Journal of Geological Society of India (Online archive from Vol 1 to Vol 78)

Binita Phartiyal ¹, B. S. Kotlia ²

Affiliations
1 Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53 University Road, Lucknow - 226 007, U P, IN
2 Departmenotf Geology, Kumaun University, Nianital - 263 002, Uttaranchal, IN

Abstract

Episodic tectonic disturbances during Late Quaternary period in the Kumaun Himalaya have led to the reactivation of the thrusts/faults in the zones of major intracrustal boundary thrusts thereby blocking the ancient drainage and resulting in formation of lakes. Such tectonic lakes were drained out due to further tectonic disturbances leaving behind their sedimentary records. In such two palaeolake profiles, one at Champawat district (Phulara and Chauki sections) and the other at Pithoragarh district (Riyasi section)of the Uttaranchal state in Kumaun Lesser Himalayas, a reversal (geomagnetic excursion) is recorded at 20,900-19,100 yrs BP. The reversal is found at both the places at the same time though being separated by an aerial distance of about 30 km and being parts of two different palaeolake systems placed in two different tectonic setups. Such excursions have been previously reported in the Kumaun Himalayas (Kotlia et al 1998) as well as NW Himalaya (Sangode et al 2002).

Keywords

Quaternary, Palaeolake, Magnetostratigraphy, Magnetic Excursion/Event, Kumaun Lesser Himalaya, Uttaranchal.

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