Salt Range Research Articles

Growth Performance of Salt Range Lambs Fed Various Dietary Levels of Peanut Haulms in Pothwar Region of Pakistan

Growth Performance of Salt Range Lambs Fed Various Dietary Levels of Peanut Haulms in Pothwar Region of Pakistan

Heavy metals and proximate analysis of Sihar (Rhazya stricta Decne) collected from different sites of Warcha salt mine, Salt Range, Pakistan

Rhazya stricta is an important medicinal plant species distributed all over the Warcha salt mine in Pakistan. Analysis of proximate composition and metals is a commendable job to assess the suitability of the exploitation of medicinal plants on a large scale by ethnic communities. The proximate analyses (moisture, fiber, ash, crude fats, proteins and carbohydrates) of all the samples collected from five different sites (Table 1) were carried out. Moreover, different inorganic elements in the samples were also determined. The maximum and the minimum moisture content in Rhazya stricta was observed at Site 4 (31.21%) and Site 2 (29.14%), respectively. The maximum and the minimum ash concentrations were recorded in the populations collected from Site 2 (7.48%) and Site 5 (6.25%), respectively. The maximum fat content was found in the Site 3 (3.91%) population, whereas the minimum contents of crude fiber were observed in the population from Site 2 (12.2%). The maximum concentration of crude protein was observed in the plants from Site 5 (9.93%), whereas the minimum contents of carbohydrates were observed in the plants from Site 2 (48.4%). Essential and nonessential elements like potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) were analyzed in the roots, stem and leaves of Rhazya stricta. The maximum K content (6836.886 mg/kg) was found in the roots of plants collected from Site 5 and the minimum in the leaves (5528.795 mg/kg) collected from Site 3. The highest concentration of magnesium was found in the roots of plants from Site 3 (2414.46 mg/kg), whereas the lowest concentration of iron was recorded in the leaves of Site 4 (31.45 mg/kg) plants. The maximum and the minimum concentrations of cobalt were detected in the roots of plants from Site 1 (0.320 mg/kg) and in the leaves of plants from Site 4 (0.135 mg/kg), respectively. The minimum concentration of leaf cadmium was recorded in plant population from Site 4, whereas in the same population the maximum level of root nickel was recorded. The highest concentration of copper was observed in the stem of plant population from Site 2 (0.297 mg/kg). The concentrations of most of the elements appraised in the present study are well below the overall permissible limits of these elements in medicinal plants determined by WHO, so this plant from the Warcha mine can be utilized without harm by herbal practitioners and pharmaceutical industry.

EFFECT OF PROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENTATION AND VARYING DIETARY PROTEIN LEVELS IN CREEP FEED ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF SALT RANGE LAMBS

Main aim of this work was to findout the influence of probiotic supplementation and suitable dietary protein level in creep feed for optimum growth performance of Salt Range lambs. Lambs (n ₌ 16; Age ₌ 30±10 days) were chosen and divided into four equal groups. Four dietary treatments; diet-1 (CP 18% with no probiotic), diet-2 (CP 18% with probiotic), diet-3 (CP 20% with noprobiotic) and diet-4 (CP 20% with probiotic) were randomly allocated to lambs under Completely Randomized Design. The raw data were analyzed through ANOVA technique using SAS 9.3 software. The growth performance was determined in terms of average daily gain, average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, feed cost per kg gain and blood parameters; hemoglobin, blood glucose, blood urea and blood cholesterol. Results indicated that average daily gain of lambs fed diets having 20% proteinwith and without probiotic supplementation are not different (P>0.05), whereas average daily gain of lambs fed 20% protein was found higher (P<0.05) than of those fed 18% protein with and without probiotic supplementation. Average daily feed intake was found higher (P<0.05) in diet-3 than diet-2 but remained not different in animals fed diet-1 and diet-4. Lambs fed dietary protein 20 percent were found more efficient (P<0.05) in terms of feed conversion ratio than that of 18 percent protein. Bloodparameters were found not different by various dietary treatments. It was inferred that creep feed with probiotic supplementation couldn’t influence growth but higher dietary crude protein 20% in creep feed improved growth performance of Salt Range lambs in pre-weaning phase.

Mapping monstrosity: Malformed sporomorphs across the Smithian/Spathian boundary interval and beyond (Salt Range, Pakistan)

In the last 500 million years, Earth's biota experienced periods of crises with extinctions on a large scale and significant turnover events, one of them being the Permian-Triassic extinction event. The following Early Triassic was a critical time marked by a series of biological and environmental changes with a complex recovery pattern of marine faunas and ecosystems. Generally, animals and plants respond to stress by using different strategies that help them tolerate or recover from unfavourable environmental conditions. In this contribution, we quantitatively and qualitatively describe a variety of malformations of spores and pollen grains from the extensively studied Nammal section (Salt Range, Pakistan) across the Smithian/Spathian boundary interval (Early Triassic). High dominance of malformed sporomorphs is recorded throughout the studied interval, indicating stressful conditions for plants on the Indian margin during the Early Triassic. One of the highest abundances of malformed sporomorphs coincides with the spore spike and the negative carbon isotope excursion during the middle Smithian, emphasising this intense biotic stress. Either a cocktail of volcanic gases, acid rains, soil acidification, and heavy metal pollution as a consequence of a late pulse of the Siberian Trap large igneous province or climatic extremes might have been responsible for these malformations. Here teratology is used as a tool/means to assess the severity of biotic crises in the plant kingdom, indicating its potential value as a signal of ecological disturbance. • Fossil spores and pollen morphology as a proxy for ancient environmental pollution. • Sporomorphs identification schemes to quantify morphological change. • Evaluation of possible causes triggering morphological variation in sporomorphs.

Geochemistry and Mineralogy of Paleocene Coal from the Padhrar and Darra Adam Khel Coalfields of Pakistan

AbstractPakistan is rich in coal resources, which amount to around 186 billion tons. The Paleocene Padhrar and Darra Adam Khel coalfields are located in the Central Salt Range Punjab Province and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan, respectively. Padhrar coal has not been studied in detail and the Darra Adam Khel coalfields are newly‐discovered, so no research has been done, due to security considerations. In this study, an attempt has been made to study the geochemical and mineralogical characteristics of the Padhrar and Darra Adam Khel coals, in order to learn about the coal quality, element enrichment mechanism, sedimentary medium conditions and potentially valuable elements for coal utilization. The Padhrar and Darra Adam Khel coals are low to medium ash, low moisture content, high in volatiles and high total sulfur coal. The vitrinite reflectance in Darra Adam Khel coal is higher than in Padhrar coal, indicating either a greater burial depth or the effects of Himalayan tectonism. The vitrinite content is dominant in the Padhrar and Darra Adam Khel coals, followed by inertinite and liptinite, the major minerals including quartz, clay minerals, calcite and pyrite. The trace elements Ni, As, Be Zn, Ge, Mo, Ta, W, Co and Nb, Sn, Hf, Ta, Pb, Th, Cd, In, Be, V, Cr, Zr, Ag, Li, W and Co are concentrated in some of the Padhrar and Darra Adam Khel coal samples, respectively. The Padhrar coal shows positive Ce, Eu and Gd anomalies, with most of the Darra Adam Khel coal showing negative Ce, Eu and positive Gd anomalies with high LREE. The Al2O3/TiO2 values indicate that the sediment source of the Padhrar and Darra Adam Khel coals is mostly related to intermediate igneous rocks. The Sr/Ba, SiO2 + Al2O3, Fe2O3 + CaO + MgO/SiO2 + Al2O3 and high sulfur content in the Padhrar and Darra Adam Khel coals indicate epithermal and marine water influence with a tidal flat, coal‐forming environment and a deltaic coal‐forming environment, respectively.

GIS-based site suitability evaluation for ecotourism development in Salt Range Wetlands, Punjab-Pakistan

GIS-based site suitability evaluation for ecotourism development in Salt Range Wetlands, Punjab-Pakistan

Plasticity in anatomical traits of Cyperus niveus Retz. along elevational gradient of dry sub-Himalayan mountains

Cyperus niveus Retz., also known as snow white sedge grows in dry mountainous regions of Himalayas. Eight populations of C. niveus were collected from different locations in the Salt Range (Punjab) and Kaghan Valley (Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa) to evaluate role of plasticity in adaptability potential through modification in anatomical traits. This species developed xeric anatomical modifications in roots at higher elevations. These were thick endodermis, formation of sclerenchymatous cells outside endodermis, numerous metaxylem vessels, and increased area of central vessel in roots. Roots were more developed in the Kaghan (K) population, showing the largest root radius (774.7 µm), sclerenchymatous cell area (1429.1 µm2), cortical thickness (147.1 µm), and endodermal cell area (7701.4 µm). Stomatal density (21.7 per mm2) was also the highest in the K population. Formation of aerenchymatous cavities, numerous large vascular bundles with wide metaxylem vessels, and large phloem tissue in stems were the prominent features in the K population at the highest elevation (2078 m a.s.l.). All C. niveus populations showed sclerification around and outside of the vascular bundles, larger adaxial epidermal cell area as compared to abaxial epidermal cells, hypostomatal leaves, and increased storage parenchyma in leaves.

Palyno-Morphological Characteristics as a Systematic Approach in the Identification of Halophytic Poaceae Species from a Saline Environment.

Pollen morphology of 12 salt-tolerant grasses (Calamagrostis pseudophragmites, Cenchrus biflorus, Cenchrus ciliaris, Cenchrus pennisetiformis, Cymbopogon jwarancusa, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Echinochloa colona, Echinochloa crus-galli, Saccharum griffithii, Saccharum ravennae, Saccharum spontaneum, and Urochloa ramosa) from the Salt Range was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy (LM). The main aim was the elucidation of taxonomic significance of pollen morphology, which might be useful for taxonomists in the identification of halophytic Poaceae taxa. The described pollen morphology is a good source of taxonomic characteristics that can help in species and genera differentiation. The investigated variations in the pollen micromorphological features and exploration of new palynological traits support and strengthen the systematics of Poaceae. The pollen shape of all studied species was sub-spheroidal, and exine ornamentation includes microechinate-areolate (11 spp.) and microechinate (1 spp.). Two types of pollen apertures were reported, i.e., monoporate (11 spp.) and diporate (Cenchrus pennisetiformis). The annulus was found in all species while operculum was observed only in three species. The univariate and multivariate analyses were used to analyze the quantitative data. The highest pollen viability values (%) depicted the adaptability of Poaceae taxa in the salt region. Overall, the pollen characteristics in polar and equatorial view, apertures, annulus, operculum, and surface ornamentation of pollen grains of the family Poaceae are of great taxonomic significance for the species identification.

Estimation of aboveground carbon stock using Sentinel-2A data and Random Forest algorithm in scrub forests of the Salt Range, Pakistan

Abstract Forest ecosystems play a vital role in the global carbon cycle as forests store ~283 Gt of carbon globally and hence help mitigate climate change. Carbon stock estimation is the key step for assessing the mitigation potential of a given forest. About 5–10 Gt CO2 equivalent emissions come from deforestation and forest degradation annually. Pakistan’s forest resources are currently deteriorating due to deforestation and degradation and resulting in sourcing carbon dioxide emissions. One forest type that has been examined little so far in this context is subtropical scrub forests. This research suggests a workflow to estimate the carbon stock from three carbon pools (aboveground, belowground and litter) in scrub forests of the Salt Range, Pakistan by incorporating remote sensing and geographic information system techniques. The study’s objectives include the estimation of biomass and carbon stocks by using field inventory data and allometric equations, quantifying CO2 sequestration by using the ‘IPCC 2006 Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories’ and finally map biomass and carbon by utilizing satellite imagery and statistical analysis. For prediction and mapping of biomass and carbon, field plots data along with vegetation indices and spectral bands of the Sentinel-2A satellite imagery were fed into a Random Forest (RF) algorithm in the cloud computing Google Earth Engine platform. Our results of ground data suggest that the examined scrub forests harbour 243 917 t of biomass, 114 989 t of carbon and 422 009 t of CO2 equivalent in the three carbon pools of the study area with a mean biomass density of 12.04 t ha−1 (±5.31) and mean carbon density of 5.72 t ha−1 (±2.46). The RF model showed good performance with reasonable R2 (0.53) and root mean square error (3.64 t ha−1) values and predicted average biomass at 13.93 t ha−1 (±4.35) and mean carbon density of 6.55 t ha−1 (±2.05). The total predicted and field-measured biomass has a plausible difference in values while the mean values have a minimal difference. The red-edge region and short-wave infrared (SWIR) region of the Sentinel-2A spectrum showed a strong relationship with aboveground biomass estimates from the field. We conclude that the combination of Sentinel-2A data coupled with ground data is a cost-effective and reliable tool to estimate various carbon pools in the scrub forests at a regional scale and may contribute to formulate policies to manage forests sustainably, enhance forest cover and conserve biodiversity.

Facies analysis and depositional framework of Late Permian-Jurassic sedimentary successions, Western Salt Range, Pakistan: implications for sequence stratigraphic trends and paleogeography of the Neo-Tethys Sea

Facies analysis and T-R sequence stratigraphic approach of Late Permian to Jurassic sedimentary units in Western Salt Range, Pakistan were accomplished to construe the depositional environments and basin evolution. The analysis affirms the rendition of sequence stratigraphic trends and paleogeography of first megasequence phase of Neo-Tethys Sea. Sedimentological contingents, T-R sequence stratigraphic framework and sea level curve of the strata argue active tectonic’s effects on sedimentation. During Late Permian, the rift related magmatic activities deceased, which imparted to the onset of transgression and deposition of shelf carbonates with retrogradational (transgressive) parasequence sets in Wargal Formation. Respective rifting and tectonic uplift events induced the sea level fall ascertaining the onset of terrigenous shelves and deltaic successions in terminal Permian and Early-Mid Triassic with an enlighten switch from agradational to progradational parasequence sets (regressive parasequences) in Chhidru, Mianwali and Tredian formations. The closure of Paleo-Tethys and emergence of semi-arid hot tropical climate throughout Late-Triassic, led the onset of tidal-lagoonal environments and deposition of retrogradational (transgressive) parasequence sets in Kingriali Formation. During Early Jurassic, a well-known northward drift of Pangaea ensued in global cooling and increased humidity, which consequently stimulated clastic-carbonate sedimentation of Datta and Samana Suk formations with progradational and retrogradational parasequence sets respectively.

Remote Sensing for Surface Coal Mining and Reclamation Monitoring in the Central Salt Range, Punjab, Pakistan

The expansion and exploitation of mining resources are essential for social and economic growth. Remote sensing provides vital tools for surface-mining monitoring operations as well as for reclamation efforts in the central Salt Range of the Indus River Basin, Pakistan. This research demonstrates the applicability of remote sensing techniques to the coal mining monitoring scheme to allow for effective and efficient monitoring and to offset the adverse consequences of coal mining activities. Landsat 8 OLI images from June 2019 and 2020, and a Landsat 7 ETM+ image from June 2002, were used for this study. A three-phase methodology including Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) analysis, land cover mapping, and change detection approaches was adopted. Image classification based on Tasseled Cap Transformation and the brightness temperature At-satellite using the K-means algorithm was implemented in a GIS program to identify seven land cover classes within the study area. The results show some level of surface disturbance to the landscape due to the coal mining reclamation activities that had taken place over the 18-year time period. From 2019 to 2020, about 3.622 km2 of coal mines or barren land were converted into bare agricultural land. Over the years, it was also observed that reclamation areas exhibited higher values of NDVI than coal mining areas. The mean NDVI for coal mining areas was 0.252 km2, and for areas of reclamation, it was 0.292 km2 in 2020, while in 2019, the value for coal mining sites was 0.133 km2, and 0.163 km2 for reclamation sites. This trend suggests that coal-mining operations can be monitored using satellite data, and the progress of reclamation efforts can be assessed using satellite NDVI data from the target locations. This study is beneficial to agencies responsible for monitoring land cover changes in a coal mine because it provides a cost-effective, efficient, and robust scientific tool for making mine site allocation decisions and for monitoring the progress of reclamation efforts.

Geochemical evaluation of hydrocarbon generating potential and thermal stress experienced by Patala Formation, Salt Range, Upper Indus Basin, Pakistan

This study focused on the investigation of hydrocarbon potential, thermal maturity and ranking of the coal from the Salt Range in Pakistan. Four different mines located in different areas of the Salt Range were selected for sample acquisition. The samples were further processed and analyzed in laboratory using proximate analysis, ultimate analysis and Rock-Eval pyrolysis. Proximate analysis illustrate that coal of the Salt Range is of low rank because of low moisture content and high volatile material. The ultimate analysis indicates that the coal is immature with lower carbon contents. The coals have total organic carbon contents in the range of 36.45 to 48.68 wt.% and hydrogen index values between 277 and 445 mg HC/TOC indicate that the organic matter type is dominated by type II. Moreover, Rock-Eval pyrolysis parameters further support it as an excellent source rock having type II kerogen, oil-prone nature with some gas-prone character. These data suggest that the coal samples are in low conversion state and thermally immature.

Assessment of Willingness to Pay for Sustainable Ecotourism Development in the Salt Range Wetlands, Punjab Pakistan

Assessment of Willingness to Pay for Sustainable Ecotourism Development in the Salt Range Wetlands, Punjab Pakistan

Evaluation of Neoproterozoic source rock potential in SE Pakistan and adjacent Bikaner–Nagaur Basin India

Discoveries of heavy crude oil in the Neoproterozoic rocks (Infracambrian rock sequence) from the Bikaner-Nagaur Basin of India emphasize the significance of studying and exploring the Neoproterozoic source rock potential in the southeastern part of Pakistan. This study evaluates the potential of the source rock in the Infracambrian rock sequence (Salt Range Formation) based on surface geochemical surveys, Rock–Eval pyrolysis, source biomarkers, geophysical characterization, and seismic inversion using machine learning for maturity index estimation. Core samples of Infracambrian rock were extracted for Rock–Eval pyrolysis and biomarker characterization. Additionally, 81 geomicrobial soil and gas samples were collected from the surface to explore the petroleum system and potential source rocks in the subsurface. Advanced interpretation techniques were used to investigate the origin and concentration of hydrocarbon gases at the surface, including Rock–Eval pyrolysis, thermal maturity, source biomarkers, and the environment of deposition of organic matter. The results show that the investigated samples are characterized by restricted marine clay devoid of sedimentary carbonate facies with thermal maturity in the early stage of the oil generation window. The seismic inverted maturity index profile demonstrates a reasonable correlation of thermal maturity with the biomarkers and Rock–Eval pyrolysis. Further scrutiny of the surface geochemical samples confirms the presence of higher concentrations of thermogenic C2–C4 hydrocarbons in the vicinity of anticlinal structures, suggesting the existence of an effective migration path along deep-seated faults to the surface. This study concludes that the Infracambrian rocks on the eastern flank of Pakistan are thicker, thermally mature, and have deep-seated structural closures, indicating a greater probability of heavy and light oil in this area than in the Bikaner–Nagaur Basin, India.

Development of Artificial Geochemical Filter to Treat Acid Mine Drainage for Safe Disposal of Mine Water in Salt Range Portion of Indus Basin—A Lab to Pilot Scale Study

Several passive and active treatment approaches are available for dealing with Acid Mine Drainage (AMD). Despite a range of newly emergent techniques for the treatment of AMD, pH control using low-cost neutralizing reagents has been the most common and economical technique for the treatment of AMD. Thereby, owing to their widespread availability, ease of use, and cost effectiveness, active treatment techniques utilizing calcium-based reagents (particularly limestone) are considered the prime choice for treating AMD. Limestone is a well-known option worldwide for AMD neutralization thanks to its easy availability, low cost, and excellent efficiency. Generally, acidity is reduced by the presence of CaCO3 and alkalinity (i.e., HCO−3) is increased. pH can be increased from 2.5 to 7.5 by using limestone as a treating agent, resulting in the precipitation of heavy metals, which can then be removed by precipitation and sorption. Wargal limestone, a well-known limestone from the Salt Range, Indus basin, Pakistan, has high potential for neutralization and treatment of PTEs present in mine water or AMD. After selecting a suitable neutralization material at pilot scale, two different filters were designed using selected Wargal limestone: Filter 1 A (Oxic-based, Vertical bed-type Wargal Limestone Filter) and Filter 1 B (Anoxic-based Vertical bed-type Wargal Limestone Filter with Compost). The pH of the AMD under study was elevated from 2.5 to 7.65 and 7.60, respectively, in uncoated and coated media of limestone. Although the neutralization potential decreased over time, as an overall phenomenon the Ca concentration and net alkalinity (280–360 mg/L) were increased with the removal of metals such as Fe, Cu, Pb and Mn. The respective removal efficiency of these metals was 98%, 99%, 99% and 60%, with a threshold residence time of 5 h. in all columns of the developed filters.

Predicting the Suitable Current and Future Potential Distribution of the Native Endangered Tree Tecomella undulata (Sm.) Seem. in Pakistan

The burgeoning human population exhibited a rapid amplification in demand for timber and fuelwood and as a result, the natural population of the native tree Tecomella undulata reduced rapidly due to its high economic and medicinal significance. The recognition of appropriate regions for threatened plants in the climate change scenario is a fundamental step for the restoration and conservation of biodiversity. The current study predicts the potentially suitable areas in Pakistan for T. undulata restoration. This research identifies the highly appropriate regions for vulnerable T. undulata through the maximum entropy model from MaxEnt software. The model’s Area Under Curve 0.968 suggested its accuracy. The mean temperature of the wettest quarter, precipitation of the warmest quarter, and mean temperature in the driest quarter significantly shaped the T. undulata distribution. Future suitable areas for T. undulata were made by using RCP (4.5 and 8.5) for the years 2050 and 2070 through 19 bioclimatic variables and 66 occurrence points. The current highly suitable area for T. undulata is approximately 135,749 km2 (15.4%) while the unsuitable area identified is approximately 404,917 km2 (45.91%). The highly suitable area for T. undulata increases by 3.6–7% under climate change regimes (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5). The Central Punjab (District Faisalabad, Nankana sahib, Jhang, Kasur, and Okara), Salt Range, Western Khayber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), FATA area, Eastern Balochistan, and Thar and Tharparker in Sindh are the current appropriate habitats for T. undulata. Under all future climatic circumstances, the extremely appropriate area for T. undulata was anticipated to expand, whereas the unsuitable zones would all shrink. The research would be significant for the further development of T. undulata management and conservation techniques.

47 c Assessment of Willingness to Pay for Sustainable Ecotourism Development in the Salt Range Wetlands, Punjab Pakistan

Wetlands are the source of vital ecosystems which provide human societies with essential and extremely valuable life-supporting functions. The rapid population growth and resultant exploitation of lands, water bodies, and forests have badly influenced wetland resources. Wetlands are non-market goods as they do not have market value. So, it is important to evaluate these resources economically to identify their significance. Therefore, this study aims to identify the visitors’ willingness to pay for the economic valuation of Salt Range wetlands comprised of Kalar Kahar, Uchali, Jhalar, Khabeki, and Namal Lakes. A qualitative method was used to gather relevant information from the respondents by using a questionnaire. By applying the willingness to pay (WTP) technique it was found that about 85.34% of tourists were agreed to visit these lakes because of their naturalness. Similarly, the mean WTP in Kalar Kahar lake was PKR. 1808, in Uchali lakes was PKR.1820 while in Namal lake it was PKR. 1848. It is concluded that all the lakes are equally important and economically valuable for the tourists as there was a frictional difference in mean WTP. It is suggested that these lakes should be conserved for future generations to sustain the long-term economic benefits for the concerned stakeholders through the initiation of ecotourism.

Tectonic Geomorphology Of The Jhelum Fault Zone And Its Contiguous Regions In Western Himalaya

The western Himalayan syntaxis represents the region where the major Himalayan structures abruptly curve and the cause of the curvature and the tectonic geomorphology of the region has not been fully explored. The lack of detailed structural maps with extensive field-based data are missing, which is mainly because of the political problems related to border sharing between Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan. However, and fortunately, the usage of satellite derived images has overcome such constrains by providing a robust platform to remotely map such regions. Therefore, the present study was aimed to supplement our previous works in the region by exploring the western portions of the Hazara-Kashmir-Syntaxis. We have used Google terrain imagery to map the evidence for active faulting that involves mapping of triangular facets, displaced and/or faulted topographic ridges, river terraces, alluvial fans and so on. The crosscutting relationships are used to date the faulting events where absolute dates are not available. Our results show that active tectonic deformation is not just limited to the previously mapped structures (e.g. the Kalabagh Fault, the Salt Range Thrust, the Mahesian Anticline, and the Jhelum Fault) but occurs on a broader deformation zone that is delimited by the Chaman fault system in the west, and the Jhelum Fault in the east. The deformation zone in 3D resembles a tectonically formed diamond shaped box that has Salt Range Thrust in front and the Main Boundary Fault at the back with sides delimited by the Chaman and the Jhelum fault systems. The earthquake centroid moment tensor data compliments our geomorphological work, and establishes that transpression is a dominant tectonic process that governs the western regions, which is in comparison to the east where transtension is the norm in the interior Himalayan with reverse and thrust faulting dominant in the frontal regions.

Trace element geochemistry and stable isotopic (δ13C and δ15N) records of the Paleocene coals, Salt Range, Punjab, Pakistan

The Paleocene coals of the Salt Range in the Punjab Province of Pakistan have great economic potential; however, their trace element and stable isotopic characteristics have not been studied in detail except for a few sporadic samples. In this study, a total of 59 coal samples of which 14 are obtained from open cast mines have been investigated for elemental composition and δ 13 C-δ 15 N isotopic signatures. Average contents of trace elements such as Co, Cr, Cu, Pb, Sr, Th, U, V, and Zn are 7.4, 41.7, 11.2, 12.5, 90.2, 4.0, 1.9, 128, and 31.1 mg/kg, respectively. These values, when compared with the World Coal Clarke values, were relatively higher in low-rank coals in comparison with Clarke values for brown coals. Likewise, As (20.4 mg/kg), Co (6.6 mg/kg), Cr (22.4 mg/kg), Cu (13.3 mg/kg), Pb (19.2 mg/kg), Sr (154.7 mg/kg), Th (2.5 mg/kg), V (47.8 mg/kg), and Zn (75.1 mg/kg) were significantly higher in the sub-bituminous to bituminous coals of the Salt Range. Mineralogical analysis, based on X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, revealed that the studied samples contain illite, kaolinite calcite, gypsum, pyrite, and quartz. Elemental affinity with organic and inorganic phases of coals calculated by an indirect statistical approach indicated a positive association of ash content with Ag, Al, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Mn, P, Rb, Pb, Th, U, and V, suggesting the presence of inorganic components in studied coals. However, As, Fe, Sr, and Zn exhibit negative correlations that imply their association with the organic fraction. The δ 13 C and δ 15 N isotopic range and average −24.94‰ to −25.86‰ (−25.41‰) and −2.77‰ to 3.22‰ (0.96‰), respectively, reflecting 3C type modern terrestrial vegetation were common in the palaeomires of studied coal seams. In addition, the trivial variations of 0.92‰ and 0.45‰ among 13 C and 15 N values can be attributed to water level fluctuations and plant assemblies.

THE MIDDLE SMITHIAN (EARLY TRIASSIC) AMMONOIDS OF GORNJI BRČELI (SOUTHERN MONTENEGRO)

A rich Early Triassic (Smithian) ammonoid fauna discovered near the village of Gornji Brčeli (southern Montenegro) is unique for the Early Triassic of the western Tethys. The Smithian there is represented by a series of several tens of meters thick brown-red to grey-green marls and clays with intercalated, mica-rich, thin dark grey sandstones, and subordinate occurence of redeposited oolitic limestone. The fossils have been collected as scree material over a few square meters but are considered as contemporaneous since no unnatural association (condensation) was detected. The ammonoid assemblage is represented by 15 species, belonging to the genera Aspenites, Cordillerites, Dieneroceras, Abrekites, Owenites, Pseudaspenites, Pseudosageceras, Truempyceras, Wyomingites, Hanielites, Galfettites, Parahedenstroemia, Lingyunites and Pseudoflemingites, and can, by the presence of Owenites zitteli Smith, be correlated with the late Middle Smithian Nyamalites angustecostatus beds of the southern Tethys, the upper Owenites koeneni beds of South China or the Owenites beds of North America. Taxonomic composition of the ammonoid assemblage shows great similiarity with those of Spiti (India), NW Guangxi (China) and Nevada (USA), but also some with those of Salt Range (Pakistan) and Timor. A markedly dominance of involute, oxycone and platycone morphologies distinguishes the Gornji Brčeli fauna from other contemporaneous faunas and points to specific palaeoecological environmental conditions. Previously, three new species were described from this locality and in the present paper one more is added (Parahedenstroemia? tatjanae). Two species hitherto considered as synonyms (Abrekites arthaberi and Owenites zitteli) are revised and treated as valid based on new material from Gornji Brčeli.