Discrimination of tectonic dynamism, quiescence and third order relative sea level cycles of the Cauvery Basin, South India

Muthuvairavasamy Ramkumar

doi:10.2298/gabp1576

Abstract

Application of integrated stratigraphic modeling of sedimentary basins with the help of sequence and chemostratigraphic methods for improved understanding on the relative roles of depositional pattern and history of a Barremian-Danian stratigraphic record of the Cauvery Basin, India was attempted. Through enumeration of facies characteristics, tectonic structures and geochemical characteristics of the sedimentary rocks the use of geochemical signatures in distinguishing the relative roles of major factors has been evaluated. The results indicate that the geochemical signatures of the sedimentary rocks accurately record the prevalent geological processes and an ability to distinguish them through employing stratigraphic variations of compositional values and discrimination diagrams help in understanding the basinal history better. In addition, predomination of relative sea level fluctuations and active nature of tectonic movements during few time slices, which in turn was overwhelmed by sea level fluctuations are also inferred.

Highlights

The theory of sequence development defines the sedimentation system under the control of four major variables, namely, tectonic subsidence, eustatic sea level change, volume of sediment influx and climate (SARG 1988)
The relative sea level cycles, first published by VAIL et al (1977), revised by HAQ et al (1987) espoused that the sedimentary sequences are produced principally under the influence of sea level cycles that vary between few tens of millions of years (1st order cycle) to few million years (3rd order cycle)
All along its western margin, basin margin faults are recognizable (Fig. 1) which separate the Archaean shield from the sedimentary deposits

Summary

Introduction

The theory of sequence development defines the sedimentation system under the control of four major variables, namely, tectonic subsidence, eustatic sea level change, volume of sediment influx and climate (SARG 1988). VAIL et al (1977) stated that the sea level chart published by them is incomplete and cycles of varying order could be added, so that, more complete chart could be established. The aim behind this statement is to incorporate sea level cycles at Milankovitch scale, to which the response of the sedimentation system is proved beyond doubt (CARTER et al 1991). RUBEN et al (2012), HAQ (2014) and RUBAN (2015) have present-

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Discussion

Conclusion