Kala Chitta Range Research Articles

Assessment of Underground Soil Carbon of Kalachitta Range in Attock District

The carbon cycle has great importance to support life on earth. In this cycle, organic carbon which present in the soil is a vital element in the fertility of land. Which produces many organic as well as mineral nutrients in the growth of plants, improve the soil structure and its biological health and it improves the physical health of the soil. Study was conducted inside the Potohar plateau which is situated from 33.770 to 340 north latitude and from 71.450 to 730 east longitudes. Its elevation was about 1800 feet in eastern region of 3,531 feet in western part just near the Indus River ridge. The western left bank of river Indus experienced the lowest forest strip, elevation of 820 feet in altitude. The area is dominated by four plant species Olea ferruginea, Acacia modesta, Monotheca buxifolia and Dodonea viscosa. 20 Sample plots were selected randomly from various sites in which 180 samples were collected with the help of soil auger in two portions, i.e. 0-15 cm and 16-30 cm. at a distance of 1m and 3m and 5m from the plant and in a vertical extent of 0-15.00cm,16-30.00 cm and 31-45.00 cm, Olea ferruginea soil showed slightly higher total soil organic carbon as compared to Acacia modesta soil.

Depositional and Bio-Sequence Stratigraphic Framework of Late Cretaceous Kawagarh Formation, Kala-Chitta Range, Pakistan: Equivalent of Gurpi Formation (Iran)

Depositional and Bio-Sequence Stratigraphic Framework of Late Cretaceous Kawagarh Formation, Kala-Chitta Range, Pakistan: Equivalent of Gurpi Formation (Iran)

Litho- and biostratigraphy and hydrocarbon source-rock potential of the Jurassic–Paleogene strata in the Kala Chitta Range, northwestern Himalayas, Pakistan

In this study Jurassic–Paleogene strata were investigated to understand the litho- and biostratigraphic framework and hydrocarbon source-rock potential of various stratal packages. Biostratigraphic controls were used to establish the chronostratigraphic framework of Jurassic–Paleogene strata in the area. The Lower Jurassic (Hettangian) clastics saw an unconformity during the Sinemurian–Pliensbachian, while the Lower Jurassic (Toarcian)–Middle Jurassic (Bajocian) clastic–carbonate mixed strata is also separated by a Bathonian unconformity from the Middle Jurassic (Callovian) to the Upper Jurassic (Tithonian) carbonate sequence. The Upper Jurassic Oxfordian strata are missing, while the Upper Jurassic (Kimmeridgian)–Lower Cretaceous (Valanginian) glauconitic sandstone and clays are the conformable sequences. The Lower Cretaceous (Hauterivian)–Upper Cretaceous (Turonian) clastics is a conformable sequence that is separated by a Coniacian–Santonian unconformity from the Upper Cretaceous (Campanian) pelagic carbonates. The Cretaceous–Tertiary boundary is marked by laterites, while the Paleocene (Thanetian) sequence is represented by a shale- and sandstone-dominated sequence. The Paleocene (Thanetian)–Early Eocene (Ilerdian) siliciclastic–carbonate mixed sequence marks the last episode of Tethyan sedimentation. Total organic content (TOC), organic petrography and Rock-Eval pyrolysis (REP) techniques were used to evaluate the hydrocarbon source-rock potential, kerogen type and level of maturity of the hydrocarbons. The majority of studied samples show the occurrence of type IV kerogen. However, the Middle Jurassic (Callovian)–Upper Jurassic (Tithonian) carbonate sequence of the Samana Suk Formation, the Kimmeridgian–Valanginian Chichali Formation, the Paleocene (Thanetian) sequence of the Hangu Formation and the Paleocene (Thanetian)–Early Eocene (Ilerdian) Patala Formation confirms the Type III kerogen, poor–fair source-rock quality, immature–mature, gas- and oil-prone indigenous hydrocarbon occurrence in the region.

Hydrocarbon source rock assessment of the shale and coal bearing horizons of the Early Paleocene Hangu Formation in Kala-Chitta Range, Northwest Pakistan

The present study aims to investigate the origin, type, thermal maturity and hydrocarbon generation potential of organic matter and paleo-depositional environment of the Early Paleocene (Danian) Hangu Formation outcropped in the Kala-Chitta Range of Northwest Pakistan, Eastern Tethys. Organic-rich shale and coal intervals were utilized for geochemical analyses including TOC (total organic carbon) and Rock–Eval pyrolysis coupled with carbon (δ13Corg) and nitrogen (δ15Norg) stable isotopes. The organic geochemical results showed that the kerogen Type II (oil/gas prone) and Type III (gas prone) dominate the investigated rock units. The TOC (wt%) and S2 yield indicate that the rock unit quantifies sufficient organic matter (OM) to act as potential source rock. However, the thermal maturity Tmax°C marks the over maturation of the OM, which may be possibly linked with the effect attained from nearby tectonically active Himalayan Foreland Fold-and-Thrust Belt system and associated metamorphosed sequences. The organic geochemical analyses deciphered indigenous nature of the OM and resultant hydrocarbons. The δ13Corg and δ15Norg stable isotopic signatures illustrated enrichment of the OM from both marine and terrestrial sources accumulated into the Hangu Formation. The Paleo-depositional model established using organic geochemical and stable isotopic data for the formation supports its deposition in a shallow marine proximal inner shelf environment with prevalence of sub-oxic to anoxic conditions, a scenario that could enhance the OM preservation. Overall, the formation holds promising coal and shale intervals in terms of organic richness, but due to relatively over thermal maturation, it cannot act as an effective source rock for liquid hydrocarbon generation and only minor amount of dry gas can be expected. In implication, the results of this study suggest least prospects of liquid hydrocarbon generation potential within Hangu Formation at studied sections.

Depositional environments and microfacies of the upper Turonian–Maastrichtian Kawagarh Formation, Kalachitta Range, Lesser Himalayas, Pakistan

The upper Turonian–Maastrichtian Kawagarh Formation represents a thick sequence of carbonates in the Kalachitta Range, Pakistan and it is the only stratigraphic record of Late Cretaceous sedimentation in northwestern Lesser Himalayas. Global sea-level marks a gradual fall of ∼40 to 50 m during the deposition of the Kawagarh Formation. This study is based on detailed outcrop and petrographic investigations of six stratigraphic sections exposed in Kalachitta Range. Carbonate grains are dominantly composed of pelecypods, oysters, trigonia and plankton distributed in a micritic groundmass. Five microfacies, (1) Planktonic Mudstone, Wackestone and Packstone Microfacies, (2) Pelecypodic Planktonic Mudstone and Wackestone Microfacies, (3) Pelecypodic Wackestone and Packstone Microfacies, (4) Marl Microfacies and (5) Dolostone Microfacies, were identified using distribution of faunal types and matrix. Based on faunal paleoecology, microfacies analysis and sedimentary structures, a shallow open-marine, northward-dipping ramp model has been proposed for the deposition of the Kawagarh Formation beginning with a transgressive cycle, which also corresponds to global sea-level rise, and possibly terminated by uplift owing to initial collision of the Indian Plate with the Kohistan-Ladakh Arc at the end of the Cretaceous. KEYPOINTS Paleontological and paleoecological evidence is used to develop a shallow, open-marine ramp deposition model for the Kawagarh Formation. The initiation of Kawagarh sedimentation with transgression in the late Turonian synchronise with global sea-level curve. Sedimentation was terminated by initial collision of the Indian Plate with the Kohistan-Ladakh Arc.

Investigating the impact of diagenesis on reservoir quality of the Jurassic shallow shelfal carbonate deposits: Kala Chitta Range, North Pakistan

The Middle Jurassic carbonate succession (Samana Suk Formation) in Kala Chitta Range, North Pakistan was studied in detail to investigate the impact of diagenesis on reservoir potential of the rock unit. The current study integrates detailed geological field, petrographic, scanning electron microscopic, and advance geochemical studies to reconstruct the diagenetic history of Jurassic carbonates and to evaluate its role in re‐shaping the reservoir potential. Based on field observations, five lithological units along with diagenetic features are recorded. Furthermore, various microfacies are defined within each lithological unit. Based on petrographic studies, it is observed that various diagenetic features including micritization, neomorphism, dissolution, compaction (mechanical and chemical), dolomitization, and cementation have played a crucial role in the porosity modification of various lithological units. The paragenetic sequence established in this study reveals modification of the carbonates in various diagenetic phases, for example, marine, meteoric, and burial (shallow and deep) diagenesis, followed by a phase of uplifting. Based on different types of microscopic porosities generated during various diagenetic phases, mudstone to wackestone carries good reservoir potential while the grainstone has moderate to poor potential. The plug porosity and permeability data further corroborate these findings. At outcrop, various large‐scale dissolution activities and dense network of inter‐connected fractures in all lithological units may have further enhanced the reservoir potential of the studied strata.

Integrating the palynostratigraphy, petrography, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy data for evaluating hydrocarbon reservoir potential of Jurassic rocks in the Kala Chitta Range, Northwest Pakistan

In this paper, we present the palynostratigraphy, petrography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigations to evaluate hydrocarbon reservoir potential of the Jurassic clastic-carbonate mixed sequence of the Kala Chitta Range, northwest Pakistan. The chronostratigraphic sub-divisions of the diverse lithologies within the sequence were made by using palynostratigraphy. The clastic dominated sequence of Datta Formation was assigned Toarcian-Bajocian age, while the Shinawari Formation was deposited during the Bajocian-middle Bathonian. The carbonate shoal facies of the Samana Suk Formation showed late Bathonian-Tithonian time of deposition. The primary and secondary porosities augmented by the plug porosity and permeability data suggest that the sandstone of Datta Formation is an excellent reservoir. The dominance of diverse matrix within the Shinawari Formation occluded the primary porosity. However, based on dissolution and dolomitization, the Shinawari Formation is categorized as a moderate reservoir. The dominance of various types of matrix and cement with superimposed burial diagenesis has occluded the primary porosity within the Samana Suk Formation. However, the diagenetic dissolution and dolomitization during the telogenetic stage were supported by the SEM and bulk geochemical data. Such diagenetic overprinting has significantly enhanced the reservoir potential of the unit.

Sequence Stratigraphic Framework of the Jurassic Samana Suk Carbonate Formation, North Pakistan: Implications for Reservoir Potential

The paper aims to establish a possible link between the sequence stratigraphy and reservoir potential of the Middle Jurassic carbonates of Samana Suk Formation, Kala Chitta Range, North Pakistan. The Samana Suk Formation is comprised of a monotonous sequence of thin- to thick-bedded bioturbated, cross-bedded, ripple marked, sandy, bioclastic carbonates with shale interbeds. The rock unit is the best analog of shallow to marginal marine carbonates due to its pronounced thickness, enhanced lithological variations, and diverse diagenetic features. To establish a possible link between the sequence stratigraphy and reservoir potential of the rock unit, the outcrop and petrographic features are used to record eight microfacies, deposited in a wide range of shallow to marginal marine environments including mudflats, lagoon, back shoals, and sand shoals. Based on the vertical stacking pattern of microfacies in a given time of deposition (170–160 Ma), one second-order local cycle (SLC-1), three regressive systems tracts (RSTs) and two transgressive systems tracts (TSTs) are delineated within the succession. The primary and secondary porosity of selected microfacies from each systems tracts are investigated using petrography, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The direct measurements of porosity and permeability of these microfacies types are carried out using high overburden pressure plug porosity and permeability analyses. Based on these investigations, higher reservoir potential is recorded for mudstones/wackestone microfacies of RST as compared to grainstone microfacies of TST. The higher porosity within RST and higher interconnectivity of available pores both in RST and in TST suggest that the Samana Suk Formation carries good reservoir potential.

Reservoir Characterization and Modelling with Diagenetic Trends of carbonates of the Kawagarh Formation: A Section exposed in the Kala-Chitta Range, Pakistan

Present study is focused on the diagenetic studies and reservoir characterization of the Cretaceous KawagarhFormation exposed in the Gandab village, Kala-Chitta range, north-western Himalayan Fold-and-Thrust belt, Pakistan.The formation is composed of argillaceous limestone and dark grey marls. A total of thirty-three representativecarbonate rock samples were collected at equal intervals of three meters. Various diagenetic features includingcementation, micritization, pyrite precipitation, neomorphism, fracturing, sparitization and stylolitization were observedin the studied rocks which occur in the marine, meteoric and deep burial diagenetic environments respectively. Suchdiagenetic features control the reservoir quality of the rock unit. Porosity types include mostly vuggy and fracture,while minor stylolitic porosity were noted with quantity ranging from 2.66% to 3.88%. The carbonates of KawagarhFormation are highly fractured, but the filling of these fractures due to precipitation of calcite or micritic mud hasgreatly reduced its reservoir potential, while some unfilled fractures, stylolites and vuggs are the dominant factors thatenhance the reservoir potentiality of the Kawagarh Formation. However, the porosity values still do not mark the levelof reservoir rock. These diagenetic studies revealed very less chances for hydrocarbon accumulation as no significantporosity values have been observed and overall reservoir potential is characterized as poor.

Reservoir Characterization and Modelling with Diagenetic Trends of carbonates of the Kawagarh Formation: A Section exposed in the Kala-Chitta Range, Pakistan

Present study is focused on the diagenetic studies and reservoir characterization of the Cretaceous KawagarhFormation exposed in the Gandab village, Kala-Chitta range, north-western Himalayan Fold-and-Thrust belt, Pakistan.The formation is composed of argillaceous limestone and dark grey marls. A total of thirty-three representativecarbonate rock samples were collected at equal intervals of three meters. Various diagenetic features includingcementation, micritization, pyrite precipitation, neomorphism, fracturing, sparitization and stylolitization were observedin the studied rocks which occur in the marine, meteoric and deep burial diagenetic environments respectively. Suchdiagenetic features control the reservoir quality of the rock unit. Porosity types include mostly vuggy and fracture,while minor stylolitic porosity were noted with quantity ranging from 2.66% to 3.88%. The carbonates of KawagarhFormation are highly fractured, but the filling of these fractures due to precipitation of calcite or micritic mud hasgreatly reduced its reservoir potential, while some unfilled fractures, stylolites and vuggs are the dominant factors thatenhance the reservoir potentiality of the Kawagarh Formation. However, the porosity values still do not mark the levelof reservoir rock. These diagenetic studies revealed very less chances for hydrocarbon accumulation as no significantporosity values have been observed and overall reservoir potential is characterized as poor.

Sedimentological and Geochemical Analysis of the Middle Jurassic Shinawari Formation, Upper Indus Basin, Pakistan: Implications for Palaeoenvironmental and Hydrocarbon Assessment

Microfacies, palynofacies, and hydrocarbon source rock potential of Toarcian–Bathonian sediments of the Shinawari Formation are investigated in the Chichali Nala Section, Baroch Nala, Gulla Khel Nala, Surghar Range, and Askari Cement Factory Section, Nizampur Kala Chitta Range, Pakistan. The Shinawari Formation is dominated by a mix of limestone, sandstone, shale, marls, siltstone, and mudstone units with the association of laterite, hard grounds, coal layers, and coal disseminations. Microfacies analysis suggests that deposition of the Shinawari Formation occurred in peritidal lagoon, beach shoal to distal shelf setting. This interpretation is supported by sub-types of standard Tyson (in: Sedimentary organic matter, Springer, Berlin, 1995), palynofacies, which we have defined as palynofacies SFPF-A, attributed to a marginal dysoxic to an anoxic basinal setting, and palynofacies SFPF-B, deposited in heterolithic proximal platform settings. Some of the intervals have low ( $$\le 0.5\%$$ ) total organic carbon (TOC) values except for intervals with fair values (0.5–2.09%) in the Shinawari Formation in different stratigraphic sections. Despite some lower TOC values, and the presence of kerogen types III and II, spore colouration index of 5.0–8.0, thermal alteration index of 2–3+, and vitrinite reflectance (VR) of 1.16–1.35 indicate possible hydrocarbon source rock potential. The various geochemical plots obtained from TOC (%), VR and Rock-Eval pyrolysis data indicate that the Shinawari Formation specifies kerogen type III having Tmax ( $${}^{\circ }$$ C) range of 430–450 $${}^{\circ }$$ C and thermal maturity lies in the oil window.

Sedimentology of Marl and Marly Limestone Sequence of Upper Cretaceous Kawagarh Formation from Northern Kalachitta Range, Attock Hazara Fold and Thrust Belt, Pakistan

Upper Cretaceous Kawagarh Formation is well exposed in the Attock Hazara Fold and Thrust Belt (AHFTB) and shows significant lateral and vertical variations in lithology. The present work deals with the sedimentological studies of marl and marly limestone sequence of Kawagarh Formation exposed at the Bagh Neelab, Ghariala north and Sojhanda villages in Northern Kalachitta Range. Detailed petrographic studies of marly limestone and hard marl substrate show that planktons and oysters are the main skeletal constituents of studied samples and clay and detrital quartz mainly composed the non skeletal fraction. X-Ray diffraction analyses of selected marl samples confirm the petrographic data. On the basis of skeletal and non skeletal content, two microfacies—marl microfacies and Planktonic microfacies are constructed. The faunal content, their paleoecology and detrital content of microfacies suggest that marl and marly limestone sequence of Kawagarh Formation was deposited over the mid and outer ramp settings.

Clay mineralogy and implication for palaeoenvironment of Patala Formation in Salt Range, Lesser Himalayas, Pakistan

In Potwar basin the shaly part of the Patala Formation of Paleocene age stretches from the Salt Range in the southeast to Kala-Chitta Range in northwest. The paleoenvironment of the Potwar basin is interpreted by the diagenetic and sedimentational control of clay minerals in the basin. The clay mineralogy displays kaolonite, illite, with minor mixed layer of illite/ montmorillinte clay minerals and occasional chrlorite. It is inferred that the kaolinite/illite and chlorite minerals are the detrital clay minerals, brought into the depositional basin due to erosion of the source rocks exposed in the southeast of partly diagenetic origin. The clay mineral compositions from the southeast to northwest show that kaolinite decreases while illite and chlorite increase. The decrease of kaolinite in Kala-Chitta Range is most likely due to sedimental/depositional control. The course-grained kaolinite was abundantly deposited in fresh to brackish water conditions in shallow parts of the basin while the conditions changed towards northwest from shallow marine to brackish causing less transportation into deeper parts of the basin. The fine grained illite and chlorite mineral were transported and deposited in abundance in the deeper parts of the basin. No significant variation is observed in mixed-layer clay mineral. The crystallinity indices of kaolinite and illite show an increase in Salt Range where as they decrease in Kala-Chitta Range. The decrease in crystallinity of clay mineral in conjunction with kaolinite deposition patterns, prove the transportation, and deepening of the depositional basin from southeast to northwest.

The Paleogene of the Kala Chitta Range, northern Pakistan

The Paleogene of the Kala Chitta Range, northern Pakistan

Sedimentary geology and biostratigraphy of the Mianwali Formation, Kala Chitta Range, Northern Pakistan

Microfacies analysis and ammonite biostratigraphy of the Mianwali Formation of the Kala China Range were worked out on the basis of stratigraphic sections from Chak Jabbi and Bagh. Four microfacies were identified from the Chak Jabbi section while amrnonite biostratigraphy was studied from both the sections. Filamentous bivalves in micrite deposited along a shelf margin below normal wave base represent the first microfacies. The second microfacies contains bioclastic wackestone deposited in an open marine environment of normal salinity. The third microfacies consists of lime mudstone formed in a stressed environment of lagoonal conditions, whereas the fourth microfacies of dolomitised carbonate mudstone was formed by the diagenetic dolomitisation of the third microfacies.
 The new collection of ammonites includes Arctoceras tuberculatum, Anakashmirites aff. evolutus, Meekoceras gracilitatis, Stephanites sp., Pseudoceltites sp., Subvishnuites aff. welteri, Arnautoceltites sp., Owemtes sp. indet, Subvishnuites aff. enveris, Pseudosageceras sp. indet, Paranannites sp., Subcolumbites sp., Anasibrites sp., and Pseudaspidites sp, confirming the already known Sctythian age of the Mianwali Formation.

Microfacies and foraminiferal assemblages from the Early Tertiary rocks of the Kala Chitta Range (northern Pakistan)

Microfacies analysis and foraminiferal biostratigraphy of the Upper Paleocene (Thanetian) Lockhart Limestone, Patala Formation and the Lower Eocene (Ypresian) Margala Hill Limestone from the Kala Chitta Range, northern Pakistan has been done by studying a large number of thin sections. Most common microfacies of the shelf environment are the bioclas-tic wack.es tone, packstone and grainstone. The biociasts are bentho-nic larger foraminifera including the genera Lockhartia, Ranikothalia, Nummulites, Assilina, Operculina, Alveolina and Discocyclina . The foraminiferal assemblage is age-diagnostic and as well as indicative of shallow shelf (inner shelf or inner neritic) marine environment.

Stratigraphy and structure of the Peshawar basin, Pakistan

The Peshawar intermontane basin is a broad, oval shaped and low-lying depression at the southern margin of the Himalaya. It lies to the north of the Attock-Cherat Range and contains rocks transitional between the sedimentary fold-thrust belt to the south and a metamorphic terranc to the north. The basin came into existence as the Kalachitta Range was faulted south on the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT pushing the Siwalik foreland basin still farther south. The basin sediments predominantly comprise of the lacustrine, deltaic and fluvial deposits, which arc overlain by loess, flood plain and alluvial fans of younger age. As a result of the present study, especially the findings of conodonts, the bedrock sequence of the Peshawar basin established previously, has been modified and revised. An almost complete sequence of rocks ranging from the Precambrian to Triassic age has been established for the first time in the Peshawar basin.
 The study of the Landsat data, aerial photographs and subsequent field studies indicate presence of zone of late Quaternary deformation that extends across the southern margin of the Peshawar basin. Lacustrine, fluvial and alluvial fan deposits, which are dated at 2.8 to 0.6 Ma are tilted, folded and faulted along the four left-stepping pressure ridges that extend for nearly 60 km. Alluvial-fan and fluvial sediments are also folded and faulted in the Ghazi area where the base of the Indus River appears to be displaced by a reverse fault with its northwest side up. Additional minor lineaments and faults occur parallel and oblique to the major fault structures.

The Kala Chitta foreland fold and thrust belt, Northern Pakistan

The present structural framework of the Kala Chitta Range evolved through movement between two detachment surfaces. The Precambrian Attock Slates acted as a basal detachment surface above which large scale horizontal compression took place to produce the main structural framework of the Kala Chitta Range. The Middle Eocene argillaceous and gypsiferous Kuldana Formation behaved as the upper detachment surface giving rise to blind thrusts which were later exposed due to the intense erosion of the overlying folded Miocene strata.

Ranikothalia sindensis Zone in Late Paleocene Biostratigraphy

Ranikothalia sindensis Zone in Late Paleocene Biostratigraphy

Timing of structural events in the Himalayan foothills of northwestern Pakistan

Research Article| August 01, 1987 Timing of structural events in the Himalayan foothills of northwestern Pakistan ROBERT S. YEATS; ROBERT S. YEATS 1Department of Geology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331-5506 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar AHMAD HUSSAIN AHMAD HUSSAIN 2Geological Survey of Pakistan, Peshawar, Pakistan Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information ROBERT S. YEATS 1Department of Geology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331-5506 AHMAD HUSSAIN 2Geological Survey of Pakistan, Peshawar, Pakistan Publisher: Geological Society of America First Online: 01 Jun 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2674 Print ISSN: 0016-7606 Geological Society of America GSA Bulletin (1987) 99 (2): 161–176. https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1987)99<161:TOSEIT>2.0.CO;2 Article history First Online: 01 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation ROBERT S. YEATS, AHMAD HUSSAIN; Timing of structural events in the Himalayan foothills of northwestern Pakistan. GSA Bulletin 1987;; 99 (2): 161–176. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1987)99<161:TOSEIT>2.0.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGSA Bulletin Search Advanced Search Abstract The Attock-Cherat Range forms the southern boundary of the Peshawar basin and includes rocks transitional between metasediments of the Lesser Himalaya and foreland-basin strata to the south. The Attock-Cherat Range comprises three fault-bounded structural blocks which are, from north to south, (1) Precambrian metaclastic strata overlain by unfossiliferous limestone which is itself apparently overlain by Paleozoic strata with the contact not exposed; (2) unfossiliferous flysch of Precambrian(?) age overlain by Cretaceous and Paleogene marine strata and Murree red beds at least in part of early Miocene age; and (3) unfossiliferous limestone, argillite, and quartzite correlated in part to Paleozoic strata in the Peshawar basin, overlain by a Tertiary sequence generally similar to that in block 2. Farther south, in the Kala Chitta Range, strata of Triassic to Eocene age occur in south-verging folds and thin thrust sheets. The similarity of the Tertiary sequences in the Kala Chitta Range and in blocks 2 and 3 demonstrates that the pre-Tertiary sequences were juxtaposed by faults prior to deposition of the Paleocene Lockhart Limestone. This may coincide with initial contact of the west-northwest–facing passive margin of India with Eurasia or nearby microplates. Major late Tertiary imbricate thrusting and folding took place prior to uplift of the Attock-Cherat Range and to deposition of Peshawar intermontane basin fill of Pliocene-Pleistocene age. The Peshawar basin formed as the Kala Chitta Range was faulted south on the Main Boundary thrust (MBT), forcing Siwalik foreland basins still farther south. Late Quaternary deformation in the southern Peshawar basin occurred along a seismically active zone of en echelon, stepped-left faulted pressure ridges that may reflect a subsurface ramp on the older MBT. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.