Lithology and Magnetic Stratigraphy of the Lower-Middle Siwalik Succession between Kathgodam and Ranibagh, Kumaun Himalaya

A 2600 m thick succession, exposed between Kathgodam and Ranibagh in the Kumaun Himalaya and belonging to the Lower and Middle Siwalik, was subjected to lithological and palaeomagnetic studies. Lithologically, four units are recognized in the sequence. Units 1-2 are correlated with the upper part of the Lower Siwalik, whereas the Units 3-4 are correlated with the Middle Siwalik. In the absence of the vertebrate fossils and absolute chronology, the lithological boundaries are used to explain the magnetic polarity stratigraphy. We suggest that the lithological boundary between the Lower and Middle Siwalik (e.g., Chinji-Nagri) in the Kathgodam-Ranibagh section lies at ca. 850 m level and is palaeomagnetically estimated as ca. 9.8 Ma. If such a correlation is correct, the section ranges in age from Chron 5 An to Chron 2 Ar (ca. 12.0 to 4.0 Ma).