilization. Their education rate
is 21%. Most of the people depend on agriculture. Other depends on gardening, fishing, teaching,
weaving etc, some of them are engaged in gravel and sandstone quarrying, trade and commerce.
A little percentage of the population is employed in government services. Most of the people are
Muslims, some are Hindus, Christian and Buddhists. The migratory Khashia and Shaotalis are
the tribal people. In the tea garden there are some Oriyas, Nunayas and other people from Chotto
Nagpur plateau, India who brought before 1947 and settled here. The Khashias have their own
language and mainly Christian. They live in a group of 10-30 families. They work hard and the
women work with men.

The people of investigated area have the culture almost similar to the other parts of Bangladesh,
except the tribal people, they have their own culture. The people in this area have their culture
according to their respective religion.

Hindus influenced the culture of the area during the region of Jaintia raja. So this area has a long
historical background. Once upon a time Jaintiapur was a part of Oohomia Promilla- Empire of
Assam.

8
CHAPTER TWO
Regional Geology

2.1 Tectonic Setup

The structure and tectonics of Bangladesh and adjoining areas have been studied by a number of
investigators including Bakhtine (1966), Sengupta (1966), Raju (1968), Holtrop & Keizer
(1970), Alam (1972), Desikachar (1974), Graham et al. (1975), Guha (1978), Khan (1980),
Matin et al. (1983), Banerjee (1984), Le Dain et al. (1984), Salt et al. (1986), Alam (1989),
Rahman et al. (1990). The overall structure and tectonics of the

Bengal Basin is briefly discussed below on the basis of the results of these investigations.

The Bengal Basin is bordered on the north by the Pre-Cambrian Shillong Plateau and to the west
by the Indian Platform. To the east rises the Arakan-Yoma-Naga folded system, and to the south
it plunges into the Bay of Bengal. The Bengal Basin is an exogeosyncline that is, one in which
thick detrital sediments within the craton were derived from uplift beyond the margin of the
craton. The Bengal foredeep is a part of the exogeosyncline. The Bengal exogeosyncline is one
of the worlds largest, and is part of the Bengal Geosyncline. The latter includes the Bengal
Basin and the Bay of Bengal (Alam 1989).

The major structures described below are: 1) shelf zone, 2) hinge zone, 3) Bengal foredeep, 4)
Mobile belt, and 5) Sub-Himalayan Fore deep.

1) Shelf zone is a major tectonic element of Bangladesh lying in the western and northwestern
portion of it. The margin has a northeast-southwest trend along which the basement complex
slopes steeply downward to form a hinge zone. The thickness of the sediments over the shelf is
about 3000m and they are marked by several unconformities (Alam 1989). The northern portion
is known as the Rangpur platform and the southern is the Bogra shelf. The Indian shield and
Shillong massif are connected by the Rangpur platform. The width of the platform is 100 km.
Here, the slope is fairly smooth according to the seismic data. The sedimentary deposits of this
area form monoclinal beds with dips of 12. Towards the northern portion of the platform the
plunge of the basement is about 34 and the depth of the basement is over 2000 m.

Southern slope of the Rangpur platform is gently plunging towards the southeast and extends to
the Calcutta-Mymensing hinge zone. The thickness of sedimentary rocks is increasing towards
the southeast. The thickness of the sediments over the shelf is about 8000 m and they are marked
by several unconformities.

The basement complex near the western margin of the shelf is marked by a series of buried
ridges and normal gravity faults. The east-west trending Dauki fault separates the stable shelf
and the Shillong massif . The shelf experienced the first marine transgression during the Late

9
Cretaceous. The second major one was in the Miocene generated by the uplift of the Himalayan
and Burman ranges.

2) Hinge zone is a narrow zone of 25 km in width. Here, the monoclinal dip is 56. The bed
dips over 20 in the hinge - line (Guha 1978). The hinge zone in the northeast seems to be
connected with the Dauki fault by a series of east-west trending faults. It is also marked by deep
basement faults probably started with the breakup of

Gondowanaland. Parallel to the hinge zone is the Bengal foredeep, which consist of several
smaller troughs and structural highs.

3) The Bengal
foredeep, which
is a large
elongated
trough,
occupies the
vast area
between the
hinge-line and
Arakan-Yoma-
Naga folded
system. This is
the deeper part
of the Bengal
Basin where the
basement is
deeply subsided
here and the
subsidence is
directly related
with the uplift
of Himalayas-
Burmese
mountain chain.
It is about 450
km wide in the
south of
Bangladesh and
narrowing
towards the
northeast. The
Basement is
probably 1215
Map 4: Tectonic Setup km deep. The
folded belts of

10
the Indo - Burman ranges mark the eastern boundary of the Bengal foredeep. The total thickness
of the sediments here is high which exceeds 12,000 m.

According to gravity surveys and drilling data reported by Bakhtine (1966), Guha (1978), Khan
(1980), Matin et al. (1983), the Bengal foredeep can be further subdivided into five sub -zones:
1) Faridpur trough, 2) Barisal gravity high, 3) Hatia trough, 4) Sylhet trough, and 5) South
Shillong shelf zone.

4) Mobile belt: The eastern side of the Bengal Basin is bordered by a mobile belt known as
Tripura - Chittagong fold belt, which extends north south as part of the Indo - Burmese mobile
belt. In Bangladesh, this belt is represented mainly by the hills of the Chittagong Hill tracts,
Chittagong and Sylhet, which appear to be analogous to the Sub-Himalayan or Siwalik ranges.
They are characterized by the presence of long narrow folds composed of thick sandy shales of
the Neogene age, which are 40008000 m thick (Alam 1989). The structure of this belt is of
three categories:

a) On the west, they show box like forms, b) the hills of the middle portion are of disturbed
asymmetric structures, and c) those on the eastside have more highly disturbed and complicated
structures.

5) The Sub Himalayan fore deep is a continuous east - west Indo Gangetic geosynclinal belt
extending along the south foot of the Himalayas. Part of it cuts into Bangladesh in the northwest
corner. The sediments of this unit include coarse to fine clastics that are derived directly from the
Himalayan uplift and are essentially of fluvial mollasse in character. The north margin of this
fore deep is strongly folded and faulted (Alam 1989).

Tectonically, the structure of the Surma Basin and its adjoining areas are more active which is
evidenced by the subsidence of the Surma Basin is about 30 to 40 ft within the last several
hundred years. The Surma Basin is subsiding at present day at a rate of 21mm per year in
central part and 1.5 to 2.5 mm per year in northern part. The forced responsible for the
development of the structure of the area are due to the under thrusting of the Indian plate towards
NNE direction (Paul, 1988).

2.2 Regional Structure

Jaintiapur Structure lies in between two contrasting structural set ups, the uplifting Shillong
massif in the north and the subsiding Surma basin in the south. It is bounded by the Khashi-
Jaintia hills and Shillong Massif in the North, Goyain trough in the south, Atgram anticline
structure in the east. The area forms a narrow east-west elongated strip and is characterized by
intermittent swamps between the hills.

The Surma basin, a sub basin of Bengal basin is bounded on the north by the Shillong plateau,
east and southeast by the Chittagong-Tripura fold belt of the Indo-Burman ranges, and west by
The Indian Shield platform. To the south and southwest it is open to the main part of the Bengal

11
Basin. The published Bouger anomaly map show gradual higher values (negative) towards the
center of the basin. The Aeromagnetic interpretation map by Hunting (1980) indicates a gradual
deepening of basement towards the center of the basin and also reveals subsurface synclinal
features and faults within the basin. Its topography is predominantly flat with some north-south
trending ridges of twenty to several hundred meters elevation present in the north-eastern border.
It is actively subsiding (Johnson & Alam, 1991).

Dauki fault is a E-W trending regional fault lying at the boundary of India-Bangladesh.
Geophysical evidence and outcrop study confirms that the development of the Surma basin is a
direct response to the vertical movement of the Dauki fault that bounds the basin in the north.

2.3 Stratigraphic Setup

The area where study was done is mostly of unfossiliferous, detrital sedimentary rocks except
limestone. Most of the area exposes Tertiary rocks but few places were covered by gravel beds.
The rock represents pronounced lithologic variations both laterally and vertically. Good
exposures outcrop mostly along the river and stream sections. The excellent section along the
Hari River deserves a proposal to be the type section for the Neogene sequence of Bangladesh.

Hardly distinguishable contact between the contrasting lithology, absence of adequate fossil,
together with abrupt and frequent change of facies obscures the accurate dating and classification
of rock types of the area. However the lithostratigraphic classification of sediments of the area
has been established based on gross lithology and also by correlating them with the Tertiary
lithostratigraphic units of Assam in India.

A considerable volume of Tertiary sediments were laid down in this trough of the Bengal basin.

Simultaneous upliftment of the Shillong massif together with the subsidence of the Surma basin
is responsible for deposition of about 20,000 feet thick sequence of sediments here. The
depositional history of the area was affected by different phases of the tectonic events of the
Himalayan orogeny. The north eastern part of the Indian plate movement along north east
direction caused folding and upliftment of Arakan-Yoma and was responsible for the upliftment
and 250 km. eastward migration o the Shillong massif plates. Consequently the sea regressed and
drained out from Assam- Arakan region. As a result numerous streams with their tributaries
made their appearance. The erosional and depositional process cumulated by tilting have been
continuing to give rise the present physiography of the studied area.

Eocene was a period of stable slowly subsiding continental shelf condition in the Bangladesh
area and was not yet in influenced strongly by the continental collision between India and Asia
that began in late Palaeocene.

During middle to late Eocene time, the area was marked by an extensive marine transgression
caused by conspicuous basin ward subsidence; the whole area was under the sea. The Sylhet
limestone was deposited under open, marine warm climatic condition. Deposition of highly
fossiliferous limestone indicates shallow, marine environment.

12
This kind of deposition was followed by the accumulation of a very limited thickness of Kopili
shale which is indicative of changing environment from shallow marine to a clay receiving basin.
Such environmental change occurred as the collision event began to replace the area.

During Oligocene epoch different parts of the basin was devoted to marine regression. The rate
of rising of the Himalaya increased. As a consequence at the very beginning of this period
flowing of many streams initiated. These rivers carried huge amounts of sediments and deposited
leading to the development of the formation of a delta. Lithological characteristics of

Barail group of rocks suggest delta to near-shore environment of deposition.

Sea was withdrawn from the investigated area after the deposition of the Barail, evidenced by a
regional unconformity represented by laterite band between the Barail and the lower part of
Surma. There might have
prevailed tropical to sub-
tropical and humid
climatic condition under
which iron-rich laterite
formed during prolong
exposure of Barail.
During Miocene epoch
the major orogenic
upliftment of Himalaya
took place. The sand, silt
and clay particles carried
and deposited by
numerous streams
caused the development
of the mega delta.
Gradually the delta
advanced to the south as
the shoreline retreated.
Under such environment
deposition of Surma
group of rocks took
place. The grain size and
shape infers low energy
condition of deposition
and long transportation.

During late Miocene to

early Pliocene time,
southward movement of
delta still continued.
Subsequently land
environment prevailed

Map 5: Geological Group Formation Exposed in Bangladesh

13
beyond it. Tipam sediments were deposited under continental fluvial environment in high energy
condition. Massive bedding and poor to moderate bedding suggest rapid deposition. Right after
formation of Tipam Girujan clay was deposited under lacustrine environment in a locally
developed lake in the fluvial system.

During Pliocene Dupitila was deposited under continental fluviatile environment. Presence of
quartz granules signifies that Dupitila was deprived of, winnowing process of marine
transgression and regression.

After deposition of the Dupitila the area has undergone through a major tectonic activity.
Movement along the Dauki fault caused the tilting of the entire tertiary strata. The area suffered
upliftment up to Pleistocene period which is evident by the presence of the conglomeratic beds.
The gravels were carried by the Pleistocene rivers and deposited horizontally over the incline
Tertiary succession as bed load deposits. The gravels represent time gap between the deposition
of Dupitila formation and the recent alluvium.

The alluvium deposits suggest that the investigated area again went under the sedimentation and
fluvial system during sub-recent to recent time.

14
CHAPTER THREE
Structure

The investigated area and adjoining area lie within the Sylhet trough of Bengal Foredeep. Sylhet
trough is situated south of Shillong Massif and corresponds with vast low land of Surma basin.
The northern limit of this subsiding trough is bounded by Dauki fault. Faulting along the
Shillong shelf zone coincided with rapid subsidence of Surma basin is during Miocene and later
time. The basin has been encountered two short periods of erosion and non-deposition. One is
due to the time of uplift and folding in the east and continued subsidence in west at the end of
Oligocene; the other is due to the uplift of Shillong plateau accompanied by faulting in late
Miocene and later time. This area dominantly shows E-W structure due to the relationship to the
fault zone that trends E-W along the border of the Shillong Massif. Numerous major and minor
geological structures have been found in the studied area. The dominant structures of the
investigated area are Folds, Faults,Unconformity and Joints.

3.1 Fold:

3.1.1 Anticlinal Fold

The studied area represents an asymmetrical E-W to NW-SE trending anticlinal major F1 type
fold. The axis runs from Dauki to Sripur and truncates against Dauki fault to the east. There is
some superposed F2 type fold on the major fold. The trend of the superposed fold is NE-SW.

Our work is mainly carried out in southern flank as the northern flank is not well exposed in
Bangladesh, which continues in Meghalaya of India. Only in Sripur and Tamabil - Jaflong road
cut area, little part of northern limb is exposed in Bangladesh.

Amount of dip in southern flank varies from 20 to 50 towards south, in Dupitila and Shari
River almost vertical beds are found. The northern flank dips more steeply.

Evidence favoring the concept of anticlinal fold:

1. From Sripur-Tamabil to Dauki fault bed dips

in opposite direction. It is not only in few
faulted block as illustrated by some authors
assuming homocline.
2. Older rocks are found in the axis of the fold.
If it is not an anticlinal fold, younger rocks
like Tipam and Dupitila is usual to found in
Jaintia Tamabil road cut section.
Figure 2: Micro Fold

15
 3. At Rangapani river section, we found
bed dips at different direction such as
NE, SE and SW following a
distinctive phase. So, we can tell that
they were occurred at the later phase
of superposed folds. It makes easier in
deducing anticlinal folds.

3.1.2 Drag Fold

Prominent drag folds are observed in Shari

river section near Affifanagar and Lalakhal
Figure 3: Drag Fold
Tea estate. Drag folds in the silty shale bed
are formed due to movement of the competent
sandstone bed in the opposite direction with each other. Drag folds are also observed at
Nayagang river section.

3.2 Faults
The major regional fault in the area is the Dauki
fault. Besides, few other local faults were
observed in different formations. In fact our
studied area comprises a zone extensively
affected by movement of Dauki fault system,
which is responsible for the present
physiography of the area. The local faults were
evidenced by displacement of different
formations.

Figure 4: Micro Fault

3.2.1 Dauki Fault System

The Dauki fault is a series of faults that trends east-west and it is considered as the westward
continuation of the Naga-Disang thrust system. The Shilong Massif acts as the up thrown block.
The fault is poorly exposed and gravity data suggests that it is a deep-seated fault. The 5 km
wide zone of faulting can be characterized by extensive fracturing and steep dips. The Dauki
fault was initially described by Evan's (1964) as a tear or transcurrent fault. But Murthy, 1969
explain that it is an up thrust along which there had been differential vertical movement of
basement block. Recent field studies in the southern Shilong plateau indicates that the Dauki
fault comprises a system of east-west trending faults, each of which changes in attitude upward
from nearly vertical at lower levels to high to low angle reverse at higher level. The Dauki fault
is exposed along the southern margin of the Shilong plateau for about 170 km from Jadukata
River (lat. 250 14/ 30// N; long. 910 13/ 00// E) in the west of Haflong (lat. 240 44/ 00// N; long. 930
02/ 30// E) in the east where it pass into the Haflong-Disang thrust.

16
West of Jadukata River, the Dauki fault has been traced for a distance of 70 km below the
alluvium by geophysical methods up to Dalu (lat. 25 0 13/ 00// N; long. 910 13/ 00// E ). Evidence
those support the existence of the fault are as follows:

i. Sudden topographic changes and high relief difference was noted within few hundred
meters. Lower elevation in Bangladesh and higher elevation in India. The present
height of the Shilong plateau is due to repeated uplift along the Dauki system of faults
over a long span of time. According to Evans (1964), the amount of structural relief
on both sides of the Dauki faults range up to 13,000 meters.
ii. Faulting is also evidenced by the presence of fault breccias and mylonites in the fault
zone in the Sylhet Limestone.
iii. Irregularities in the attitude of beds .
iv. The straight course of the Dauki River.
v. Terraces at river bank indicate major faulting.
vi. Omission of Tura Sandstone
formation also indicates the
presence of Dauki fault.

3.2.1 Local Fault

The force that activated the Dauki fault also
activated some other faults through which
small blocks of rocks such as the Sylhet
limestone might be up thrown in to the
surface but this is merely a speculation as
evidences are rare.
A thrust Fault developed between Kopili and
Barail at lat. 250 10 33.9 N and long. 920 03
Figure 5: Local Fault
05.2 E along Sripur Tamabil road.

Minor normal faults were observed at latitude 250637.5 N and longitude 920305.2 E.

3.3 Joint
As joints are typical associated structure of faults, the joints observed in our investigated area can
be assumed as the result of Dauki fault
movement. Moreover if we review the
regional setting of the area it can be seen
that multidirectional forces with variable
intensities were responsible for the
development of the investigated area. As a
consequence, joints having different
orientation and extension are scatteredly
available throughout the investigated area.
Generally joints are the common features
formed in more resistant part of sandstone,
siltstone and silty shale of different
formations.

Figure 6: Joints

17
The location of some remarkable joints is mentioned:

- Large scale vertical to sub-vertical joints is found in the Sylhet limestone near the Dauki
River

- Highly jointed Barail sandstone is

observed along the road-cut section in
Sripur.
- Some inclined joints with low dip are
also found in the Surma Group in
Tetulghat.

- Very closely spaced parallel joints seem

to be Strike joints are found in DupiTila

sandstone near the Sharighat area. Figure 7: Joints

- Numerous sub vertical joints were

observed in shale of Surma Group at Rangapani section.

3.4 Unconformity
Another recognizable structural feature, unconformity is a surface of eros ion or non-deposition
that separates younger strata from older strata. In the working area two types of unconformity
have been recognized.

3.4.1 Disconformity
A major unconformity exists between Barail and Surma group. Near the eastern bank of
Nayagang stream (in the north of Jaintiapur) at lat. 25 0 08 25.4 N and long. 920 07 17.9 E . It
is represented by a thin band of lateritic conglomerate, as
observed in the field.Laterite also found in Mahishmara.
The band of laterite is of red to dark brown color and is
composed of pebbles, cobbles, granules and other ill
sorted materials. The nature of the unconformity is non
depositional i.e. the laterite might have formed by the
hardening of the weathering products of the Barail group
of rocks (hematite cemented sandstone) during prolong
exposure before deposition of the Bhuban sediments.
According to the field investigation it can be categorized
as disconformity. This is because the laterite band was
continuous along the contact and parallel to the strike of
both of the formations.
3.4.2 Angular Unconformity
Gravel beds overlie most of the hillocks. This gravel bed
makes an unconformity with the Barail and Surma group
of sediments. The underlying beds are inclined and the
recent gravel beds are laid horizontally over it, suggest an
Figure 8: Angular unconformity

18
angular unconformity. In the field such kind of unconformity is noticed at Sonatila and near the
dry Rangapani river section in Sripur, where the gravel beds lie over the Barail sandstone. In the
Uzaninagar village near Jaintiapur, gravel beds are found to make angular unconformity with the
Surma Group.

3.4.3 Local Unconformity

A local Unconformity is observed at the bank of
Lalakhal between Tipam and Surma group.
Lithology change suggests the unconformity
between these two groups.

Figure 9: Unconformity Between Dihing and Barail

19
CHAPTER FOUR
Stratigraphy
4.1 General Stratigraphic Succession
Table 1: Stratigraphic succession of the studied area

Age Group Formation Lithology Thickness

(m)
Recent Alluvium Unconsolidated sand, silt and clay
Pleistocene Dihing Well rounded, smooth cobble to
bolder sized gravel with high
sphericity
Pliocene DupiTila Coarse grained, yellowish
Sandstone sandstone with subordinate clay
stone containing quartz pebbles
Girujan Clay Whitish color massive sticky clay 432
Tipam stone containing ferruginous
specks sparsely
Tipam Sandstone Yellowish brown, Medium to 1004
Mio-Pliocene course grained cross bedded
sandstone
Miocene Surma Alteration of gray colored, 1309
moderately hard, fine to very fine
grained sandstone and bluish gray
laminated shale
Oligocene Barail Renji Pink colored, medium to coarse 950
grained, very well sorted
sandstone with subordinate
laminated shale
Eocene Jaintia Kopili Shale Black, fissile, splintery shale with 110
high clay content
Sylhet Limestone Light colored, very hard and 25
compact, massive fossiliferous
Limestone
[Paul, 1988 and field investigation]

The stratigraphy of the area has been differentiated into a number of formations. Sylhet
limestone formation is found as the oldest in the normal sequence. The normal sequence of the
studied formation is given below according to the law of superposition.

20
 1. Alluvium
2. Dihing formation
3. DupiTila formation
4. Girujan clay
5. Tipam sandstone
6. Surma group
7. Barail sandstone
8. Kopili shale
9. Sylhet limestone
The names of the formations are established by Evans (1932) for the tertiary successions of
Assam. Although it is difficult to correlate formations separated by hundred of kilometer without
the support of paleontological data and also because of frequent facies changes.

4.2 Lithologic Description

The oldest rock exposed in Bangladesh is Tura Sandstone of Early Eocene age in Takerghat area
in Sunamganj district in Sylhet division. But this are not found in our investigated area. The
Sylhet Limestone Formation is the oldest rock exposed in our studied area, the middle unit of the
Jaintia Group of sediments. They are overlain by, from older to younger, the Barail Group,
Surma Group, Tipam Group, DupiTila and Dihing (Sonatila Gravel) sediments.

Sylhet Limestone

The term Sylhet limestone as a rock unit was first used by Khan (1963).The formation is
exposed on the east bank of the Dauki River near the Bangladesh-Meghalaya border. The
outcrop forms an inlier surrounded by recent deposits and rock of the Barail group. It is the
oldest (Eocene) rock of the investigated area.

The block has been subjected to severe

forces which produced the crush
breccias. Slickenside preserved in
Limestone.

The grey, fossiliferous Limestone

offers a variety of fossils from disk
shaped Discosyclina to elongate lens
shaped Nummulites. The hard
limestone is highly jointed and
fractured.The brecciaed limestone
occurs due to large Dauki Fault. The
assemblages of dominantly large
microfossils indicate a shallow water, Figure 10: Nummilitic Fossils Present in Limestone
continental shelf zone and a clear water
environment is also documented by total lack of plank tonic remains(Sarwar,1979). A fault
found in our investigated area due to the Dauki fault.

Though much work had not been done in the area, the simila rity of nummulites assemblage with
the Eocene of Garo Hills and Assam makes it likely that this unit is of Middle Eocene age.

21
Kopili Shale

The name of Kopili shale was given by Evans (1932) to the beds forming the upper stage of the
Jaintia group after the Kopili river of Garo Hill in India.
It gives a minor outcrop only on the
west bank of the Rangapani River.
It is dark gray to black colored,
very much fissile, thickly bedded to
paper laminated, highly jointed
shale. Inter bedded sandstone with
argillaceous matrix is present. It is
conformably overlain on the Sylhet
limestone. Base of the Kopili shale
is not seen. The top of the Kopili
shale are exposed beside Rangapani
River in Sripur tea garden. It also
found on the east bank of the Dauki
River near the Bangladesh-
Meghalaya border. The
approximate thickness is about Figure 11: Kopili Shale Formation
30m. Fossil evidence suggests that
the Kopili shale is of late Eocene age (Evans 1932).
Barail Group

The Oligocene is represented by the Barail group, named by Evans (1932) after the Barail Range
in nearby Assam, India where the unit has its type locality.

The Barail Group (Renji Formation) is well expo sed in

Mahishmara Sonatila and near Sripur which is about 3.5
miles NW of Jaintiapur. Most of the exposures are
covered by Holocene deposits. The Barail forms high
ridges than the adjacent Surma Group .The thickness
found in our investigated area is about 1160m.
In the neighboring Assam Barail sediments are divided
into an arenaceous Laison Formation, an argillaceous
Jenum Formation, and an arenaceous Renji Formation.
In Bangladesh most of the Barail is deeply buried. A
series of outcrops in the area between Jaintiapur in the
east and the Dauki Nala in the west was described by
Khan (1978) as Jenum Formation. Reimann (1983)
mapped the north-eastern fringe of the Surma basin.

The river Nayagang and exposures along the Jaintiapur

Tamabil Road provide a fairly good section of the
Figure 12: Contact Between Barail and Kopili
Shale

22
Jenum Formation.

The Jenum Formation composed of sandstone, siltstone and silty shale. The sandstone is mainly
pink in color, weathered to light
yellow and gray, very fine to
medium grained sometimes cross
bedded and thin to thick bedded
Argillaceous and Ferruginous
materials. The block jointed
sandstone is found in many
places. On the east bank of the
Dauki River near the
Bangladesh-Meghalaya border
the block jointed sandstone
confused with bedding plane.
The carbonaceous matters are
found in sandstone in east bank
of Dauki River and in Sonatila Figure 13: Barail Sandstone
Chara.

The siltstone is light gray to yellow in color. It is thin to thick bedded, fairly hard and compact
and well jointed.

The Unconformity boundary between Bhuban and Barail group is represented by thin bands of
Lateritic Conglomerate containing which is well exposed in Nayagang river section. Small
blocks of Laterite are widely spreaded on the hilltops and slopes of the hillocks situated on the
northern side of the horticulture garden of the investigated area. Laterite blocks are normally
formed on the surface of the iron-rich residual deposits.
It is porous, reddish brown color, has a hard protective
ferruginous incrustation on the exposed surface, which is
generally irregular and rough. Sometime it is pisolitic.
The pisolites have a concentric structure and are
cemented together by ferruginous and clay minerals. The
vesicles of Laterite are filled up with secondary mineral.

On the basis of lithology this formation is corrected with

that of Renji of Assam instead of Jenam which appear to
be absent in this area. In Assam, the Renji formation is
considered to be of Oligocene age (Evans, 1932) on the
basis of fossils.

Surma Group

The Surma Group has been named after the Surma series
of Assam, India (Evans 1932). The sediment of the
Surma group unconformably overlies the Barail Group.
Good exposures of this unit were observed in the east of
Jaintiapur and in the Shari River. The change from the
Figure 14: Contact Between Surma & Barail
(Laterite)

23
Barail Group to the Surma Group rather sharp and is marked by the decrease of the interbedded
sandstone in shale and siltstones and the general predominance of argillaceous material. The
Surma Group is made up of bedded, laminated. siltstone, shale, silty shale, clay stone and
sandstone, mud clast found in Surma Sandstone in Afifanagar. Although some sandy shales are
also present. Shale of this unit is profusely jointed and fractured and even small fault were
observed in Tetulghat. It is also exposed near Afifanagar, Jaintiapur. Most of the sediments are
covered by recent alluvium. The dip direction of the beds of this formation is south-west and the
amount of dip ranges from 42 to 50. The thickness found in our investigation is about 1650m.

It is composed of yellowish gray sandstone, bluish gray shale, sandy shale, and siltstone.
Sandstone is fine to medium grained, sub angular and moderately sorted. The sandstone is hard
and is resistant to weathering and forms the cliffs. It shows micro cross lamination, lamination,
trough cross bedding and wavy bedding.
The shale is bluish gray in colour and weathered to gray and yellowish gray. The shale is well
laminated, hard and jointed.

The Surma Group is generally subdivided into two formations namely the Bhuban and the
Bokabil but in the field it is difficult to distinguish between the two units and there subdivision
becomes impractical. The contact of Surma Group with the overlying Tipam Formation is
conformable. The Surma Group is overlain unconformably by Dihing Formation at latitude
2507/59.7//, longitude
9207/51.1//. This is an
angular unconformity. The
contact between Surma
Group and Tipam
Sandstone found in
Afifanagar.
Tipam Group

The Tipam Group has been

named after the Tipam
Series (Mallet, F.R., 1876)
given after the Dihing
River in Assam, India. The
Tipam Group is subdivided
into two formations from Figure 15: Contact between Tipam & Surma
older to younger- the
Tipam Sandstone and the Girujan Clay.

Tipam Sandstone

The name has been used after the Tipam hills in Assam, India (Mallet 1876). The formation
constitutes the lower part of Tipam Group and is conformably overlain by Girujan Clay and the
contact found in the eastern bank of the Shari River is gradual. The river Shari gives an
excellent exposure.

24
The top of Tipam Sandstone Formation form a conformable contact with the Girujan Clay
Formation is exposed at latitude 2506/15.7//, longitude 9208/54.4// in the bank of Shari River
where it consists of alternation of usually bedded to thick bedded and also laminated fine
sandstone and mudstone. The base of Tipam Sandstone is exposed also in the Shari river bank
conformably overlying the Surma Group (2506/36.0//N latitude, 9210/48.9// E longitude) where
it consists of brown, fine to medium grained, massive sandstone. Overall lithology of Tipam
Sandstone consists of gray-brown to pale-gray, coarse- grained, cross bedded, and massive
sandstone. Intercalations of gray shale, conglomerate horizons, pebbles, laterite bed, mud ball,
wood fragments and petrified trunks, coal lenses also occur.

Girujan clay

The name has been given after the

Girujan Clay stage of Tipam Series in
Assam, India. Top of this formation is
exposed at latitude 2505/54.5//,
longitude 9208/40.6// E by the Shari
River bank having a conformable contact
with the overlying DupiTila Formation
and base of this formation is exposed at
latitude 2506/15.7//N, longitude
9208/54.4//E having a conformable
contact with the underlying Tipam
Sandstone Formation. The formation Figure 16: Girujan Clay
develops conformably and gradationally
from the underlying Tipam Sandstone Formation. It entirely consists mainly of gray to bluish
gray clay and mottled clay.
DupiTila Sandstone

The Dupi Gaon is the Type locality of the Dupi Tila

Formation. The formation is exposed latitude 250538.8N,
longitude 920704.0E at Sharighat behind the Sharighat
Primary school. The lithology is dominantly sandstone and
siltstone with inter beds of clay stone. At latitude
250550.8N, longitude 920839.0E, the bedding plane is
not well defined. The lithology is dominantly fine to coarse
grained, brown to yellowish brown, cross bedded sandstone
containing wood log/coal and quartz pebbles, clay gall etc.
The DupiTila Sandstone Formation conformably overlies the
Girujan Clay Formation.
Except fossil wood no other fossils are identified in DupiTila
Formation. In Assam it is considered to be Mio-Pliocene in
age (Lexique, 1957). Organic specks are also present in
DupiTila sandstone. Figure 17: DupiTilla Sandstone

25
Dihing formation

The Dihing formation of Pleistocene age has

unconformable contact with the Surma Group
at latitude 250759.7N, longitude
920751.1E, Uzaninagar and with Barail
Group at latitude 251042.2N, longitude
920058.5E,Sonatila Chara. The formation
consists of yellow and gray, medium- grained,
occasionally pebbly sandstone and clayey
sandstone with inter beds of mottled clay, and
boulders of granitic rock. The rocks are in
most part poorly consolidated. Figure 18: Dihing

Alluvium
Unconsolidated, loose material brought down by rivers and deposited in its beds of alluvial fans
or weathered material. Alluvium consists of sand, silt, clay in various proportions. River born
alluvium are mainly sand, and coarse grained material and weathered alluvium are consists
mostly of clay and silt. They cover various rock formations unconformably and of Recent in age.

26
4.2.1 Lithologic Log of Studied Section

4.2.1.1 Shari River Section

Illustration 1: Lithological log of Shari river section

27
Illustration 2: Lithological log of Shari River Section

28
4.2.1.2 Nayagang-Mohismari Section

Illustration 3: Lithological Log of Mahishmara-Nayagang Section

29
4.2.1.3 Rangapani River Section, Sripur Tea Garden

Illustration 4: Lithological log of Rangapani River Section, Sripur Tea Garden

30
4.2.1.4 Tamabil Road Section & Dauki River Section

Illustration 5: Lithological log of Tamabil Road Section & Dauki River Section

31
Illustration 6: Lithological log of Tamabil Road Section & Dauki River Section

32
Illustration 7: Lithological log of Sonatila Chara (Tamabil Road Section & Dauki River Section)

33
4.2.2 Attitude of beds
Table 2: Attitude of Beds

Station Latitude Longitude Attitude

No.
Camp 250545.9 N 920704.8 E
1 250548.3 N 920703.7 E 70, S20E
2 250516.7 N 920839.1 E
3 250554.5 N 920840.6 E Contact between DupiTila and Girujan Clay
4 250617.0 N 920853.3 E Contact between Girujan Clay and Tipam
Sandstone
5 250622.8 N 920859.1 E Laterite in Tipam Sandstone
6 250620.9 N 921052.8 E 75, S34W; 38, S14W; 74, S14W
7 250633.7 N 921038.7 E
8 250638.7 N 921050.1 E Contact between Surma Group and Tipam
Sandstone
9 250640.4 N 921049.6 E 50, S17W
10 250644.0 N 921049.1 E
11 250645.6 N 921051.9 E 45, S8W
12 250645.6 N 921003.9 E 45, S9W
13 250645.2 N 921053.9 E
14 250647.5 N 921056.8 E
15 250653.2 N 921057.9 E
16 250654.3 N 921056.7 E 49, S15W
17 250654.9 N 921057.4 E
18 250651.5 N 921116.4 E
19 250717.7 N 921115.2 E 46, S28W
20 250718.2 N 921111.0 E
21 250723.6 N 921125.6 E
22 250731.0 N 921115.1 E 46, S24W; 33, S26W; 39, S20W
23 250759.7 N 920751.1 E 46, S26W; Gravel bed over Surma
24 250808.7 N 920759.0 E 48, S34E
25 250815.6 N 920806.3 E 58, S20E; 59, S32E
26 250824.8 N 920805.2 E 40, S26E
27 250825.5 N 920757.4 E 25, S20E; Laterite contact between Surma
and Barail
28 250834.9 N 920749.8 E 49, S25E; 45, S23E
29 250859.2 N 920755.7 E 30, S20E
30 250856.5 N 920754.2 E 48, S12W
31 250806.1 N 920729.5 E 46, S20E
32 250833.0 N 920718.2 E 32, S28E
33 250827.5 N 920723.3 E 23, S8E; 28, S6E
34 250825.2 N 920717.7 E 44, S20E
35 251036.4 N 920434.4 E 20, N20W
36 251042.8 N 920439.9 E 19, N22E

34
37 251054.8 N 920422.2 E 30, N80E; 30, N76E
38 251041.9 N 920428.6 E 8, N85E
39 251034.2 N 920421.8 E 12, S70W
40 251039.2 N 920412.6 E 10, S84W
41 251041.1 N 920409.4 E 20, S26E
42 251043.8 N 920335.1 E 20, N13W; 5, N45E; Minor syncline
43 251049.5 N 920309.6 E 10, N70W
44 251033.3 N 920312.2 E 15, S10W; 20, S20W
45 251034.7 N 920308.5 E 20, S37W
46 251034.3 N 920304.6 E 25, S24W
47 251043.9 N 920231.1 E 7, N7W
48 251050.7 N 920212.6 E 30, N20E
49 251059.1 N 920156.0 E 54, N50E; 56, N26E; 40, N20E; 52,
N50E
50 251056.2 N 920158.9 E 24, N14E
51 251054.7 N 920158.1 E 50, N11E; 27, N11W
52 251052.1 N 920200.5 E 22, N8E; 34, N19E; 23, N13E
53 251050.4 N 920200.4 E 12, N14E
54 251047.5 N 920200.2 E 6, N32E
55 251043.7 N 920158.5 E 3, N3W
56 251041.4 N 920155.4 E 13, N20W
57 251037.7 N 920151.8 E 10, S38E
58 251039.4 N 920147.2 E 22, S10W
59 251039.4 N 920144.4 E 25, S33E
60 251041.5 N 920139.5 E 10, S29E
61 251042.5 N 920134.2 E 41, S14E
62 251038.5 N 920132.9 E 20, S62E; 15, N40E
63 251033.6 N 920133.4 E 26, S22W
64 251028.9 N 920131.8 E 31, S6E
65 251026.1 N 920125.4 E 36, S10E; 26, S10W
66 251024.7 N 920117.1 E 12, S15W
67 251018.8 N 920111.8 E 17, S17W
68 251042.8 N 920054.9 E 28, S52W
69 251045.4 N 920059.4 E 10, S31E; 15, S15E
70 251037.4 N 920111.5 E 12, S35E; 24, S12E
71 251032.5 N 920111.9 E 22, S16E
72 251031.0 N 920110.8 E 30, S10W; 15, S14E
73 251029.4 N 920110.6 E 23, S13E
74 251026.8 N 920111.1 E 32, S10W
75 251024.4 N 920111.5 E 36, S6W

35
4.3 Stratigraphic Correlation
Stratigraphic correlation of the area of investigation and its correspondence to classification of
Tertiary rock Stratigraphy units of Assam are given below:
Table 3:Stratigraphic correlation of Surma Basin with Assam Valley & Chittagong Hill Tract

Age North Eastern part of Assam Valley, India Eastern part of

Surma Basin, Sylhet Mathur And Evans, Bangladesh,
1964 Chittagong
Chittagong Hill Tracts
Group Formation Series Stage Group Formation
Holocene Alluvium Alluvium Alluvium
and high
level
terraces
Late DupiTila Sandstone DupiTil Upper
Miocene a DupiTila
to Mid Sandsto Lower
Miocene ne DupiTila
Mid Tipam Girujan Clay Tipam Girujan Tipam Girujan
Miocene Clay Clay
Tipam Sandstone Tipam Tipam
Sandstone Sandstone
Early Surma Bokabil Surma Bokabil
Miocene Bhuban Bhuban
Oligocen Barail Renji Barail Jenum
e
Eocene Jaintia Kopili Shale Jaintia Kopili Shale
Sylhet Limestone Sylhet
Limestone
Tura Sandstone Theria
(not found in
investigated area)
Sylhet Limestone:
Gray to dark gray colored, very hard and compact, non-porous, calcium carbonate, highly
fossiliferous, crystalline limestone suggests that the investigated rock unit can be correlated with
the Sylhet limestone (Evans 1932) of Eocene age.

Kopili Shale:
Gray to dark colored, compact, fissile, laminated shale suggest that the investigated rock unit can
be lithostratigraphically correlated with the Kopili Formation of Assam (Evans 1932) of Eocene
age.

Barail Group:

36
The red to pink colored, fine grained, well sorted, bedded sandstone with subordinate gray
colored, non- fissile, laminated shale suggest that the investigated rock unit can be correlated with
that of Barail Group of Assam (Evans 1932) of Oligocene age.

Surma Group:
Repetitive sequence of gray, hard, silty, well sorted, argillaceous sandstone; gray nodulated clay
stone and gray, silty, laminated shale suggest that the investigated rock unit can be correlated
with that of Surma Group of Assam (Evans 1932) of Miocene age.

Tipam Group:

Tipam Sandstone:
Yellowish to reddish brown colored, medium to coarse grained, very poorly sorted, cross
bedded, massive sandstone suggest that the investigated rock unit can be correlated with the
Tipam Sandstone of Assam (Evans 1932) of Pliocene age.
However this unit is designated as of middle Miocene age by Khan (1978).

Girujan Clay:
Bluish gray colored, moderately hard, sticky, massive, non- laminated pure clay stone (without
any sand and silt) suggest that the investigated rock unit can be correlated with the Girujan
Formation of Assam (Evans1932) of Pliocene age.
However this unit is designated as of middle Miocene age by Khan (1978).

Dupi Tila Sandstone:

Reddish brown-to-brown colored, loose, friable, coarse grained, containing pebble grains
sandstone with subordinate clay stone suggest that the investigated rock unit can be correlated to
Dupi Tila Formation of Plio- Pleistocene age.
Evans (1932) named DupiTila Formation after a hill halfway between Sylhet and Jaintiapur. This
is the only type section of the investigated rock units of Bangladesh.

Sona Tila Gravel:

The gravels of off white to yellow color, various sizes with high sphericity and roundness.
Igneous and sedimentary composition is the characteristics of the gravel beds. It was named as
SonaTila Gravel beds by Monsur (1995).

37
It can be correlated with the Dihing Formation of Assam by its lithology.
Table 4:Stratigraphic correlation between the stratigraphy of Surma Basin and the studied sections

Age North Eastern Shari Rive r Nayagang- Ranga- Tamabil

part of Surma Section Mohismari pani Road
Basin, Sylhet Section River Section &
Section Dauki
River
Section
Formation

Formation

Formation

Formation

Formation
Group

Group

Group

Group

Group
Holo- Alluvium Alluvium Alluvium
cene

Pleisto- Dihing Dihing

Dihing
cene

Late Dupitila
Mio- Sand
Dupitila

cene to Stone
Mid
Mio-
cene
Mid Tipam Girujan Girujan
Mio- clay clay
cene
Tipam

Tipam Tipam
sand sand
stone stone

Early Surma
Surma

Surma

Mio-
cene

Oligo- Barail Renji Renji

Barail

Barail

Barail

cene
Renji

Renji

38
Eocene Jaintia Kopili

Kopili

Kopili
Jaintia
Shale

shale

shale
Sylhet

Jaintia

lime stone
lime

Sylhet
stone

Tura sand
stone

39
CHAPTER FIVE
Sedimentology
5.1 Sedimentary Structures and Features- Paleocurrent data
Sedimentary structures are large-scale features of sedimentary rocks, that are best studied in out
crop in naked eye or hand lens. Different types of sedimentary structure that are encountered in
the investigated area are given below:

5.1.1: Depositional Structure: (Stratification, Bed forms or Bedding plane markings)

i)Bedding or Lamination: Bedding or Lamination define stratification. Bedding is produced by

change in pattern of sedimentation, may be defined as change in sediment grain size color,
composition.

Parallel lamination is defined by grain size or mineralogical composition or color change; can be
produced in several ways.
These are common sedimentary structures found throughout the area. Descriptive terms for bed
and lamina thickness is given:

Table 5: Terminology of bed thickness

Very thickly bedded

1m---------- -------------------------
Thickly bedded
.3m--------- -------------------------
Medium bedded
.1m--------- -------------------------
Thinly bedded
.03m-------- -------------------------
Very thinly bedded
1cm--------- -------------------------
Thickly laminated
.3cm ------- -------------------------
Thinly laminated

ii) Ripples: Ripples are developed in sand size sediments; sandstones .The ripple marks in the
studied area are current ripples. These are characterized by length less than 60cm and ripple
index less than 5(mostly 8-15). Unidirectional current produces these, so they are asymmetric
with a step lee side and gentle toss side.

iii) Cross stratification: It is an internal sedimentary structure of many sedimentary rocks and
consists of an angle to the principle bedding. It is common in study area.

40
 a) Cross lamination and cross
bedding: Cross lamination forms either
a single set or many set with one bed.
On size alone stratification is divided
into cross lamination and cross bedding
where the set height is less than 6cm and
greater than 6cm respectively. Tabular
cross stratification is straight crested and
whereas trough cross stratification is
curved crested.

b) Flaser & lenticular bedding: Flaser Figure 19: Cross Strata

bedding is where there sand contains
mud streaks usually in troughs.
Lenticular bedding is where mud
dominates and cross laminated sand
occurs in lenses, both are found in
SURMA GROUP in Shari river section.

c) Haring bone cross bedding: It refers

to bipolar cross bedding where cross
bed dips in opposite directions, Figure 20: Lenticular Bedding
produced by reversal of current and
indicate deposition by tidal current. It was
found rocks of SURMA GROUP in Shari river
section.

iv) Massive beds: Massive have no apparent internal

structure. It was found in different rocks of different
formation.

v) Mud cracks: Shrinking cracks with polygonal

structures in fine-grained sediments through
desiccation and dewatering on exposure. It was found
in Shari river section.

vi) Rain spots: Rainfalls are small depression with

rims, forms through the impact on soft exposed surface
of sediments. Sometimes they may be asymmetrical
and indicate wind direction. Found in Shari river
section.

vii) Mottled bedding: Some bedding is found to be Figure 21: Flaser Bedding
mottles and indicate irregular stratification. It was
found in DUPITILA FORMATION in Shari river section.

41
viii) Sole marking: Sole marking are bedding plane features with characterize the under surface
of some sandbeds. It was found in SURMA GROUP of S hari river section.

5.1.2: Post depositional deformed structures:

i) Load cast: Load is formed through differential sinking of one bed into another. Load casts are
common on soles of sandstones beds overlying mud cast, occurring as bulbons structure and may
be on the way to become ball and pillow structure found at Shari river section in Surma group.

ii) Flame structure: Flame structures are

wavy or flame shaped tongue of mud or
shale projected upward into an overlying
layer commonly sandstone. The crests of
some flame are bent over or overturned. It
was fond in Surma group at Jaintia group.

iii)Ball and Pillow Structure: Ball and

Pillow Structures are found in shale or
mudstone consists of hemispherical or
kidney shaped sandstone which has
originated from overlying sandstone layer
and have sinked into the softer rock as a Figure 22: Iron Concretion
result of loading. Found in rocks of Surma
group at Shari river section.

iv)Soft rock deformation folding: The soft rock shale and mudstone be deformed in such a way
the folds, in cases overturned of penecontemporaneous type have formed.

v) Slumping: Slump structure may involved many sedimentation units are commonly faulted;
typically occur in mudstones and sandy shales, less commonly in sandstones. It is observed in
the rocks of Barail group in Tamabil area.
5.1.3: Post depositional chemically formed structure
i) Concretions: Concretions probably the most common kind of sedimentary structures, formed
by precipitation of mineral matter around some
kind of nucleolus such as a shale fragment,
masses range from peripheral to pipe shaped,
common in sandstones and shale. Found in
Tipam sandstone, DupiTila formation, Barail
group etc. in different section.

ii) Hummocky structure: It is a unique

structure formed in marine storm condition in
fine-grained sandstones (as pocket
conglomerate) and contain a strong weathered
wave base. U.S gives this name. John harms in Figure 23: Hummocky Structure
Manathod Oil Company also known HCS

42
(hummocky cross stratification).

iii) Sand vein: Vein in sandstone may

be formed during earthquake. By
releasing energy pore pressure
developed tremendously, then water &
grain fluids become same type &
injected through weak zone. It clue
about earthquake.
Black magic: In the time of limestone
deposition, heavy minerals are deposited
on each beds of limestone.

Figure 24: Sand Vein

iv) Fault breccia: At the great depth
due to faulting formed angular grains powder etc. At high temperature and pressure, it forms
milonite.

v)Trace fossil: It is used as environmental detector. The rate of sedimentation is known form it.

vi) Protrusion: Gas bubbles create protrusion.

5.2 Grain size Analysis

Petrography is the study of rocks in thin section by means of a petrographic microscope. Petro
graphic study is done by grain size analysis, thin section study and occurrence of microfossils.
Grain size analysis is useful for classification, depositional history analysis etc. Thin section
study is useful for heavy mineral analysis, composition and textura l analysis and microstructure
analysis. Study of occurrence of microfossil is useful to determine whether the sediments are
deposited by transportation or deposited in situ.

Sandstone samples were first disintegrated and sieved to separate into different s ize grades.
Histograms are constructed on an ordinary arithmetic graph paper from the grain size analysis
data by plotting the weight percentage into the vertical axis versus grade scale into the horizontal
axis. Cumulative curve has been drawn in an ordinary arithmetic graph paper taking cumulative
weight percent in the vertical scale and grain size in phi scale in the horizontal scale. The
different percentiles have been grade from the cumulative curve in order to calculate the grain
size parameters or statistical parameter according to Folk and Ward (1957) method.

According to folk and ward:-

1 6 +84 +5 0
Graphic mean, Mz =
3
It is the best graphic measure for determining overall size in the sample.
8 4- 1 6 9 5- 5
Inclusive graphic standard deviation, I = +
3 66

43
This is the best measure for sorting of the grain.
1 6 +84- 2 5 0 5 + 95- 2 5 0
Inclusive graphic skewness, SKI = +
2(84- 1 6) 2(95- 5)
It is the best statistical measure of skewness.

9 5- 5
Graphic kurtosis, K G =
2.44( 75- 25)
The kurtosis is measured to determine the nature of the curve.

Samples of sandstone of DupiTila formation, Tipam sandstone formation and Surma group have
been analyzed for grain size analysis.

5.2.1 Sample No. 01 (Barail Group)

Name of the sample- Barail Group
Time of Sieving: 20 min
Initial weight of Sample- 50 gm
Table 6:Grain Size Analysis Data of Barail Group

Mesh Grain size in Grain size in Grain size in Weight retained Weight Cumulative
no (mm) (micron) phi scale in (gm) percent percent
25 0.71 710 0.5 0.11 0.22 0.22
35 0.5 500 1 0.42 0.84 1.06
45 0.35 350 1.5 2.03 4.06 5.12
60 0.25 250 2 6.94 13.86 18.98
80 0.177 177 2.5 6.86 13.72 32.7
120 0.125 125 3 25 50 82.7
170 0.088 88 3.5 0.21 0.42 83.12
230 0.0625 62.5 4 0.69 1.38 84.5
Pan 7.72 15.44 99.94

Sieve Loss= (50-49.98)gm=0.02gm

44
 Histogram of Barail
60

50

40
Weight Percent

30

50

20

10
13.86 13.72 15.44

4.06
0 0.22 0.84 0.42 1.38
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Grain Size in Phi Scale

Illustration 8: Histrogram of Barail Sandstone

45
Illustration 9: Cum ulative Curve of Barail Sandstone

46
Table 7: Barail Sandstone

Section Name Value of Statistical grain size Calculated Inte rpretation

different parameters value
percentile
Graphic mean (Mz) 2.79

5 = 1.5 Inclusive graphic 0.92 Moderately Sorted

Barail 16 = 1.8 standard deviation
Sandstone 25 = 2.24 (1 )
50 = 2.71 Inclusive graphic 0.158 Finely skewed
75 = 2.93 skewness (SK1 )
84 = 3.87 Graphic kurtosis (K G) 1.57 Very Leptokurtic
95 = 4.14

Inte rpretation of Barail Group-

Histogram- Histogram shows a bimodal distribution of grain size having the chief modal class
between 2.5 phi to 3.00 phi.
The secondary maxima lies in between 4.00 phi to pan. The bimodality indicates different modes
of transport and different source of materials.

Cumulative Curve- Cumulative curve shows a S-Shaped curve from which three quartiles (25p,
50p, 75p) and 5p, 16p, 84p and 95p has been read.
Statistical parameters have been calculated following the Folk and Wards method. The
graphical mean Mz is 2.79 indicating size of moderate to weak velocity condition of the
transporting medium. Inclusive graphic standard deviation is 0.92 which indicates moderately
sorting of the sediments, denoting that the rate of transporting at per at the rate of deposition .
Inclusive graphic skewness (0.16) indicates that the finer materials exceeds coarser material,
strongly skewed curve. Graphuic kurtosis(1.57) indicates very leptokurtic distribution.

47
5.2.2 Sample No. 02 (DupiTilla)
Name of the Sample- DupiTilla Sandstone
Time of Sieving- 20min
Initial Weight of Sample- 50gm
Table 8: Grain Size Data of DupiTilla Sandstone

Mesh Grain size in Grain size in Grain size in Weight retained Weight Cumulative
no (mm) (micron) phi scale in (gm) percent percent
25 0.71 710 0.5 1.35 2.7 2.7
35 0.5 500 1 6.39 12.78 15.48
45 0.35 350 1.5 16.5 33 48.48
60 0.25 250 2 8.73 17.46 65.94
80 0.177 177 2.5 2.35 4.7 70.64
120 0.125 125 3 8.15 16.3 86.94
170 0.088 88 3.5 0.24 0.48 87.42
230 0.0625 62.5 4 0.32 0.64 88.06
Pan 5.95 11.9 99.96
Sieve Loss= (50-49.98) gm= 0.02gm

48
 Histogram of DupiTilla Sandstone
35

30

25

20
Weight Percent

33
15

10
17.46
16.3

12.78
11.9
5

4.7
2.7
0 0.48 0.64
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Grain Size in phi Scale

Illustration 10: Histogram of DupiTilla Sandstone

49
Illustration 11: Cum ulative Curve of DupiTilla Sandstone

50
Table 9: DupiTilla

Section Name Value of Statistical grain size Calculated Inte rpretation

different parameters value
percentile
Graphic mean (Mz) 1.86

5 = 0.625 Inclusive graphic 1.013 Poorly Sorted

DupiTilla 16 = 1.015 standard deviation
Sandstone 25 = 1.2 (1 )
50 = 1.55 Inclusive graphic 0.395 Fine Skewed
75 = 2.63 skewness (SK1 )
84 = 2.94 Graphic kurtosis (K G) 1.00 Normal Curve
95 = 4.14

Inte rpretation of DupiTilla Formation-

Histogram: Histogram shows a polymodal distribution of grain size having the chief modal
class between 1.0 phi to 1.5 phi. The polymodality indicates different modes of transport and
different source of material.

Cumulative Curve: Cumulative curve shows S-Shaped curve. Statistical parameters have been
calculated following the Folk and Wards method. The graphical mean (1.86) indicates size of
moderate to weak velocity condition of the transporting medium. Inclusive graphic standard
deviation (1.01) indicates poorly sorting of the sediments denoting that the rate of transportation
of sediments was less with the rate of deposition. Inclusive graphic skewness (0.39) indicating
finer material exceeds the coarser material, finely skewed curve. Graphic Kurtosis (1.00)
indicates mesokurtic, which is normal curve.

51
5.2.3 Sample No. 03 (Surma Group)
Name of the Sample- Surma Group
Time of Sieving- 20 min
Initial Weight of the Sample- 50 gm
Table 10: Grain Size Data of Surma Group

Mesh Grain size in Grain size in Grain size in Weight retained Weight Cumulative
no (mm) (micron) phi scale in (gm) percent percent
25 0.71 710 0.5 26.38 52.76 52.76
35 0.5 500 1 4.1 8.2 60.96
45 0.35 350 1.5 4.75 9.5 70.46
60 0.25 250 2 4.35 6.7 79.16
80 0.177 177 2.5 1.5 3 82.16
120 0.125 125 3 6.1 12.2 94.36
170 0.088 88 3.5 0.45 0.9 95.26
230 0.0625 62.5 4 0.6 1.2 96.46
Pan 1.75 3.5 99.96

Sieve Loss= (50-49.39)gm=0.61gm

52
s

Histogram Of Surma
60

50

40
Weight Percent

30

52.76

20

10

12.2
9.5
8.2
6.7
3 3.5
0 0.9 1.2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Grain Size in Phi Scale

Illustration 12: Histogram of Surma Group

53
Illustration 13: Cum ulative Curve of Surma Group

54
Table 11: Surma Group

Section Name Value of Statistical grain size Calculated Inte rpretation

different parameters value
percentile
Graphic mean (Mz) 1.12

5 = 0.069 Inclusive graphic 1.20 Poorly Sorted

Surma Group 16 = 0.25 standard deviation
25 = 0.33 (1 )
50 = 0.51 Inclusive graphic 0.78 Strongly Fine Skewed
75 = 1.88 skewness (SK1 )
84 = 2.62 Graphic kurtosis (K G) 1.00 Normal Curve
95 = 4.062

Histogram: Histogram shows a bimodal distribution of grain size having the chief modal class
between 0.5 phi to 1.0 phi.
The secondary maxima lies between 2.5 phi to 3.0 phi.
The bimodality indicates different modes of transport and different source of material.

Cumulative Curve: Cumulative curve shows S-Shaped curve. Statistical parameters have been
calculated following the Folk and Wards method. The graphical mean 1.12 indicates size of
weak velocity condition of the transporting medium. Inclusive graphic standard deviation (1.20)
indicates poorly sorting of the sediments denoting that the rate of transportation of sediments was
less with the rate of deposition. Inclusive graphic skewness (0.78) indicating finer material
exceeds the coarser material, strongly finely skewed curve. Graphic Kurtosis (1.00) indicates
mesokurtic, which is normal curve.

55
5.3 Study of Light and Heavy Minerals
This part deals with chiefly the petrographic characteristics of sandstone based solely on the thin
section study (grain mounting) under petrographic microscopes. Slides were prepared by grain
mounting using Canada balsam. Of those, a suitable sample of Barail sandstone, Surma groups
(Bokabil formation), Tipam sandstone and Dupitila formation (sandstone unit) each have been
selected for the study. The textural and mineralogical study of framework grains, which include
Quartz, feldspar, mica, lithic grain and heavy mineral study, have been discussed in this part of
the report.

5.3.1 Slide No. 1 (Barail Sandstone)

Lithostratigraphic unit: Barail sandstone
Observation:

Texture: The sample is texturally matured. It is very fine-to-fine grained, moderately sorted, sub
angularto sub rounded.

Framework Composition: Framework grains of sample comprise of

i) Quartz->80%
ii) Felds par-about 7%
iii) Muscovite-about 5%
iv) Lithic grains-about 2%
v) Heavy minerals-
Open minerals in reflected light
Limonite-brown color
Pyrite-brown yellowish color
Leucoxene-light to whitish in yellowish in color.
Heavy mineral in transmitted light
Enstatite-grey in color, prismatic high relief, cleavage present under cross
polarized light, variegatedcolor, straight extinction in cross polarized light.
Tourmaline-brown in color, prismatic form,pleochroism varies with color
under plain polarized light and variegated color and straight extinction
under cross-polarized light.

5.3.2 Slide No. 2 (Surma Group)

Lithostratigraphic unit: Surma group

Observations:
Texture: The sandstone is composed of fine to medium, moderately sorted,sub angular to sub
rounded grains.

Composition: Framework grains of the sample comprise of-

i)Quartz-about 87%
ii)Felds par-about 25%
iii)Mica-about 7%

56
 iv)Lithic grains-<1%
v)Heavy minerals-

Reflected ray-
Hematite : Reddish brown color
Leucoxene: White or yellowish white
Magnetite: Dull grey lustre
Transmitted ray:
Enstatite: Olive green color, prismatic form, high relief under plain
polarized light and variegated color, straight extinction under cross
polarized light.
Kyanite: White color, elongatedform, high relief under plain polarized
light and variegated color and oblique extinction in cross-polarized light.

5.3.3 Slide No. 3(DupiTilla Formation)

Lithostratigraphic unit: DupiTilla formation
Observation:
Texture: It consists of fine o medium,sub-angular to sub rounded,poorly sorted,loosely
consolidated,porous grains.
Composition: Framework grains are mainly composed of
i)Quartz-about 86%
ii)Felds par-about 3%
iii)Mica-about 7%
iv)Lithic grains-about less than 1%
v)Heavy minerals-
Reflected light:
Magnetite
Pyrite
Leucoxene
Hematite
Illmenite
Transmitted light:
Kyanite
Andalusite
Hornblende
Topaz
Tremolite

5.4 Provenance
The mineralogical study serves as a tool for the determination of provenance of the sediments of
the studied area. The minerals, which are found in the sedimentary rocks of the area, are as
follows:

57
 Quartz, Feldspar, Mica and Hornblende have been encountered from the sample.
According to the percentage of the above minerals are derived from the dynamo thermal
igneous and metamorphic rocks.

Hornblende and other dark color minerals and Feldspar indicate that the source area is far
from the place of deposition. The high percentage of Quartz and Mica indicate the
sediments have been transported a long distance from the birth to deposition. The shape
of Quartz indicates about the information.

So we can assume that the material and sediments are also carried from the Himalayan as
territory by streams.

5.4.1 Condition of deposition:

The upliftment of Shillong Massif and subsidence of Surma Basin were responsible for the
deposition of such a fixed sequence of sediments the deposition history of the area is somehow
related to the Himalayan orogeny.

Jaintia Group:
At Eocene time an extensive marine transgression took place perhaps due to basin subsidence.
Then the whole area was under the sea. The sediments carried by the transporting agent were
deposited in this area. The environment was suitable for the deposition of limestone. The
limestones are subsequently affected by chemical precipitation. Perhaps there were some
disturbances in the deposition of limestone as evidenced by the clay partings in limestone. In fact
this indicates micro climatic changes in the deposition of limestone. Then sea was shallow
marine but the water was not clean. The sediment coming from outside suddenly ceased and
Kopili Shale formed in the upper part of the Jaintia Group. However Fine brush geological
survey can identify limestone between Kopili Shale probably all the sediments come to this area
from Indian craton.

Barail Group:
During the Oligocene time the sea was regressed due to differential basin wide movement in the
area. A regional unconformity is marked by the presence of lateritic conglomerate bed at the top
of this unit.

Barail sediments have undergone reworking. Barail sediments were deposited in shelf
environment. These sediments contain coal and leaf impressions, which again indicate shelf to
coastal environment. The sea retreated then for a long period of time the area was exposed and
the warm climate and fluctuation of water table caused the Barail sediments to be weathered.

Surma Group:
During Miocene time the sea again transgressed and the area was subjected to tectonic
movement because of the rise of the Himalaya. Then the Surma Group of sediments were
deposited which indicate tidal environment of deposition. Due to the rise of Himalaya a thick
sedimentary sequence was deposited within a short span of time.

Tipam Group:

58
At the end of Miocene time the GBM delta was filled up and a fluvial system developed. The
large scale cross bedding and presence of quartz pebb le found in Tipam sediments suggest high-
energy condition.

Girujan Clay:
After the deposition of Tipam sediments perhaps a lake was formed and Girujan Clay was
deposited there lake. This unit indicates low energy condition within the lake.

Dupi Tila Formation:

Abundant coarse-grained deposits, presence of carbonaceous sediments as well as cross bedding
and lack of fossil suggest that these deposits were formed under fluvial environment.

Fine- grained deposits found in upper part of Dupi Tila in limited areal extent indicate that these
fine-grained deposits were formed under lacustrine environment.

59
CHAPTER SIX
Economic Geology
There is no commercially exploitable deposit in the investigated area. Economically important
mineral deposits are very rare in Bangladesh. Tertiary rock of the investigated area does not
possess any economically important mineral deposits.

Sandstone: The sandstones of jenam, Tipam and Dupi Tila formation are very loosely cemented.
These sandstones do not satisfy the minimum standard requirements to be used as building
materials.

Gravels and Boulders : The gravels

transported by the Dauki River and
Rangpani River are most
economically important geological
element of the area. Rounded to sub-
rounded boulders. Pebbles are
composed mainly gneiss, quartzite,
granite. Hundred of tones this hard
rock is transported daily by tracks
country wide for using in building of
road, multistoried structure, tail way
balasts etc. The estimated of this hard Figure 25: Gravels and Boulders
sock is about one million cubic feet
(khan M, 1978). The gravels are
generally 3 to 8 feet long and 2 to 4
feet thick. In Dauki rivers its extends
is about one and a half mile long,
fifty feet wide and about 4 feet thick
but in Rangpani river its extent is
small.

Sylhet Limestone: A very small

faulted block of the Eocene Sylhet
limestone is exposed in the
investigated area at the eastern bank
of the Dauki River. The Chhatak Figure 26: Stone Crushing Industry
cement factory uses Sylhet
Limestone and produces cement of excellent quality comparable to any cement of the world.
This factory has quarried out all Limestone. Now its reserve is too small to warrant further
exploration. It provides the local people with lime making and other domestic usages.

60
Map 6: Mineral Resources map of Bangladesh

61
Sand: A huge amount of sand is transported by the Dauki River and Rangapani River, which are
being used throughout the country as building material. This sand known as the Sylhet sand is
excellent in quality.

Gas and Oil: In Bangladesh, there are 22 natural gas fields and 1 oil (well-7 of Sylhet gas field)
field has been discovered so far. Most of the gas field and oil field occurred in the Surma basin.
This gas and oil occurred in sandstone reservoir of Bhuban and Boka Bil formation. Surma group
of Mio-pliocene age and lie at depth ranging from surface. These gas and oil reservoirs are
situated in the folded belt with gentle anticlinal fold forming traps (Prof. Badrul Imam, 1984).
Sothere has a possibility to find hydrocarbon in the investigated area for which detailed
geological investigation of the Jaflong- Lalakhal area is highly desired.

Bangladesh Atomic energy suggests that a small amount of Uranium (Ur) might be found in the
investigated area.

62
CHAPTER SEVEN
Summary and Conclusion
The investigated area is situated on the Surma basin of the mobile belt of Bengal basin. The area
is a hilly region. The average elevation of the area is about 100 feet to 125 feet above MSL. The
area is drained by numerous rivers, streams, khal etc. those flow in more or less in meandering
pattern and carries huge amount of sediments.

The prominent structures of the area is a faulted anticline, a major fault named Dauki fault which
runs along the northern margin of the area and has been considered as the west ward continuation
of the Naga Disang thrust fault system. Besides these few small scale faults, folds and local
unconformity have been identified in the area.

The investigated area consists of thick sequence of sediments from Eocene to Recent. Because of
the exposures of these sedimentary rock units this area is called the geological museum of
Bangladesh. These sediments are divided into several Groups which are from bottom to top
Jaintia, Barail, Surma and Tipam, thjese Group of sediments are overlained by Dupi Tila ,
Sonatila Gravel and alluvium. The principal rock types are limestone, sandstone, siltstone, shale,
and conglomerate. Fossils are found only in the Sylhet limestone. The total thickness of these
rock units are about 4110 meters.

The depositional environment of these rocks is shallow marine, marine, fluvial and lacustrine.

63
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