Geochemistry and Petrogenesis of the Proterozoic Bandal Mafic Rocks,Himachal Pradesh,NW Himalaya

The Proterozoic Bandal mafic rocks, exposed in Kullu-Rampur window, Lesser Himalaya, Himachal Pradesh, indicate two distinct (high-Ti and low-Ti) magma types. The high-Ti basalts are characterised by high-TiO₂ (> 2 wt%), Ti/Y, Ti/Zr, TiO₂/K₂O and low Rb/Sr ratios. They are enriched in high field strength (HFS) elements (Nb, Zr, Ti) relative to low field strength (LFS) incompatible elements (K, Rb). The low-Ti basalts are charactersied by low TiO₂ (< 2 wt%), Ti/Y, Ti/Zr and high Rb/Sr and Rb/Ba ratios. Quartz-normative composition, continental tholeiite characteristics with Nb/La less than 1 are some of the common factors of the two groups of the Bandal mafic rocks. The trace element concentrations and their ratios of the two groups of the basalts indicate that they have been derived from the asthenosphere at different depths, low-Ti at shallow and high-Ti at deeper levels. Some of the chemical features like low Mg #, Cr, Ni, high incompatible element concentrations (especially Ba), light rare earth element (LREE) enriched patterns point towards assimilation and fractional crystallisation (AFC) process which may have played a significant role in the generation of these basalts.Furthermore, the Bandal mafic rocks, apart from field settings, are geochemically similar to other Proterozoic mafic bodies like the Rampur volcanics, Mandi-Darla volcanics, Garhwal volcanics and Bhimtal-Bhowlai volcanics of the Lesser Himalaya. This widespread Proterozoic continental tholeiitic magmatism over an area of 170,000 km² in the Lesser Himalaya provides an evidence of plume activity in the region.     

Late Quaternary fine silt deposits of Jammu,NW Himalaya: Genesis and climatic significance

The fine silt deposits of Jammu (J & K State, India) stretch all along the Siwalik foothills from Jammu to the Potwar Plateau in Pakistan. The post-Siwalik deposits, first discussed by de Terra and Paterson (1939), are attributed to wind action. The deposits termed as ‘Potwar loessic silt’ comprising sandy silt are essentially of late Quaternary age (75–18 ka) and are re-looked herein from the point of view of genesis and climatic significance. The sorting, skewness and kurtosis parameters of fine silts of Jammu suggest fluvial environment of the deposits wherein the water budget fluctuated. The weak pedogenesis of fine silts at certain intervals corroborate to periods of less or no sedimentation. The bivariant plot studies further suggest fluvial environment of deposition for the fine silt at Jammu, with regular fluctuations in the budget of river water that was perhaps in consonance with oscillations in the climate of the region.     

Lithostratigraphic correlation of Blaini Formation (late Proterozoic,Lesser Himalaya,India) with other late Proterozoic tillite sequences

The Blaini Formation of the Lesser Himalaya has long been considered Permo-Carboniferous in age on simple lithological correlation with Gondwana Tillites in southern India. Rare, and non-repeatable finds of fossils from the type area were thought to confirm this. Recently, Lower Cambrian faunas have been recorded from the overlying Tal and Krol Formations, and possible metazoan trails recorded from the Blaini itself. In addition, the Blaini Formation is, even on a lithostratigraphic comparison, much more like other late Proterozoic glacial sequences. The term Blaini Formation should only be used for rocks of the type area — not for widely scattered glacial deposits which may or may not be correlatable with the type section. The persistent belief in the Paleozoic age of the Blaini (and adjacent formations) has for long retarded unterstanding of Lesser Himalaya stratigraphy and tectonics.

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Zusammenfassung Die Blaini Formation des Niederen Himalaya wurde bisher aufgrund lithologischer Vergleiche mit Gondwana Tilliten aus Süd-Indien in das Permo-Karbon eingestuft. Seltene, nicht wiederholbare Fossilfunde schienen dieses zu bestätigen. Kürzlich wurden Faunen des Unterkambriums in den überlagernden Tal- und Krol-Formationen gefunden sowie vermutliche Metazoanspuren aus der Blaini Formation selbst. Darüberhinaus ist die Blaini Formation sogar über den lithostratigraphischen Vergleich eher mit spätproterozoischen Glazialfolgen zu vergleichen. Der Begriff Blaini Formation sollte nur für die Typlokalität verwendet werden, und nicht für ähnliche Glazialvorkommen in der weiteren Umgebung. Die fortdauernde Annahme des paläozoischen Alters der Blaini- und umgebenden Formationen hat über lange Zeit hinweg das Verständnis für die Stratigraphie und die tektonische Entwicklung des Niederen Himalayas behindert.

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Résumé La formation de Blaini, dans l'Himalaya inférieur, a été jusqu'ici placée dans le Permo-Carbonifère sur la base de ses analogies lithologiques avec les tillites gondwaniennes du Sud de l'Inde. Cette attribution a semblé pouvoir Être confirmée par la découverte de quelques fossiles rares et isolés. Récemment des faunes du Cambrien inférieur ont été identifiées dans les formations surincombantes de Tal et de Krol; dans la formation de Blaini elle-mÊme des traces possibles de métazoaires ont été relevées. De plus, au seul point de vue lithologique, c'est avec les séries glaciaires du ProtérozoÏque supérieur que la formation de Blaini présente le plus de similitude. L'emploi du terme »Formation de Blaini« doit Être restreint à sa localité-type et doit Être évité pour des formations glaciaires d'autres régions, qui peuvent Être d'âges divers. L'âge paléozoÏque, attribué régulièrement jusqu'ici à la formation de Blaini et aux formations adjacentes a constitué un obstacle permanent à une bonne compréhension stratigraphique et tectonique de l'Himalaya inférieur.

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Hydrocarbon potential of the Sargelu Formation,North Iraq

Microscopic and chemical analysis of 85 rock samples from exploratory wells and outcrops in northern Iraq indicate that limestone, black shale and marl within the Middle Jurassic Sargelu Formation contain abundant oil-prone organic matter. For example, one 7-m (23-ft.)-thick section averages 442 mg?HC/g S2 and 439 °C Tmax (Rock-Eval pyrolysis analyses) and 16 wt.% TOC. The organic matter, comprised principally of brazinophyte algae, dinoflagellate cysts, spores, pollen, foraminiferal test linings and phytoclasts, was deposited in a distal, suboxic to anoxic basin and can be correlated with kerogens classified as type A and type B or, alternatively, as type II. The level of thermal maturity is within the oil window with TAI?=?3^? to 3⁺, based on microspore colour of light yellowish brown to brown. Accordingly, good hydrocarbon generation potential is predicted for this formation. Terpane and sterane biomarker distributions, as well as stable isotope values, were determined for oils and potential source rock extracts to determine valid oil-to-source rock correlations. Two subfamily carbonate oil types—one of Middle Jurassic age (Sargelu) carbonate rock and the other of Upper Jurassic/Cretaceous age—as well as a different oil family related to Triassic marls, were identified based on multivariate statistical analysis (HCA and PCA). Middle Jurassic subfamily A oils from Demir Dagh oil field correlate well with rich, marginally mature, Sargelu source rocks in well MK-2 near the city of Baiji. In contrast, subfamily B oils have a greater proportion of R₂₈ steranes, indicating they were generated from Upper Jurassic/Lower Cretaceous carbonates such as those at Gillabat oil field north of Mansuriyah Lake. Oils from Gillabat field thus indicate a lower degree of correlation with the Sargelu source rocks than do oils from Demir Dagh field. One-dimension petroleum system models of key wells were developed using IES PetroMod Software to evaluate burial-thermal history, source-rock maturity and the timing and extent of petroleum generation; interpreted well logs served as input to the models. The oil-generation potential of sulphur-rich Sargelu source rocks was simulated using closed system type II-S kerogen kinetics. Model results indicate that throughout northern Iraq, generation and expulsion of oil from the Sargelu began and ended in the late Miocene. At present, Jurassic source rocks might have generated and expelled between 70 % and 100 % of their total oil.     

Middle Miocene pedological record of monsoonal climate from NW Himalaya (Jammu & Kashmir State), India

The Lower Siwalik Subgroup represented by the Dodenal (Kamlial Formation) and Ramnagar Members (Chinji Formation) is well exposed at Ramnagar, District Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir State. The Ramnagar Member consists of an alternating sequence of silt and mudstone formed under crevasse-splay and flood-plain environments of deposition. Argillisol and gleysol soils are developed on the Ramnagar Member deposits. Argillisols formed under well-drained conditions at high levels, whereas gleysols formed under poorly drained conditions at low levels of the palaeo-landscape. Geochemical and micromorphological studies of the Ramnagar Member palaeosols suggest formation under wet and humid climatic conditions. Early uplift of the Tibetan Plateau/Himalaya resulted in a contemporaneous change in precipitation and monsoonal climate conditions within the Indian region beginning in Middle Miocene.     

Pan-African Magmatism, and Sedimentation in the NW Himalaya

Correlation of early Palaeozoic, Pan-African (500 ± 50 Ma) granites that intruded the Chail, Salkhala, Haimanta Formations in the Lesser Himalaya, Zanskar crystallines, and Lower Taglang La of Tso-Morari crystallines in the northwestern Himalaya, is based on the field relationship, tectonic setting, mineralogical, and geochemical characteristics, and isotope dating of the granites. These granite plutons exhibit identical petrographical, and geochemical character. The mineralogical composition of the granites is quite similar, consisting of quartz, K-feldspar, plagioclase feldspar, biotite, muscovite, garnet, tourmaline, ± cordierite, andalusite, and sillimanite fibrolite. The granite which are massive, and inequigranular in the core of the plutons, show strongly foliated character indicating development of ductile shear zone at the margins. These are peraluminous S-type granites having high A/CNK value (> 1). Presence of normative corundum, rounded shape of zircon, and high initial Sr ratio suggest crustal source of the granites. Mantle normalized spider-diagram exhibits similar characters for all these granitoids. The intrusion of the Pan-African granites mark an abrupt end of the sedimentation that continued virtually uninterrupted from Palaeoproterozoic. The sudden break in sedimentation towards the terminal phases of the Lower Cambrian has been observed in almost all parts in Lesser as well as the Tethys Himalaya. Occurrences of large number of plutons along different tectonic belts of northwestern Himalaya are indicative of widespread tectono-thermal event during early Palaeozoic (500 ± 50 Ma). The bracketing of the two features like, the break in sedimentation during post-Late Cambrian, and the intrusion of granites around 500 ± 50 Ma, is considered to be the result of a strong diastrophic orogenic event correlatable to the late phases of the Pan-African Orogeny in Africa.     

Nagthat Formation: An example of a progradational,tide-dominated Proterozoic succession in Kumaun Lesser Himalaya,India

The Proterozoic Nagthat Formation of the Krol-belt succession, in the Nainital area, is composed mainly of fine- to coarse-grained quartzarenite with a subordinate amount of purple to grey sandstone, siltstone-shale and conglomerate horizons. The association with spilitic lava flows, variable palaeocurrent trends and the restricted lateral extent of the Nagthat Formation within the Krol-belt succession imply an active role for tectonism in the basin of deposition. In the upward coarsening succession of the Nagthat Formation, six major lithofacies have been identified: medium- to coarse-grained gravelly quartzarenite (Lithofacies A), planar cross-bedded, medium-grained quartzarenite (Lithofacies B), horizontally laminated, fine-grained quartzarenite (Lithofacies D), interbedded sandstone-shale (Lithofacies E) and matrix-supported conglomerate (Lithofacies F). The constituent lithofacies are repetitive in nature, forming upward fining unit cycles and interpreted to reflect deposition as upper shore-face, shoals and bars, barrier-beachface, tidal channels (inlets), intertidal–sandflat–mixedflat environments and, occasionally, in the form of gravity flows in subtidal channels. The general upward coarsening succession of the Nagthat Formation represents deposition in a progradational (regressive) barrier island system. The palaeocurrent pattern in the Nagthat Formation is distinctly polymodal and indicates sediment distribution across the roughly NW–SE trending shoreline, in response to a dominating flood tidal current system. The palaeocurrent pattern shows higher variability in the upper shore-face deposits than in the tidalflat domain. A recycled metasedimentary terrain served as the source for the Nagthat Formation, probably supplying the sediments from E, NE and S directions.     

Comparative study of two relatives,MISS and Stromatolites: example from the Proterozoic Kunihar Formation,Simla Group,Lesser Himalaya

Comparison of microbially induced sedimentary structures (MISS) and stromatolitic bearing horizons from the Proterozoic Kunihar Formation, Simla Group, Lesser Himalaya, has been scrutinised to understand the formative processes and controls on MISS and stromatolites in the context of sedimentary facies and response to sea level fluctuations. MISS structures recorded are wrinkle structures, Kinneyia ripples, load casts, domal structures, sand chips, palimpsest and patchy ripples with limited desiccation cracks. Stromatolitic morphotypes recorded are solitary, branching, wavy and domal forms of stromatolites associated with ooids, peloids and fenestral laminae. MISS structures flourished within tidal flats to shallow intertidal while stromatolites mushroomed in environments ranging from tidal to deep subtidal. MISS structures were favoured by resistant substratum, low energy conditions, consistent water supply and low terrigenous input. Stromatolites boomed when the volume of carbonate accumulation exceeded siliciclastic deposition. Fluctuating environmental conditions and sediment budget controlled morphology of stromatolites. Owing to limited siliciclastic input during deposition of dolomudstones (characterizes transgressive systems tract), microbial growth was enhanced. Calcareous shales were deposited over dolomudstones which marks the maximum flooding surface (MFS) indicating the culmination of transgression. Deposition of storm-dominated sandstone-siltstone (FA1), wave-rippled sandstones (FA2), tide-dominated sandstones (FA3), heteroliths (FA4), wackestone-packestone (FA6), boundstone (FA7) and ooid-peloid grainstone (FA8) on top of the MFS reflects initiation of highstand systems tract (HST) which is mainly characterized by stromatolitic horizons, alternation of carbonates and siliciclastics with flourishing microbial activity. Eventually, increased sedimentation in upper part of Kunihar Formation marks late stage of regression.     

Hydrocarbon source rock potential evaluation of the Late Paleocene Patala Formation,Salt Range,Pakistan: Organic geochemical and palynofacies approach

Organic geochemical and palynofacies analyses were carried out on shale intervals of the Late Paleocene Patala Formation at Nammal Gorge Section, western Salt Range, Pakistan. The total organic carbon content and Rock-Eval pyrolysis results indicated that the formation is dominated by type II and type III kerogens. Rock-Eval \({T}_{\mathrm{max}}\) vs. hydrogen index (HI) and thermal alteration index indicated that the analysed shale intervals present in the formation are thermally mature. \(S_{1}\) and \(S_{2}\) yields showed poor source rock potential for the formation. Three palynofacies assemblages including palynofacies-1, palynofacies-2 and palynofacies-3 were identified, which are prone to dry gas, wet gas and oil generation, respectively. The palynofacies assessment revealed the presence of oil/gas and gas prone type II and type III kerogens in the formation and their deposition on proximal shelf with suboxic to anoxic conditions. The kerogen macerals are dominated by vitrinite and amorphinite with minor inertinite and liptinite. The kerogen macerals are of both marine and terrestrial origin, deposited on a shallow shelf. Overall, the dark black carbonaceous shales present within the formation act as a source rock for hydrocarbons with poor-to-moderate source rock quality, while the grey shales act as a poor source rock for hydrocarbon generation.     

The Formation and Distribution of the Marine Hydrocarbon Source Rock in the Tarim Basin, NW China

There are significant differences in type and distribution between marine source rock and continental source rock. According to the iithology, the Cambrian-Ordovician source rock in the Tarim basin is divided into two types： the carbonate source rock and the mud source rock. The two sets of source rocks are developed mainly in three sets of formations, Lower-Middle Cambrian carbonate source rock and mud source rock, Lower-Middle Ordovician mud source rock and Upper Ordovician lime mud source rock. The stratigraphic and areal distributions of the source rocks are controlled by the altitude and the sedimentary facies respectively. The mud source rock is developed in slope-semi deep sea environment. The source rock developed in the slope sedimentary environment is related with the anoxic environment and the one developed in semi deep sea has a close relationship with the up-flowing sea water. The carbonate source rock is developed mainly in platform slope of highstand systems tract and it is usually intimately associated with the salt rock. The Lower-Middle Cambrian carbonate source rock is developed mainly in the Bachu, Tazhong, Tangguzibasi and Yingmaili areas. The Lower-Middle Cambrian mud source rock is mainly developed in the areas east of the line of Kunan 1-Tadong 1. The Lower-Middle Ordovician mud source rock is developed mainly in the east slope of the Manjiaer depression. The carbonate source rock of Early Ordovician is developed mainly in the platform slope of highstand systems tract, such as the south margin of Tabei, the north slope of Tazhong, the Bachu area and Keping area.     

北部湾盆地涠西南凹陷流沙港组烃源岩生烃潜力评价

涠西南凹陷主力烃源岩流沙港二段沉积时期,盆地处于欠补偿环境,其主要沉积物是中深湖相的暗色泥岩,地震上以亚平行、中—弱振幅、不连续的反射特征为主;流沙港组二段泥岩有机碳质量分数普遍大于1.5%,干酪根类型主要为Ⅰ和Ⅱ型,为优质生油岩。通过盆地模拟,得出涠西南凹陷流沙港组源岩生油量为114×108t,生气量为22.31×1011m3,累计生烃强度基本上大于5×106t/km2;平面上A洼生烃占41%,B洼生烃占54%,纵向上流沙港组二段生烃约占流沙港组生烃量的80%,为主要烃源贡献者;涠西南凹陷存在2期生油高峰期：涠洲组沉积时期及下洋—现今沉积时期。在综合考虑油气运聚单元划分结果、骨架砂体及断层展布与发育特征的基础上,指出了涠西南凹陷有利的油气运聚区。     

Discovery of animal eggs and embryos from the Ediacaran (Terminal Proterozoic) Chambaghat Formation,Krol Group,Himachal Lesser Himalaya

The globular to suboval microfossils with distinctively ornamented outer coverings interpreted as animal eggs and embryos have been discovered from the black phosphatic chert lentils of the Ediacaran (Terminal Proterozoic) Chambaghat Formation (Krol sandstone), Krol Group, Himachal Lesser Himalaya, India. Similar animal eggs and embryos have earlier been recorded only from the phosphorites of the uppermost Neoproterozoic Doushantuo Formation (Ca. 570±20 Ma) exposed at Weng’an, South China. Present record of eggs and embryos is comparable with extant eggs and embryos of cnidarians and bilaterians like molluscs, annelids and arthropods. The eggs and embryos from the Terminal Proterozoic rocks of India are the only one recorded from the equivalent stratigraphic horizon outside China. This discovery of eggs and embryos adds to the understanding the evolutionary trends in the Proterozoic metazoan life.     

Hydrocarbon Generating Potential of Mineral—Bituminous Matrix in Source Rocks

Mineral-bituminous matrix(MBM) makes up a major part of source rocks,but its potential in hydrocarbon generation is uncertain,Mineral and organic (Maceral and kerogen) compositions,organic maturity and fluorescence of MBM are studied based on source rock samples from eastern Jiuquan(Jiudong)Basin.The results show that MBM is dominated by inorganic minerals and among the small percentage of organic components those of secondary origins are predominant over the primary species.This strongly indicates that the significance of MBM in hydrocarbon generation is limited.     

准噶尔盆地古近系生烃潜力与油气源特征研究

准噶尔盆地古近系是该盆地的一个潜在勘探层系,本文研究了研究区古近系烃源岩的生烃潜力及油气源特征。结果表明,准噶尔盆地古近系发育一定数量和规模的泥质烃源岩,有机质丰度达到了中等-好质量标准,类型以I型和Ⅱ型为主,目前主体处于低成熟-成熟演化阶段,因此具有一定的生烃、生油潜力。这得到了油气源对比研究的印证,典型油气地球化学特征均表现为油型,且为低成熟度,因此只能与古近系烃源岩对应,从而判断为古近系来源。这些油气主要分布在盆地南缘古近系烃源岩埋深较大区,表现出在"源控"基础上受成熟度影响的特征。准噶尔盆地古近系的油气勘探应以原油为主,并且重点目标区在南缘,特别是四棵树凹陷区。这些基础数据和认识还可供全球其它古近系含油气系统研究类比参考。     

The Tertiary collision-related thermal history of the NW Himalaya

Garnet‐whole rock Sm‐Nd data are presented for several samples from the Indian plate in the NW Himalaya. These dates, when combined with the P‐T evolution of the Indian plate rocks, allow a thorough reconstruction of the prograde thermal evolution of this region (including the Nanga Parbat Haramosh Massif) during the early Cenozoic. Combining these data with Rb‐Sr mineral separate ages, enables us to constrain the post‐peak cooling history of this region of the Himalaya. The data presented here indicate that the upper structural levels of the cover rocks of the Nanga Parbat Haramosh Massif, and similar rocks in the Kaghan Valley to the south‐west, were buried to pressures of c. 10 kbar and heated to temperatures of c. 650 °C at 46–41 Ma. The burial of the lower structural levels of the cover rocks of the Nanga Parbat Haramosh Massif, to similar depths but at higher temperatures of c. 700 °C, occurred slightly later at 40–36 Ma, synchronous with the imbrication and exhumation of the amphibolite‐ and eclogite‐grade rocks of the Kaghan Valley. In contrast, the cover rocks of the Nanga Parbat Haramosh Massif were not imbricated or exhumed at this time, remaining buried beneath the Kohistan‐Ladakh Island Arc until the syntaxis‐forming event that occurred in the last 10 Myr. The timing of tectonic events in the north‐western Himalaya differs from that experienced by the rocks of the Central Himalaya in that the earliest stage of burial in the NW Himalaya predates that of the Central Himalaya by c. 6 Myr. This difference may result from the diachronous nature of the Indo‐Asian collision or may simply be a reflection of differing timing at different structural levels.     

Multifractality in seismic sequences of NW Himalaya

Multifractal behaviour of interevent time sequences is investigated for the earthquake events in the NW Himalaya, which is one of the most seismically active zones of India and experienced moderate to large damaging earthquakes in the past. In the present study, the multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA) is used to understand the multifractal behaviour of the earthquake data. For this purpose, a complete and homogeneous earthquake catalogue of the period 1965–2013 with a magnitude of completeness M _w 4.3 is used. The analysis revealed the presence of multifractal behaviour and sharp changes near the occurrence of three earthquakes of magnitude (M _w ) greater than 6.6 including the October 2005, Muzaffarabad–Kashmir earthquake. The multifractal spectrum and related parameters are explored to understand the time dynamics and clustering of the events.

     

The blueschists along the Indus Suture Zone in Ladakh, NW Himalaya

ABSTRACT Blueschists occur along the Indus Suture Zone in Ladakh as tectonic thrust slices, as isolated blocks within mélange units and as pebbles within continental detrital series. In the Shergol-Baltikar section high-pressure rocks within the Mélange unit lie between the Dras-Naktul-Nindam nappes in the north and the Lamayuru units in the south. The blueschists are imbricated with mélange formation of probably upper Cretaceous age. They are overlain discordantly by the Shergol conglomerate of post Eocene (Oligo-Miocene ?) age. Blueschist lithologies are dominated by volcanoclastic rock sequences of basic material with subordinate interbedding of cherts and minor carbonates. Mineral assemblages in metabasic rocks are characterized by lawsonite-glaucophane/crossite-Na-pyroxene-chlorite-phengite-titanite ± albite ± stilpnomelane. In the quartz bearing assemblages garnet is present but omphacite absent. P-T estimates indicate temperatures of 350 to 420°c and pressures around 9–11 kbar. Geochemical investigations show the primary alkaline character of the blueschist, which suggests an oceanic island or a transitional MORB type primary geotectonic setting. K/Ar isotopic investigations yield middle Cretaceous ages for both whole rocks and minerals. Subduction related HP-metamorphism affecting the Mesozoic Tethyan oceanic crust developed contemporaneously with magmatism in the Dras volcanic are and the Ladakh batholith. Subsequent collision of India with Asia obducted relics of subduction zone material which later became involved in nappe emplacement during the Himalayan mountain building.     

Pressure-temperature paths from P-T pseudosections and zoned garnets: potential, limitations and examples from the Zanskar Himalaya, NW India

The extraction of P-T histories from metamorphic rocks provides a valuable dataset for the elucidation of the tectonic mechanisms for orogeny. While continued re-equilibration frequently obliterates early information, garnet zonation and inclusion assemblages can often surmount this problem. The task is more difficult in high variance assemblages or if inclusions are not preserved, but one approach is to use pseudosections that are specific to the bulk composition of a given rock. In the latter case, the compositions and abundances of all the minerals are fixed at a given P-T point such that, if the effective bulk composition is known, the garnet composition alone can be used to reconstruct the history. Here, we explore this approach using examples from the Zanskar Himalaya, NW India. Pseudosections have been calculated for four pelitic to semipelitic rocks from the Zanskar Himalaya and have been contoured for garnet composition. The calculations adequately model the mineral assemblages in the rocks and predict the presence of chlorite in the early assemblage where chlorite is found as inclusions within garnet. Moreover, the pseudosections successfully model the garnet core compositions, with all three independent compositional contours overlapping at a single pressure and temperature. This occurs at ∼550 °C and at pressures varying from 3–7 kbar for the four rocks studied. We have been less successful, however, at modelling garnet compositions beyond the cores because fractionation of the effective bulk composition is caused by garnet growth itself. However, in this case, a combination of the␣pseudosection and conventional thermobarometry using␣Fe-Ti inclusions and matrix phases allows us to reconstruct␣the entire P-T history. The resulting P-T paths record burial of 3–5 kbar without significant temperature increase followed by isobaric heating of 50–100 °C. This evolution is consistent with Himalayan collision in the early Tertiary but a combination of the P-T data presented here and published geochronological data suggests renewed thrusting south of the suture zone in the Oligocene. In addition, the data demonstrate that no extra heat source is required to cause melting of the Himalayan crust in the Miocene. While melting could have occurred both by dehydration during decompression or in the presence of a fluid, the lack of garnet resorption does suggest decompression was rapid and followed quickly by cooling. This scenario favours melting by decompression. Received: 17 July 1997 / Accepted: 6 April 1998     

Carbonate platform growth and cyclicity at a terminal Proterozoic passive margin, Infra Krol Formation and Krol Group, Lesser Himalaya, India

Abstract The Infra Krol Formation and overlying Krol Group constitute a thick (< 2 km), carbonate-rich succession of terminal Proterozoic age that crops out in a series of doubly plunging synclines in the Lesser Himalaya of northern India. The rocks include 18 carbonate and siliciclastic facies, which are grouped into eight facies associations: (1) deep subtidal; (2) shallow subtidal; (3) sand shoal; (4) peritidal carbonate complex; (5) lagoonal; (6) peritidal siliciclastic–carbonate; (7) incised valley fill; and (8) karstic fill. The stromatolite-rich, peritidal complex appears to have occupied a location seaward of a broad lagoon, an arrangement reminiscent of many Phanerozoic and Proterozoic platforms. Growth of this complex was accretionary to progradational, in response to changes in siliciclastic influx from the south-eastern side of the lagoon. Metre-scale cycles tend to be laterally discontinuous, and are interpreted as mainly autogenic. Variations in the number of both sets of cycles and component metre-scale cycles across the platform may result from differential subsidence of the interpreted passive margin. Apparently non-cyclic intervals with shallow-water features may indicate facies migration that was limited compared with the dimensions of facies belts. Correlation of these facies associations in a sequence stratigraphic framework suggests that the Infra Krol Formation and Krol Group represent a north- to north-west-facing platform with a morphology that evolved from a siliciclastic ramp, to carbonate ramp, to peritidal rimmed shelf and, finally, to open shelf. This interpretation differs significantly from the published scheme of a basin centred on the Lesser Himalaya, with virtually the entire Infra Krol–Krol succession representing sedimentation in a persistent tidal-flat environment. This study provides a detailed Neoproterozoic depositional history of northern India from rift basin to passive margin, and predicts that genetically related Neoproterozoic deposits, if they are present in the High Himalaya, are composed mainly of slope/basinal facies characterized by fine-grained siliciclastic and detrital carbonate rocks, lithologically different from those of the Lesser Himalaya.