NW Indian Shield Research Articles

Geochemical study of Ambaji − Sendra granitoids and mafic dykes from the South Delhi fold belt, NW Indian shield: Implications for magma generation, emplacement and geodynamic evolution

This study presents a comprehensive account of geochemical data on the granitoids of Ambaji-Sendra Terrain and associated mafic dykes. These granitoids, interpreted as S–type, I-type and A-type, lack a consensual interpretation probably due to the study of only those rocks which are exposed in Sendra region. We identified that these granitoids are A-type (A2- subtype) granites. There are two petrogenetic groups of the granitoids having exclusive crustal and crust-mantle interactive origins which are supported by their mineralogy and structure. The associated dykes also display two distinct geochemical groups one with within-plate character and other with typical arc signatures. Whole body of evidence suggests that magma for the granitoids and dykes was generated during the closure of Delhi Ocean. The simultaneous emplacement of granitoids started during subduction process and culminated after the collision or/ accretion of Delhi arc with eastern crustal block, consequent to the Rodinian assembly mechanism.

Shallow crustal imaging beneath NW Indian terrane from teleseismic P-wave coda using a Bayesian approach

Deciphering the crustal architecture of the Cretaceous Barmer-Sanchore Basin (BSB) and Neoproterozoic provinces in the NW Indian Shield presents significant challenges due to extensive sediment deposition and widespread felsic igneous rocks. To address such intricacies, we employ a transdimensional Bayesian joint inversion of teleseismic P-wave polarizations and receiver functions to resolve the detailed structure of the upper 10 km of the crust beneath 29 seismic stations deployed in the study area. The new data is analyzed separately within each of the three different backazimuthal groups to identify any strong variations in the shallow subsurface structure and derive a more robust, averaged model for every station site. The resulting 1-D models reveal heterogeneous sediment cover in BSB and Marwar Basin, with respective thicknesses ranging from ∼1.3–5.5 km and 1–1.5 km. Remarkably low shear-wave velocities (Vs < 1.0 km/s) of sediments with increased Vp/Vs (>2.3) are observed in BSB and adjacent areas, which are related to highly unconsolidated Quaternary-Tertiary deposits. The Marwar Basin is imaged to have 0.3–0.5 km of uncompacted sediments that overlie 0.5–1 km thick Marwar Supergroup sequence. The Erinpura Granites (EG) and Malani Igneous Province (MIP) are characterized by a variably thick sediment blanket, typically ranging within 1 km in thickness. The Vs of the sediments in these regions exceeds 2.4 km/s that possibly corresponds to Mesozoic and older sediments. The basement beneath EG exhibits Vs faster than 3.4 km/s, consistent with moderately metamorphosed granites. In MIP, the basement is characterized by non-uniform shear velocities, suggesting the influence of intrusions linked to magmatic episodes in NW India.

Favourable IOCG and polymetallic environs in Marwar - Khetri, NW Indian Shield imprints from aerogeophysical data analysis

The analysis of aeromagnetic data reveals two significant broad oval-shaped aeromagnetic anomalies oriented in the NE-SW direction, west of Laxmangarh and east of Fatehpur. These significant anomalies identified beneath sand-alluvium-covered areas of Rajasthan's Marwar region are of a low dominance nature. These magnetic signatures are associated with gravity gradients in the regional Bouguer gravity map. Magnetic anomalies and subsurface modeling revealed that the remanence source had a high magnetic susceptibility. The ground gravity profiles across the Laxmangarh anomaly show a high gravity variation of 5 mGal/km. The integration of geochemical distribution patterns, spectrometric elemental concentrations, different ratios, and composite image maps has brought out alteration/shear zones that are favourable for mineralization. The results of selective 2D-profiles, plate modeling, and 3D-inversion modeling of these anomalies reveal that the depth of the causative source varies from 300 to 1000 m. The higher-order magnetic susceptibilities, geochemical dispersion pattern, and spectrometric ratio maps and composite images distinguished hydrothermal alteration zones characterised by potassium enrichment. The results indicate the possibility of concealed source rocks with high magnetic mineral content (magnetite, maghemite, titanomaghemite, pyrrhotite, and franklinite?) and a relatively high density. The geophysical signatures observed around Fatehpur and Laxmangarh, with high magnetic contrast, low dominance, and remanence coupled with high gravity values, as well as hydrothermal alteration zones, appear to have striking similarities with the geophysical and geochemical scenarios of some of Australia's Iron Oxide Copper-Gold (IOCG) prospects in the Gawler, Arunta, Tennant, and Mount Isa regions. Therefore, these anomalous areas may be explored for the possibilities of an IOCG or polymetallic type of mineral.

Precambrian tectonics and metacratonization in the NW Indian shield inferred from magnetotelluric imaging across the Marwar Terrane and Aravalli-Delhi Mobile Belt

Precambrian tectonics and metacratonization in the NW Indian shield inferred from magnetotelluric imaging across the Marwar Terrane and Aravalli-Delhi Mobile Belt

Carbonatite Occurrence in Ambaji-Sendra Belt of NW Indian Shield: Evidence of Carbonatitic Magmatism in the Subduction Setting

The paper represents a new discovery of a late Mesoproterozoic lenticular and discontinuous, carbonatitic body exposed at Basantgarh, Sendra and near the Abu-road area of the Ambaji-Sendra belt of the South Delhi Fold Belt. It is medium to coarse-grained and light to dark coloured compact rock. The common associates of the carbonatitic rock are felsic rocks, rich in alkalies. Carbonatite contains more than 50% carbonate minerals, the majority of which are calcite, dolomite, ankerite, augite-aegirine augite and plagioclase. It is classified as calcite carbonatite of the sövite variety due to its coarse-grained character, chemically as calico-carbonatite and magnesio-carbonatite and even as silico-carbonatites for having more than 20% SiO2. The ∑REE contents of calico-carbonatite samples are nearly 100 times greater than magnesio-carbonatite. Chondrite normalised REE profiles of calcio-carbonatites are LREE enriched with nearly flat HREEs whereas the magnesio-carbonatite is characterised by flat REE patterns. The mantle-normalized incompatible trace element spidergram of Ambaji-Sendra belt carbonatites shows distinct negative anomalies of Ba, Nb, Ta, P, Sm, Eu, Ti and Y and positive at U and Pb by calcio-carbonatite whereas the magnesio-carbonatite displays negative kinks at K, Zr, Nb, Ta and Ti and positive at Th, Pb and Sr. The variable and/or contrasting enrichment/depletion in various elements in the two types of Ambaji-Sendra belt carbonatite is attributed either to significant differences in the type and modal proportion of different accessory mineral species or selective incorporation of metasomatic fluids during the subduction process. The chemical attributes of Ambaji-Sendra belt carbonatite suggest its emplacement in subduction settings.

Strain-partitioned dextral transpression in the Great Boundary Fault Zone around Chittaurgarh, NW Indian Shield

AbstractDelimiting the Aravalli mountain range in the east, the Great Boundary Fault (GBF) occurs as a crustal-scale tectonic lineament in the NW Indian Shield. The structural and tectonic characteristics of the GBF are, as yet, not well-understood. We attempt to fill this gap by using a combination of satellite image processing, high-resolution outcrop mapping and structural analysis around Chittaurgarh. The study area exposes the core and damage zone of the GBF. Three successive phases of folding, F1, F2 and F3, are associated with deformation in the GBF. The large-scale structural characteristics of the GBF core are: (i) a non-coaxial refolding of F1 folds by F2 folds; and (ii) the parallelism between the GBF and F2 axial traces. In addition, numerous metre-scale ductile shear zones cut through the rocks in the GBF core. The damage zone is characterized by the large-scale F1 folds and the mesoscopic-scale strike-slip faults, thrusts and brittle-ductile shear zones. Several lines of evidence, such as the inconsistent overprinting relationship between the strike-slip faults and thrusts, the occurrence of en échelon folds and the palaeostress directions suggest that the GBF is a dextral transpression fault zone. Structural geometry and kinematic indicators imply a wrench- and contraction-dominated deformation in the core and damage zone, respectively. We infer that the GBF is a strain-partitioned dextral transpression zone.

Geochemical characteristics of fluorine- and chlorine-bearing biotite from Tusham Ring Complex, NW India: Constraints on halogen distribution and geodynamic evolution

The present study is carried out to understand the factors controlling halogens present in biotites, role of halogens in metallogeny in context to the magmatic evolution of Tusham Ring Complex (TRC), NW Indian Shield. The investigated rocks are identified with hypersolvus, high-K calc-alkaline, peraluminous, ferroan-enriched and typical A-type granitoids affinity. They are enriched in SiO2, Na2O + K2O, REEs (except Eu), LILE + HFSE, elevated in Fe/Mg, Ga/Al, Th/U, A/CNK ratio and depleted in CaO, MgO, Sr, Cr, Ni, P, Ti, V and Eu abundances. The sequential accumulation of incompatible trace elements (LILE, HFSE, REEs and others) in studied rocks overlaps almost entirely the range of rare metal granitoids and high heat-producing granitoids. The elemental geochemistry in conjunction with high abundances of F (0.80–7.11 wt%) and Cl (0.44–1.56 wt%) in biotite mineral collectively attribute to hydrothermal fluid activity and the subsequent mineralization around TRC region. Our new results suggest that the acidic magmatism that occurred in the TRC is considered as a part of the plume-related Neoproterozoic Malani Igneous Suite (MIS) anorogenic magmatism.

Delineation of Average 1-D Shear Velocity Structure below North India by Surface Wave Dispersion Study

Abstract During 2014-16, a semi-permanent network of four 3-component broadband seismographs was operational in the Rajasthan craton and Aravalli mobile belt in the NW Indian shield. The reliable and accurate broadband data from 16 selected regional Indian earthquakes of Mw5.5-7.8 from this seismic network enabled to estimate the group velocity dispersion characteristics and one-dimensional regional shear velocity structure of northern India, covering the region below north India between the entire Himalaya (from the Pakistan Himalaya in west to the Burmese arc in the east) and Rajasthan (including Aravalli mobile belt). First, Rayleigh- (at 7-87s) and Love- (at 7-82s) wave group velocity dispersion curves were measured and then these curves were inverted to estimate the crustal and upper mantle structure below north India. It is observed that group velocities are of variable nature within the region. This could be attributed to the complex crust-mantle structure in the study region resulted from the magmatism episodes associated with the Proterozoic collision, 65 Ma Deccan volcanism and the Himalayan collision. The best model in the study region reveals a two-layered crust, with a 15-km thick upper-crust (UC) of average shear velocity (Vs) of 3.12 km/s and a 25-km thick lower-crust(LC) of average Vs of 3.44 km/sec. The modeling detects a drop in Vs (~1-2%) at 79-120 km depths, underlying north India, representing the probable seismic lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary (LAB) at 79 km depth. A geothermal gradient extrapolated from the surface heat flow (~74 mW/m2) shows that such a gradient would intercept CO2-bearing mantle peridotite solidus at 100 km depth, and thus could signal the presence of small amounts of partially melted magma below 100 km depth. Therefore, this 1-2% drop in Vs could be attributed to the presence of carbonatite melts in the upper mantle related to magmatic episode of 65 Ma Deccan plume activity as also suggested by existing geological and seismological evidence.

Petrogenesis and Tectonic Significance of the Neoproterozoic Magmatism of the Tusham Ring Complex (NW Indian Shield): Insight into Tectonic Evolution of the Malani Igneous Suite and Rodinia Supercontinent

The present study is carried out to probe geodynamic evolution and tectonic history of A-type granitoids from the Riwasa and Nigana areas in the Tusham Ring Complex (TRC), western Peninsular India on the basis of petrological and geochemical aspects. The investigated rocks have the characteristics of hypersolvus, calc-alkaline, peraluminous and A-type granitoids. They are enriched in SiO2, Na2O+K2O, Fe/Mg, Th, U, REE (except Eu), LILE+HFSE, elevated in Fe/Mg, Ga/Al, Th/U, A/CNK ratios, and depleted in CaO, MgO, Sr, Cr, Ni, P, and Ti, and having Eu abundances. They also show high heat production (HHP) affinity and high mineralization potential. Elemental geochemistry in conjunction with mineralogical variants attested that they were formed by limited fractional crystallization of a parental magma derived from partial melting of crustal protolith accreted during the Neoproterozoic magmatic event. Physicochemical features i.e. F and Cl-rich biotite, pegmatite rim, substantial model content of albite, high mineralized veins and altered mineralogy indicate rock-fluid interactions which are caused by magmatic origin or secondary metasomatic alteration superimposed on the host rock. The magmatism occurred in the TRC is interpreted to represent the Malani Igneous Suite (MIS) and their linkage with Rodinia Supercontinent and Pan-African thermal event.

Geochemistry of volcanic flows of Nakora area of Malani igneous suite, Northwestern India: Constraints on magmatic evolution and petrogenesis

The geochemical characteristics of volcanic flows of Nakora area of Malani Igneous Suite have been determined to understand their magmatic evolution and petro-genetic aspects. Geochemically, they are high in silica, total alkalis, high field strength elements (HFSE), low ion lithophile elements (LILE), rare metals and rare earth elements; represent A-type affinity with potential mineralization associations. Here, we carried out average geochemical data bank of representative samples of 44 individual lava flows of isolated hill-locks. The relative enrichment of trace elements and negative anomalies of Sr, Eu, P and Ti in the multi-element spider diagrams suggests that the emplacement of the lava flows was controlled by complex magmatic processes i.e. fractional crystallization, partial melting, magma mixing, crustal contamination and assimilation. Moreover, NRCmagma provides new geochemical approaches to understand geodynamic evolution of MIS and emplaced in plume related extensional geodynamic settings in NW Indian shield.&#x0D; Keywords: Geochemistry; Volcanic flows; Nakora; Malani Igneous Suite; Rajasthan; Rodina

Inferring a Neoproterozoic orogeny preceding the Rodinia break-up in the Sirohi Group, NW India

Abstract Recent studies indicate the Delhi Orogeny to be a Grenvillian-age collision event in the NW Indian Shield. West of the southern part of the South Delhi Fold Belt, aeromagnetic anomalies show a high-angle relationship with the Delhi Fold Belt trend. We examined an argillaceous–calcareous metamorphosed sequence exposed within and adjacent to this aeromagnetic anomaly. This sequence, deposited over a granitic basement, is reported as the Sirohi Group. The basement granite is dated to be 892±10 Ma (Erinpura age) and this was partially reset at 815±43 Ma. The metapelites preserve a low- to medium-grade metamorphic assemblage (peak temperature of c. 460°C) and the metamorphism took place at 822±29 Ma, which was partially reset at 723±65 Ma. The partial resetting can be ascribed to the Malani eruption. Control of accessory minerals on the garnet trace element chemistry is evident in the Y distribution of the two analysed garnets. It is contended that the Rodinia break-up, marked by Malani Igneous Suite, was preceded by an orogenic event (the Sirohi Orogeny) which marked the culminating mountain-building event in the cratonization of the NW Indian Shield.

Geochemistry of the sandstones of Punagarh basin: Implications for two source terranes and Arabian - Nubian connection of Aravalli craton?

Sandstones of Punagarh basin of Trans Aravalli region, NW Indian shield were analyzed for their major and trace element contents in conjunction with petrographic modes. The Punagarh basin comprises four formations (Sojat, Bambolai, Khamal and Sowania), amongst which the Sojat Formation in uncoformable contact with overlying formations, is significantly older and enjoys separate status as rest of the formations constitute Punagarh Group. Petrographic attributes suggest that Sojat sandstones contain distinct modal abundances like high content of quartz and low content of feldspar, mica, matrix, rock fragments and cement. In general there is a decrease in the average modal abundance of quartz and mica with concomitant increase of feldspar, chert and rock fragments from base to top in Punagarh sandstones. Sojat sandstones are also geochemically distinct as they possess high SiO2/Al2O3, Th/U and Cr/Th ratios coupled with lowest Na2O/K2O ratio and Zr content, least fractionated LREE, more fractionated HREE and largest Eu* anomaly compared to Punagarh sandstones. The weathering indices suggest intense chemical weathering for Sojat sandstones and low to moderate for Punagarh sandstones. Compositionally all the sandstones of the Punagarh basin come under the category of quartzarenite. Compared to PAAS and UCC, both suite of sandstones are generally depleted in REE, HFSE (with exception of Zr, Hf and Ta), and enriched in ferromagnesian trace elements particularly Cr and Co. The chemical data indicate that the sediments were derived from the source(s) of mixed felsic - mafic composition, with the former being dominant. The source rocks were granites, TTG, basalts, and rhyolites. The Sojat sandstones owe their source form Archean crust while Punagarh sandstones got detritus from Mesoproterozic crust. Immobile element ratios and REE abundances of Sojat sandstones closely match with Paleoproterozoic metagreywackes of Ghana of African craton while Punagarh sandstones show near geochemical characteristic with Gogunda, Kumbalgarh and Vindhyan quartzites of Aravalli craton. This geochemical similarity of Sojat sandstones provides credence to the hypothesis that Trans–Aravalli region of India had been an integral part of Arabian - Nubian shield. The chemical data advocate the deposition of these sandstones in a tectonic setting comparable to modern back arc setting.

Petrogenetic study of Mesoproterozoic volcanic rocks of North Delhi fold belt, NW Indian shield: implications for mantle conditions during Proterozoic

Mesoproterozoic North Delhi fold belt of NW Indian shield comprises three volcano-sedimentary basins viz. Bayana, Alwar and Khetri aligned parallel to each other from east to west. Each basin contains excellent exposures of mafic volcanic rocks. Major, trace and rare earth element abundances of volcanic rocks of the three basins are significantly diverse. Bayana and Alwar volcanics are tholeiites bearing close similarity with low Ti-continental flood basalts. However, Bayana volcanics are characteristically enriched in incompatible trace elements and REEs while Alwar volcanics display least enriched incompatible trace element abundances and flat REE patterns. The Khetri volcanics exhibit a transitional composition between tholeiite and calc-alkaline basalts. REE based source modeling suggests that Bayana suite was formed from the melts derived from 1 % to 10 % (avg. 4 %) of the partial melting of a spinel lherzolite source giving a residual mineralogy of 56 % Olv, 25 % Opx and 19 % Cpx. Whereas Alwar suite evolved through 12 %–20 % (avg. 15 %) partial melting of the same source with a residual mineralogy 61 % Olv, 25 % Opx and 14 % Cpx. Khetri volcanics are exposed at two localities Kolihan and Madhan–Kudhan. The Kolihan volcanics were derived from 1 % to 6 % (avg. 4 %) partial melting with residual mineralogy 56 % Olv, 25 % Opx and 19 % Cpx whereas the magma of Madhan Kudhan volcanic suite was generated by 15%–30 % partial melting of the same source leaving behind 64 % Olv, 25 % Opx and 11 % Cpx as residual mineralogy. This source modeling proves that melts of Bayana and Alwar tholeiites were generated by partial melting of a common source within the spinel stability field under the influence of mantle plume. During the course of ascent, Bayana melts were crustally contaminated but Alwar melts remained unaffected. There was two tier magma production in Khetri region, one from the partial melting of the mantle wedge overlying the subducted oceanic plate which formed Kolihan suite and two the melting of the subducted plate itself generating Madhan–Kudhan volcanics. It is interpreted that during Mesoproterozoic (1,800 Ma), the continental lithosphere of NW Indian shield suffered stretching, attenuation and fracturing in response to a rising plume. Consequently, differential crustal extension coupled with variable attenuation brought the asthenosphere to shallower setting which led to the production of tholeiitic melts. These melts enroute to the surface suffered variable lithospheric contamination depending upon the thickness of traversed crust. The Khetri basin attained maturity which resulted in the generation of true oceanic crust and its subsequent destruction through subduction. The spatial existence of three suites of mafic volcanics of diverse chemical signatures is best example of subduction–plume interaction. It is therefore, proposed that the Mesoproterozoic crust of NW Indian shield has evolved through the operation of a complete Wilson cycle at about 1,832 Ma, the age of mafic volcanics of Khetri basin.

Petrographic and geochemical characteristics of Mesoproterozoic Kumbalgarh clastic rocks, NW Indian shield: implications for provenance, tectonic setting, and crustal evolution

The Kumbalgarh Group of the south Delhi fold belt are the main bedrock series exposed in the axial region of the Aravalli craton. Quartzites and greywackes, the chief clastic constituents of this group, are well exposed. Petrographic and bulk-rock analyses of these rocks permit determination of their provenance, tectonic setting of the basin, and the Archaean to Proterozoic crustal evolution. Greywackes comprise quartz, plagioclase, amphiboles, K-feldspar, and rock fragments. Based on mineralogy, we divided the quartzites into three categories: QTZ1 is chiefly composed of quartz with a silty matrix and a minor quantity of feldspars and QTZ2 contains significant mafic minerals as well as quartz and feldspars, whereas QTZ3 is more feldspathic than the other groups. All the lithounits have SiO2/Al2O3 ratios <∼10 suggesting textural immaturity consistent with their sedimentary petrography. Greywackes display the least fractionated rare earth elements (REEs) (La/Yb N : avg. 2.55) with positive Eu anomalies (avg. Eu/Eu* = 1.34). QTZ1 contains strongly fractionated REE patterns (avg. La/Yb N : 13.56, avg. Eu/Eu* = 0.60), QTZ2 shows moderate REE fractionation (avg. La/Yb N : 4.97, avg. Eu/Eu* = 0.61), and QTZ3 possesses the least fractionated V-shaped REE patterns (avg. La/Yb N : 1.97, avg. Eu/Eu* = 0.51). Weathering attributes including chemical index of alteration (CIA), plagioclase index of alteration (PIA), chemical index of weathering (CIW), and A–CN–K plots assign a low to moderate degree of weathering to the Kumbalgarh sediments under a subtropical climate. Based on our synthesis of the petrographic and geochemical data, we suggest a provenance comprising basalts, tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTG), and granite. Geochemical attributes indicate deposition of the detritus in an extensional backarc basin receiving sedimentary input from opposite directions. The opening and then closure of the South Delhi Basin was the last phase of the break-up of the supercontinent, columbia, which began by abortive rifting of the Udaipur belt and culminated in separation of the Aravalli–Bundelkhand–Dharwar block in the east and the East African orogen in the west.

Cryogenian volcanic arc in the NW Indian Shield: Zircon SHRIMP U–Pb geochronology of felsic tuffs and implications for Gondwana assembly

The NW domain of the Indian lithosphere witnessed multiple cycles of the birth and demise of ocean basins associated with the history of Proterozoic supercontinents. Here we present field, petrological and geochemical evidence for imbricated ocean plate stratigraphy from the Sindreth Group in Rajasthan characterized by pillow basalt, bedded chert, rhyolite, sandstone and conglomerate suggesting the accretion of oceanic sediments together with continental detritus. The petrographic and geochemical characteristics of basalts and associated rhyolites indicate a volcanic arc setting for the Sindreth Group. The SHRIMP U–Pb analyses of zircons from a siliceous tuff and a rhyolitic tuff intercalated with chert yield well-defined 206Pb/238U concordia ages of 765.1±7.2 (MSWD=0.76) and 768.2±6.9 (MSWD=2.3), constraining the timing of arc volcanism associated with mid Neoproterozoic subduction. A younger population of zircons in the rhyolitic tuff yield ages in the range of 666 to 644Ma, suggesting that the arc magmatism continued to late Cryogenian. Our results correlate the Sindreth Group with the Malani volcanics and we interpret the tuff beds to have been derived from ash flows from a volcanic arc associated with mid Neoproterozoic subduction realm. The data from this study together with those from the recent works in other regions including the Syechelles, Madagascar, southern India and Sri Lanka suggest that Cryogenian magmatic arcs were widely distributed along the margins of the East African Orogen associated with the subduction history of the Mozambique Ocean lithosphere, prior to the final amalgamation of the Gondwana supercontinent in the latest Neoproterozoic–Cambrian.

LA-ICP-MS U–Pb zircon age constraints on the Paleoproterozoic and Neoarchean history of the Sandmata Complex in Rajasthan within the NW Indian Plate

The Sandmata Complex in Rajasthan within the NW Indian shield represents a metamorphosed volcano-sedimentary sequence incorporated within a late Paleoproterozoic suture zone. Here we report laser ablation ICP-MS age data and REE geochemistry of zircons from four rock types in the Sandmata Complex – a foliated biotite–quartz gneiss, a leucocratic gneiss, a biotite gneiss and a porphyritic granite. The zircons in the biotite gneiss and porphyritic granite show magmatic textures with a single Paleoproterozoic age population, whereas the leucocratic gneiss and biotite–quartz gneiss samples carry zircons with an Archean provenance history and metamorphic characteristics. U–Pb dating of zircon domains in these samples shows two dominant age populations: Paleoproterozoic and Neoarchean, and indicate that (a) granulite facies metamorphism (biotite–quartz gneiss: ca. 1708 Ma) and the granitic magmatism (porphyritic granite: ca. 1733 Ma) were synchronous; and (b) the igneous protoliths of the leucocratic gneiss (ca. 2750 Ma) and biotite gneiss (ca. 2698 Ma) were formed in the Archean. The zircons from both gniesses and granite show high REE contents, prominent HREE enrichment and a conspicuous negative Eu anomaly suggesting a common melt source. We correlate the Paleoproterozoic magmatic ages from Sandmata Complex with a subduction–accretion history prior to the final collisional assembly of the continental fragments in the Neoproterozoic, comparable with a similar history all along the Central Indian Tectonic Zone, as well as from the Eastern Indian Suture, probably indicating the continuity of the suture all along Peninsular India. Our zircon data also reveal the vestiges of Archean rocks within the Paleoproterozoic suture.

Provenance and weathering history of Archaean Naharmagra quartzite of Aravalli craton, NW Indian shield: Petrographic and geochemical evidence

Provenance and weathering history of Archaean Naharmagra quartzite of Aravalli craton, NW Indian shield: Petrographic and geochemical evidence

Modelling and inversion of single-ended refraction data from the shot gathers of multifold deep seismic reflection profiling-an approach for deriving the shallow velocity structure

SUMMARY A multifold crustal-scale deep seismic near-vertical reflection profile generates a large number of single-ended shot gathers, which provide redundant data sets because of overlapping coverage of the shallow refractors. We present an approach for deriving the shallow velocity structure by modelling and inversion of single-ended seismic refraction first arrival traveltime data. We apply this method to a data set acquired with a 12-km long spread with 100 m spacing of shots and receivers, of the Neoproterozoic Marwar basin in the NW Indian shield. The approach is shown to be quite successful for delineating the shallow refractor depths, steep dips and velocities, even in the absence of regular reverse refraction profiles. The study reveals two-layered sedimentary formations, Malani volcanics and a complicated basement configuration of the Marwar basin, and provides a measure of resolution and uncertainty of the estimated model parameters. A seismic section of the near-trace gather is found to be qualitatively consistent with the derived structural features of the basin. The relative highs and lows, observed in the Bouguer gravity profile, further corroborate the derived velocity model. The present approach can be especially useful in offshore areas and elsewhere, where the single-ended multifold seismic profiles are the only available data sets.

Geology, Geochemistry and Tectonic Significance of Mafic-ultramafic Rocks of Mesoproterozoic Phulad Ophiolite Suite of South Delhi Fold Belt, NW Indian Shield

A thick sequence of mafic-ultramafic rocks, occurs along a major shear zone (Phulad lineament), running across the length of Aravalli Mountain Range for about 300 kms. It has been suggested, that this sequence may represent a fragment of ophiolite or a rift related metavolcanic suite made up of basalts and fractionated ultramafics. The geological and tectonic significance of the complex is assessed using field relationships, petrography and geochemistry. Structurally, the lowest part of the complex comprises a discontinuous band of plastically deformed harzburgite (mantle component) followed by layered cumulus gabbroic rocks (crustal component). A complex of non-cumulus rocks comprising hornblende schists, gabbros, sheeted dykes and pillowed basalts structurally overlies layered gabbros. Huge bodies of diorite intrude volcanics. Geochemical classification suggests that all non-cumulus mafic rocks are sub-alkaline basalts except one variety of dykes which shows mildly alkaline character. The sub-alkaline rocks are tholeiite to calc-alkaline with boninite affinity. Tectono-magmatic variation diagrams and MORB normalised patterns suggest a fore arc tectonic regime for the eruption of these rocks. The mafic rocks of Phulad Ophiolite Suite are zoned across the strike in terms of their distribution from west to east. The hornblende schists and basalts are exposed at the westernmost margin followed by gabbros and dykes. The alkaline dyke occurs at the easternmost part. The rocks of Phulad suite are juxtaposed with shallow water sediments in the east followed by platformal sediments and then continental slope sediments in the further east indicating gradual thickening of the crust from west to east and an eastward subduction. The geochemical interpretation presented in this study, together with discussion of lithological association is used to decipher the tectonic evolution of the Mesoproterozoics of NW Indian shield.

Geochemistry of Precambrian mafic magmatic rocks of the Western Himalaya, India: petrogenetic and tectonic implications

Precambrian sequences of the Higher Himalayan Crystallines (Vaikrita Group) and the Lesser Himalaya (Chail, Jutogh and Jaunsar Groups), in the Garhwal and Himachal regions of the Western Himalaya, include abundant metamorphosed mafic lavas and dykes (amphibolites). A gabbroic body within the Chail Group has been dated at 1907±91 Ma (initial 87 Sr/ 86Sr ratio of 0.7022±0.0008) by the whole rock Rb–Sr method. This age is consistent with several age data (1800–2000 Ma: whole rock Rb–Sr method), assigned to the granitoids and gneisses of this region. These amphibolites and gabbros exhibit low-Ti tholeiite characteristics. The Lesser Himalayan samples are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREE) and large ion lithophile element (LILE), with distinct negative Nb, Sr, P and Ti anomalies. Conversely, the Vaikrita Group samples are characterized by less enriched LREE–LILE and absence of the above anomalies but have distinct positive Sr anomalies. The chemical characteristics of the Lesser Himalayan samples are remarkably similar to the basal Aravalli volcanics of the NW Indian shield, inferred to reflect significant components from enriched mantle sources and crustal contamination. Samples of the Vaikrita Group appear to have been influenced by an asthenospheric mantle and are less contaminated as indicated by the absence of negative Nb, P and Ti anomalies. These distinct geochemical characteristics are used to demarcate the Main Central Thrust along the Vaikrita Thrust. The Chail and Jutogh Groups are affiliated with the Lesser Himalaya and the Chail Group gabbro body may represent portion of one among the numerous magma chambers that fed a large Precambrian magmatic province in the south of the Main Central Thrust. The similar emplacement ages (1800–2000 Ma) for the mafic and felsic magmatic rocks, suggest that this region experienced a major episode of crustal generation and evolution in a rift environment.