Missing Coal Seam between East and West Bokaro near Lugu Hill of Damodar Basin, India: A Geological Model

Abstract

The coal formation of the Damodar basin is found in parts of the Indian states of West Bengal and Jharkhand. However, the potentiality of the coal formation and its presence across the basin are not equal. Both East Bokaro and West Bokaro are highly fertile and productive for high-quality coal. However, due to the lack of coal seams, no significant discoveries can be made between these two regions. The purpose of the present study is to identify the reasons for the lack of coal seam between the areas of the eastern and western Bokaro of the Damodar basin. The study area was chosen near the Lugu hill, adjacent to the Ghato area in the West Bokaro based on the geological significance. The presence of the coal seam is not identified in the study area. To reach the objective of the study an integrated geological model was developed based on laboratory analysis, computational and analytical approach. Newly acquired shallow seismic data, earlier acquired digitized gravity data and drilled well data were used for the study. Rock samples were collected from discrete areas of the Lugu hill for laboratory analysis. The integrated geological depositional model suggests that crustal thinning and basement upliftment is the significant reason for the absence of coal seam in between East and West Bokaro. Several tectonic activities and associated intrusion are another factor for the absence of coal in the area.