Chapter-2

Palaeogene sections of Kachchh and

Jaisalmer basins
2.1 Kachchh Basin

Palaeogene sediments of the Kachchh basin include three formations viz. Naredi,

Harudi and Maniyara Fort Formations. These Formations are overlain over

Matanomadh series. A brief description of these formation and the studied sections is

given below:

2.1.A: Matanomadh Formation

Longitude: 23⁰32’30”NLongitude: 68⁰ 57’10” E

Total thickness = 49 m.

Age: Early Paleocene

Lithology: Laterite and Valcano clastic: Tuffaceous shale and sand stones, bentonitic

clay

Attitude of the beds: Low dipping

Type Section: Bhuj - Lakhpat road section east of Matanomadh in the ravines around

the village. Also at the Madhwali Nadi section to the south of the village.

Environment: Terrestrial

This formation comprises of mainly trap derivatives rock type that have

deposited in continental to supra littoral environment (Biswas, 1993). Due to its

brilliant coloration and irregularity developed rock type of various compositions make

them very easy to recognize from far distance and easily picked up in Google images

and aerial photographs. Development of this series is seen in and around the village of

Matanomadh in the western Kachchh (Figure-2.1). Here, maximum varieties of this

series are exposed in the nalas and highly dissected areas around the Matanomadh

village (See Annexure -2). The typical rock type includes variety of bright colored

rocks in the form of Laterite, Bauxite, trap pebble conglomerate, trap wash, bentonitic

clays, red and yellow ferruginous clays, red tuffaceous current bedded sand stone, and

29
grey and brown fragile shale having a good number of leaf impressions including

those of Dicotyledonous plants.

Localities

Measured sections

Fig. 2.1 Shows the location of the studied sections for Palaeocene sediments in KACHCHH basin.
location plotted on SRTM data.

In the type section, the lower part of the series is composed of red laterite with

pockets of lateritic clay, pink litho marge clays ochreous altered trap rock and trap

wash and blue green trappeans clays containing the large trap boulders. The upper

part is composed of grey to brown thinly bedded shale containing leaf impressions,

irregular bands of carbonaceous shale and variegated tuffaceous sand stone. In

general the lower part is sandier while the upper part is more tuffaceous. The

predominant colors together give special characteristic to the rocks. Most varieties are

highly current bedded both festoon and tabular current bedding is seen in the sand

stone. The yellow rocks are mainly sandy limonitic clays. The volcano - Clastic

sediments were deposited during vanning phase of the Deccan volcanism.

30
2.1.A1: Section 1: Base of matano madh

Description: This section shows exposures of the conglomerate and shale that are

overlain by the lateritic horozions. The total height of the exposed section is 9.5m.

The conglomerate are having cobbles and pebbles and are matrix supporetd. The

pebbles range in size from 7- 20 cm. This conglomeratic horizons is overlain by the

yellowish grey shale which is very fragile in nature and lies conformabley over the

conglomerate horizons (Figure - 2.2). This shale is overlain by another greyish shale

which is also fragile in nature this shale is further overlain by the laterite that is

reddish brown in color and less compact.

2.1.A2:Matanomadh Road side Section 2

Description:This section consist of the shale- sandstone rocktype, the total height of

the section is 2.5m. Yellowish to greenish shale forms the bottom most exposed bed

in the section which is overlain by second layer of fragile greenish shale. It is topped

by third ayer of greenish shale layer that has yellowish colured sulphur infillings

(Figure - 2.3). Overlying this greenish layer is a 40cm pinkish color cross stratified

coarsed grained sandstone topped by a thick mudstone bed. Fossils are absent in this

sections.

31
Fig. 2.2 Shows Measured litho log for base of Fig. 2.3 Shows Measured litho log for base of
Matanomadh section 1 Matanomadh road section 2

* For Lithology symbols for all the measured Lithological section refer Legend after Annexure - 2

2.1. B: Naredi formation

Longitude: 23⁰28’ 49”NLongitude: 68⁰ 41’ E

Lithology: Upper Member: Ferruginous claystone

Middle Member: Assilina limestone member

Lower Member: Glauconitic Gypseous shale member.

Total thicknesses = 40 m.

Age: Early Paleocene to early Eocene

32
Attitude of the beds: Low dipping

Type Section: The type section of the formation is exposed along Kakdi Nadi south

of Naredi.

This formation is exposed in the cliff along Kakdi Nadi, south of the Naredi

village and partly (upper Part) along the Guvar stream NNW of Naredi village. In the

type locality the formation directly over lies Deccan trap. At other places it is

disconformably lying over Matanomadh formation. It is overlain by Harudi formation

with a discontinuity and this discontinuity is marked by the presence of red

ferruginous and erosional surface of lateritic origin. In this formation three members

are identified by Biswas (1992) Viz., 1) Gypseous shale Member (24m thick) consist

of grey, brown, glauconitic sand stone and splintery shales which occasionally

contains mollusk fossils. 2) Assilina Limestone Member (6m thick) consists of dirty

white limestone and grey marlite with Assilina. 3) Ferruginous claystone Member

(50mt thick). It consists of grey and brown claystone with layers of gypsum and red

ferruginous laminae. The lower part locally contains black shale facies, pyritic shale

and lignite bands.

Section studied: Along Doriwali and Piawaro streams of the Kakdi Nadi SW of the

Naredi village, 500mt from Naredi village towards the Branada Harudi road NH 41

(Figure- 2.4).

33
 Localities

Measured sections

Fig. 2. 4 Showing the location of Measured sections on SRTM data for the Naredi formations,
KACHCHH Basin.

2.1.B1: Naredi Section 1

Description: This section forms the base of the Naredi formation the sequence

directly overlying over the partially laterised basalt. The section starts with a 45cm

yellow to greyish pisolitic shale. That is overlain by the fragile greyish shale

characterized by the presence of sulphur within the fracture plains (Figure – 2.5). It is

overlain by the greyish to whitish grit and the brownish shale which is having the

gypsum fillings. Above this section lies 1mt. thick brownish course grained, cross

stratified sandstone. The total height of the measured section is 6mt.

2.1. B2: Naredi Section N2

Description: This section consists of very good mixed carbonate-evaporite and

carbonate-siliciclastic sediments with Nodular limestone. At the base it forms as first

nodular limestone band (1) in the section. This is overlain by the yellow to brown

color coarse grained silt stone with black organic matter with abundant gypsum

34
intrusion. This Lithology is overlain by chocolate color shale having sulphur at the

base. It is further overlain by the green to black colored siltstone. Nodular grey to

brown color shale lies conformable on the top of the siltstone. This is overlain by

second hard compact nodular lime stone that forms second limestone band (2) (Figure

-2.6). This band is overlain by Assilina wackestone limestone followed by brown

shale sequence. The fossil content (mega as well as micro) shows decreases in

abundance towards the top of the section.

2.1.B3: Naredi Section N3

Description: This section is extension of the section one described previously, it

consist of fragile light grey color shale overlain by the Nodular limestone, correlated

to band 1 of the section 1. This nodular limestone is again overlain by the maroon

Gypseous shale. It is overlain by the second limestone band (2) (Figure -2.7) that is

having bivalve concentration on its cores that is important from taphonomic point of

view. It is further overlain by the chocolate color shale which is overlain by green

color shale which is maroon color at the top with 10 cm gypsum layer. It is topped by

the hard compact yellowish to black color marl which is totally unfossiliferous in

nature. This band is again overlain by 10cm gypsum layer. This is further overlain by

the third nodular limestone band (3). Having Assilina limestone of 40 cm. it is

overlain by unfossiliferous yellow color shale which is finally topped by Limestone

band which is fragile in nature and in this the presence of fossil decreases towards the

top.

2.1.B4: Naredi Section 4

Description: The height of the section is 5mt. it is characterized by the presence of

reddish shale overlain by the grayish color shale that is highly crushed in nature, this

shale is overlain by thick hard compact brownish laterite this forms the top most unit

of the Naredi formation (Figure-2.8).

35
Fig. 2.5 Shows Measured litho log of Naredi Fig. 2.6 Shows Measured log of Naredi
section -1 section 2

36
Fig. 2.7 Shows Measured log of Naredi section 3. Fig. 2.8 Shows Measured log of Naredi
section 4

37
2.1.C: Harudi Formation:

Longitude: 23⁰30’30” N Longitude: 68⁰ 41’10” E.

Lithology: Claystone/ limestone, coquina, highly fossiliferous.

Attitude of the beds: Low dipping

Total thickness = 14 m.

Age: Early middle Eocene

Type Section: This formation is very well exposed in an impressive escarpment to

the west of Harudi village (Continuous at a distance of 300m) close to Naliya-

Narayan sarovar road.

This formation is exposed in the continuous 300m long escarpment to the west

of Harudi village. This formation has total thickness of 14m. The sediments belong to

Early to Middle Eocene age. The dominant lithology consist of green and greenish

grey splintery shale with yellow limonitic parting in the lower part and calcareous

claystone and silt stone with occasional layers of the gypsum and carbonaceous

shale in the upper part. Two to three Coquina bands occur near the base of the section

and the formation. Occasionally concretionary and fossiliferous limestone band are

present in the lower part. Further this bed is overlain by 0.7 to 1 meter thick

Gypseous, fossiliferous clayey marlite bed with Nummulites obtusus is characteristic

marker bed within the formation and is well exposed in the section. These

Nummulites are easily recognizable by the doubly convex tablet shape fossils and the

surface of the fossils contains bored surface. The depositional environment proposed

for this formation is changing from littoral to lagoonal for the lower part and inner to

lower part of the middle shelf in the upper part. Thus indicative of a cyclic,

transgressive phase of deposition Biswas (1992).

Section studied: 3.5 km form Branada on NH41 towards Khari village.

38
2.1. C1: Harudi escarpment section

Description: Laterite belonging to top of

Naredi formation forms the base of the

section it is overlain by the chocolate color

shale containing numerous trace fossils. i.e

Rosselia, Psilonichnus, Thalassinoides etc.

This bioturbated shale is overlain by the

purple siltstone that is very friable in nature.

A prominent coquina band overlies the

shale – silt stone dominated unit. This

coquina band is overlain by the light grey

fossiliferous shale. The shale is rich in

Oysteria shells and Fe nodules. The

Oysteria shell rich shale is overlain by the

grey Nummulites Obtusus bearing

foraminiferal shale. A small 20cm thick

bored limestone (Gastrochaeonolites)

occurs at the top of the foraminiferal shale

(Figure-2.9). This is followed by grey to

greenish bioturbated shale containing

Thalassinoides trace fossils. Fig. 2.9 Shows Measured log of Harudi

section.

39
2.1.D: Fulra limestone

Longitude: 23⁰42’30” N Longitude:68⁰47’12” E

Total thickness = 49 m.

Age: Late Middle Eocene

Lithology: off white colored fossiliferous Larger Nummulitic limestone.

Attitude of the beds: Low dipping

Type Section: Southern flank of the Babia hill about 1.7km SW of the Fulra village

the upper part is also well exposed in the Nala south of the Fulra.

Section studied: SE of the Khari village.

This formation is well exposed in the western part of Kachchh around Narayan

sarovar, Dedhadi and Lakhpat area in 65 to 10 Km outcrop. The outcrop belt is the

widest and best exposed around Rodasar, Ber Nani, Khari, Harudi, Lakhmi rani and

Waghopdar. Near Waghopdar (See Annexure -1, for location). This formation is

overlain by the younger beds. 30mt thick sequences of this formation also occur near

Matanomadh and Vinjhan in the southwestern mainland. The entire formation is made

up of massive to thickly bedded white buff colored foraminiferal limestones. The

Limestones are fossiliferous micrites, biomicrites and biomicrosparites locally sillty

(Hardas and Biswas, 1973) the upper part of this formations contains echinoids and

other invertebrate fossils. Where else large saddled to undulated Discocyclina,

ellipsoidal Fasciolites are abundant and they give a characteristic appearance to this

formation. The maximum thickness (60m) of the formation is reported in the Berwali

streams. The lower contact of this formation is conformable and is fixed at the top of

the Harudi scarp. The upper part is Para conformable but locally disconformable

showing cut and fill structure and bioturbation.

40
 Beside microfossils this formation contains mega fossils among them Oysters,

Turritellids, Peceten, Echinoids, corals, and fossils crabs are very common. Sahni and

Mishra (1975) have also reported vertebrate fossils such as sea cow and fish from this

formation.

2.1.D1: Rakhdi Nadi Fulra Limestone section 1:

Description: Rakhdi river has carved a beautiful land scape at this stop. This section

consists of the 13 meter thick carbonate sequence which is exposed in the above said

location. The section comprises mainly of the carbonate sediment. The bottom most

part of the section consists of fossiliferous limestone that major fossil comprises of

larger Nummulites and echinoids. It is overlain by the 4 units of limestone that are

heavily bioturbated. (Figure 2.10) further these four bands of fossiliferous limestone

is overlain by 300cm thick bed which is characterized by the presence of large

Thalassinoides burrows in packstone these burrows are projecting outward in the

outcrop (Figure 2.10) This unit is overlain by the same packstone but here it is

observed that bioturbation is found to be patchy in the form of chambers it do point

something about the nature of paleoecology that existed the deposition of this unit.

This unit is further is overlain by the hard compact Nummulitic limestone. It forms the

top most unit exposed in the section. This section is rich in fossil assemblage such as

larger foraminifera, echinoids pectin and abundant trace fossils such as Nummipera

eocenica, Paleophycus tubularis, Thalassinoides horizontalis, Thalassinoides

suevicus.

2.1.D2: Rakhdi Nadi Fulra limestone section 2

Description: This section consists of 7 meter thick succession of the carbonate

sequence. The lithology exposed in the section has abundant larger foraminifera and

mega fossils. This section is actually an extension of Rakhdi Nadi section 1. Here the

41
thicknesses get reduced to 7mt. The whole section is divided in to 9 units unit 1 and 2

is having the brownish to off white packstone lithology and are separated by a pause

plane. Unit 2 is overlain by the unit3 that is white in color and has lesser fossil

content. This unit shares the gradational contact with the overlying unit 4.The unit 4

(Figure -2.11) comprises of the light off-white colored packstone and has rhythmic

signature of the deposition. Furthermore unit 4 is overlain by the 98cm thick light

yellow color packstone bed that shows the cross stratification and suggests the change

in flow direction. The bottom part of the unit 5 is having Thalassinoides burrows.

This unit 5 is overlain by unit 6 and unit 7, they both share the gradational boundary

and differ only in the degree of bioturbation former being more bioturbated. This unit

is overlain by (unit8) the yellow colored packstone that is characterized by the

presence of large Thalassinoides burrow at the base. And finally this is overlain by

the unit 9 which is hard compact fossiliferous larger foraminiferal limestone.

2.1. D3: Ratipar section Fulra Limestone Section 3:

Description: This section consists 2 mt thick bioclastic limestone. The base of the

section consists of light green color fossiliferous wackestone to packstone unit. This

part is characterised by six bed sets here each bed is the manifestation of the rhythmic

bioturbation that occurred during the deposition of this unit and hence it represents the

flooding surface. This unit is overlain by another .5 meter unit which comprises of

light yellow color packstone that is characterised by the presence of numerous trace

fossils such as Taenidium, Planolite, and Thalassinoides etc. This bed is overlain by

the 1meter thick bed (Figure- 2.12). This is overlain by the white to off-white colored

compact packstone that forms the younger most bed in this section and is

characterized by the presence of Thalassinoid traces fossil.

42
 Fig. 2.11 Shows Measured log of Ratipar section
Fulra limestone.

Fig. 2.12 Shows Measured log of Rakhdi Nadi section

Fulra limestone section 2
Fig. 2.10 Shows Measured log of Rakhdi Nadi
section.

43
2.1.D4: Godhatad section

Description: This section consist of the 6.1 m. carbonate sequence that have

brownish hard and compact limestone it is the youngest exposed bed in the section

and it is overlain by light greenish wackestone that shares a gradational contact with

the underlying bed (Figure –2.13). This bed is highly fossiliferous rich in Oyster

shells average size ranges from 3 to 6cm. It also contains abundant larger

foraminifera. This is overlain by light grey wackestone that is highly fractured in

cross section. This is further overlain by brownish color compact limestone that is

overlain by light color packstone it is further overlain by greyish black compact

limestone.

2.1.D5: Eocene – Oligocene Section near Khari village

Description of the section: This section is composed of the three major units stacked

one over the other in the form of a 2.5 m. high and 10m long, scarp. This section has

its own significance as this marks the Eocene Oligocene unconformity in the region

that is demarcated by cut and fill structure that are filled with the overlying the

fossiliferous limestone enriched in Glauconite pallets. The younger bed in the section

that belongs to top of the Fulra limestone member comprises of white colored less

fossiliferous foraminiferal and is very compact in nature. This unit is overlain by

nodular foraminiferal limestone. Nodular limestone unit is further overlain by the

foraminiferal limestone. This unit is rich in shells of Pecetene shells and extensive

trace fossils (Thalassinoides horizontalis) (Figure-2.14). This unit represents the basal

member of the Maniyara fort Formation The second and third unit are separated by a

uniformity surface which can be clearly seen by the presence of cut and fill structure

in the section.

44
Fig. 2.13 Shows Measured log of Ghodhatad Fig. 2.14 Shows Measured log of Khari village
section. section.

45
2.1 D6: Panandhro section

Description of the section: It comprises 8m. sequence of shale and Limestone beds.

The lower 3.5 m. shale is light grey

color shale that forms the base bed of

the section. This bed is overlain by

another 2.5 m shale bed which shares a

gradational contact with the

underlying shale bed. These shale beds

lacks any mega fossils contents. In this

section they the upper part of the

Harudi formation. This shale bed is

overlain by the white colored, hard

compact fossiliferous mudstone. This

limestone bed is bioturbated and

contains in large size gastropods

molds that are embedded in the fine to

coarse grained mud. This limestone

bed is also rich in Thalassinoides

traces. The contact between the shale

and limestone bed is erosional.

(Figure-2.15). The Thalassinoides

traces that are present at the contact

Fig. 2.15 Shows Measured litho log of the Panandhro
section.
have Fe coating in them.

46
2.1E: Maniyara Fort Formation

Longitude: 23⁰29’ N Longitude: 68⁰ 41’ E

Total thickness = 35 m.

Age: Oligocene

Lithology: Upper: Foraminiferal limestone/ Oolitic sandstone. Middle: Limestone

with coral Bioherms. Lower: Lumpy claystone, Glauconite. Gypseous Shale.

Attitude of the beds: Low dipping

Type Section: Berwali stream

This formation is named after Maniyara fort that is Type section of this

formation. The section is exposed along the Bermoti River between Maniyara fort and

Bermoti village from a locality 1.6 km NNE of the Bermoti village. This formation

comprises of the four members

2.1. E1: Basal Member

It is 4 m. thick and consists of alternating beds of foraminiferal, glauconitic, and

brownish to yellowish siltstone and calcareous Gypseous claystone. The Glauconite is

usually found in concentrated in the cut and fill structure on the lower disconformable

surface. The presence of green pellets of Glauconite readily distinguishes this member

from the underlying Fulra limestone.

2.1. E2: The Lumpy Clay Member

It is 5m. thick and consists of the cement color to brownish calcareous lumpy

claystone. It occasionally contains limestone and marlite beds.

2.1. E3: The Coral limestone Member

It is 10m. thick and consist of dirty white nodular limestone, alternating with

calcareous claystone in the lower part. The upper part comprises of the grey to dirty

white massive limestone with abundant corals which frequently forms Bioherms. The

47
limestone present in this member is glauconitic, biomicrites and biosparetic. All the

above three members are very well exposed in the west of Ramania (see Annexture-2)

2.1. E4: The Bermoti Member

The thickness of Bermoti Member is 10m. This member is best developed in the main

stream SE of Bermoti and also NNE of the Waior. This member is well developed in

the top of Maniyara Fort Hill. The lower part of this member is exposed in the Waior

and consists of rusty brown, friable, glauconitic argillaceous sandstone with pseudo

Oolites. Upper part is composed of thinly bedded very hard to yellowish foraminiferal

limestone with inter beds of silt marlite full of Spiroclypes.

Localities

Measured sections

Fig. 2.16 Shows the location of measured Oligocene sections in KACHCHH basin on SRTM data.

The lower boundary is paraconformably /locally disconformable as discussed earlier.

The ochre color and sudden appearance of the glauconitic pellets makes it easy to

recognize the boundary in the field. Cut and fill structures packed with glauconitic

sometimes full of Cidaris spines (in Dedhadi Nala section) marks the lower boundary.

The Upper boundary is easily recognizable between the persistent blue clay at the

base of the overlying formation and the limestone of Bermoti member a feeble

48
erosional unconformity between the two is discernible by the regional overlap and

occurrence of inliers of Bermoti member at many places. An erosional diastem

between the coral limestone member and Bermoti member is evident in field by

erosion of 8feet sequence and occurrence of glauconitic sandstone full of fossil bones

and other reworked fossils (Walsara waterfall section) at the head of the Tributary of

Ramania stream. In total eight sections are measured for Maniyarafort Formation

(Figure- 2.15).

Section studied: Berwali Nadi section SE of the village.

2.1. E5: Walsara waterfall section

Description: This section consists of the seven major litho units (thickness 3.6m) that

are exposed in the river bed. Blackish grey calcareous sandstone forms the oldest bed

in the section which is overlain by the grey color limestone that is rich in Cidaris and

echinoid spine along with Pecten layer. Shells are disarticulated and laterally arranged

as evident in the cross section. Further this layer is overlain by the Light greenish

glauconitic sand stone lower 20cm contains bivalves and echinoid spines. This layer

is overlain by the hard and compact limestone light green color less fossiliferous in

nature. This is further overlain by light yellow color limestone (B.I. 4 having

Thalassinoides burrows projecting outward average thickness of burrow 10- 15cm

projecting outward. This is overlain by white color hard compact limestone contains

Thalassinoides burrows that are extensively traced at the section. This represents the

unconformity surface between Oligocene – Miocene sediments. This lithology is

further overlain by yellow color foraminiferal limestone, Pecten bivalve, deformed

gastropods molds, polychaetes tubes characteristic of the Miocene sediments. This is

further overlain by light yellow color shale that lies conformably over the

foraminiferal limestone (Figure - 2.17). It is highly fragile and is unfossiliferous it is

49
further overlain by dirty white limestone which contains gastropod mold and Pecten

shells. This is the younger most exposed bed in the studied section.

2.1. E6: Maniyara fort Section

Description of the section: This is exposed as and outcrop extensively that is very

significant as it has signature of Eocene – Oligocene unconformity that was latterly

traced 6 Km far from section. This section is exposed at the base of Maniyara fort hill

it comprises of 6.8m sediments. Here the oldest bed exposed is white hard compact

fossiliferous limestone. This is overlain by the dark grey wackestone which lies

disconformably over the underlying white limestone. These two litho units are

separated by unconformity surface that has its expression in terms of cut and fill

structure. Further wackestone is overlain by light grey packstone that is rich is larger

foraminifera. This is overlain by greenish wackestone that is characterized by

Fig. 2.17 Shows Measured log of Walsara Fig. 2.18 Shows Measured log of Maniyara fort
waterfall section. section.

50
presence of large Thalassinoides burrows this is overlain by greenish packstone that

lies conformable over underlying wackestone (Figure-2.18). Further light grey

compact packstone and have coral Bioherm exposed in patches over it. It forms the

younger exposed bed in the studied section.

2.1. E7: Ramania section

Description of the section: This Section is very significant as it has the expression of

krastification in the limestone that is partially filled with laterite. Total height of the

section is 3.5m. The dominant lithology includes limestone, shale and laterite. The

yellowish foraminiferal limestone forms the younger most exposed bed in the section

this is overlain by foraminiferal limestone which can be characterized as a packstone

(Dunham 1962) (Figure-2.19) it is further overlain by a less extensive coral band but

can be latterly traced at a distance of 300mt. This is further overlain by yellowish to

greenish shale that is very fragile in nature and is further overlain by the coarse

grained sand stone that is having the vertebrate bones. This is overlain by the (79m)

laterite that is filled in the underlying lithounit.

2.1. E8: Waior section - 1

Description of the section: This section comprises of the 4m. thick succession of the

litho unit mainly dominated by siltstone, claystone and limestone. The former being

the younger unit that is exposed, it is unfossiliferous and it is overlain by the brownish

hard compact limestone which contains corals at the base of the bed and upper part is

moderately bioturbated This unit is overlain by the yellowish color compact

claystone that is having the gastropods molds embedded in it(Figure - 2.20). Further

this unit is overlain by bioturbated greyish limestone with Pectene shells along with

gastropods, mold that are deformed are present in this section.

51
 Fig. 2.19 Shows Measured log of Ramania Fig. 2.20 Shows Measured log of Waior section 1
section.

2.1. E9: Waior section: 2

Description of the section: This section consists of the 1.6 meter of limestone shale

sequence stacked one over the other. The white limestone forms the base of the

section it is generally less fossiliferous. This unit is overlain by green shale which is

highly friable and unfossiliferous in nature. This lithology is further overlain by

yellowish green mud stone that is hard and compact. It is further overlain by shell a

bed that contains numerous shells of Pecten. This shell bed is overlain by mudstone to

wackestone limestone that is rich in Thalassinoides burrow possibly formed by the

decapods crabs. This formation is than topped by packstone to grainstone, dark grey

in color having larger foraminifera & a shell rich bed that lies over the wackestone.

This bed unit also contains corals in the form of bio herm that is moderately exposed

at the section (Figure-2.21).

52
2.1. E10: Matanomadh section for Oligocene – Miocene sediments:

Description of the section: This section comprises of the 8.3m. litho units that has

their own significance as they represent here Oligocene and Miocene boundary. Black

shale forms the younger most bed for the Oligocene time period, which is overlain by

pisolitic limestone that lies conformably over the black shale. Further this limestone is

overlain by 2mt thick yellowish to light yellow silt stone that is highly friable in

nature. This silt stone is further overlain by yellowish colored shale having maroon

layering (Figure - 2.22). Further this unit is overlain by the yellowish color silt stone

that is highly bioturbated. This unit lies disconformably over the younger shale of the

Oligocene time. It also includes the claystone of the same formation which is also

bioturbated. Further this unit is overlain by the brownish color compact mudstone that

is unfossiliferous but it corresponds to the Chassra formation.

Fig. 2.21 Shows Measured log of Waior Fig.2.22 Shows Measured log of Oligocene -
section.2 Miocene section.

53
2.1. E11: Ber Section

Description of the section: This section comprises of the 4.5m thick shale – siltstone-

limestone sequence that is exposed in the above said location. In this section greenish

nodular shale forms the youngest exposed bed, which is unfossiliferous is overlain by

the yellow colored, fragile nodular shale. This is overlain by a bioturbated limestone

bed of 2 meter thickness and contains corals in it. This is overlain by light grey

bioturbated limestone. B.I. 4, apart from bioturbations this bed is rich in numerous

trace fossils such as Gordia, Thalassinoides, Planolites, Spongeilomorpha etc. further

this limestone bed is overlain by the yellowish white bioturbated limestone B.I. 3. It is

further overlain by the unfossiliferous yellowish hard compact mudstone and shares

the sharp contact with the underlying limestone (Figure-2.23). This mudstone unit is

further overlain by the compact brownish mudstone that has that makes it porous at

the outcrop. The units yellowish white bioturbated limestone and the two beds above

it are interpreted to share a unconformity surface in the section in the form of

Oligocene – Miocene unconformity.

2.1. E12: Rodasar section

Description of the section: This section comprises of the shale limestone sequence

that is exposed on the above said locality. The major lithology comprises of the

unfossiliferous shale, white limestone, wackestone, packstone and grainstone, and

patchy coral bio herms. The light colored grey nodular shale is the youngest exposed

in this area. It is overlain by Nummulitic limestone with Pecetene, Echinoids and

gastropods that is embedded in the limestone matrix. This unit possesses significant

potential for Taphonomic analysis. This unit is further overlain by grey shale unit, and

is then overlain by dirty white compact limestone (Figure - 2.24) that has abundance

of Pecetene shells that are generally disarticulated. This unit is further overlain by

54
Nummulitic limestone which can be laterally traced up to few meters along the

upstream. This bed is overlain by Nodular limestone which is very compact and it

contains fossil crabs. This is further overlain by the pure white limestone whose top of

the bed is characterized by the presence of Glossofungites surface. This limestone is

overlain by the thick yellowish brown shale sequence, which is again un fossiliferous.

The boundary between this white limestone and the yellowish brownish shale is

interpreted as the Oligocene – Miocene unconformity in this section.

Fig. 2.23 Shows Measured log of Ber Fig. 2.24 Shows Measured log of Rodasar
section. section.

55
2.2: Jaisalmer Basin

Jaisalmer, the largest district of the state (38,401 sq. km. area) is situated in the

north-western part of Rajasthan between 2600 01' to 2803' north latitude and 69030'

to 72020' east longitude. Jaisalmer district is bounded by Barmer in the south,

Jodhpur in the east and Bikaner in north-east. The western boundary of the district

is a part of Indo-Pak international border. The district head quarter Jaisalmer is

linked from Bikaner (330km.) and Barmer (153 km) by National Highway No. 15

and is also connected from Jodhpur by road (285 km) as well as broad gauge rail

line (297 km) via Pokharan. There is a small airport at Jaisalmer and chartered air

service operates from here. The general shape of the district is of an irregular

polygon of seven sides. In general the district enjoys plain topography without any

plateau or hills. The area is a sandy plain with a few rocky patches and many sand

dunes. Being a part of the great Thar Desert, the area is sandy, dry and ill watered,

unkind to all forms of life (animal and plant). The entire area is barren and dreary,

the only variation in the landscape being a few hillocks and sand dunes. The land

covered by the district slopes towards the Indus valley and Rann of Kachchh. In

the vicinity of Jaisalmer town the sand is stony containing numerous rocky ridges

and hard undulating plains formed of limestone and sand stone.

2.2. A: Sanu Formation (Paleocene)

Longitude: 23⁰32’ N Longitude: 68⁰ 56’ E

Total thickness = 49 m.

Age: late Paleocene

Lithology: Laterite and Valcanoclastic: Tuffaceous shale and sand stones, bentonitic

clay

Attitude of the beds: Low dipping

56
Type Section: Pariwar Hills located in the west of Village Pariwar.

Section studied: SE of the village.

Environment: Terrestrial

This formation is exposed in the Sanu village with type section exposed in the

Pariwar hill located west of Pariwar hills. Sanu Formation in the surface is

represented on the surface by Mohammad ki Dhani sandstone Member. This

formation comprises of reddish unconsolidated, current bedded, glauconitic sand

stone. In the outcrop is devoid of the micro fauna. In the sub surface, limestone marlin

the upper part is rich in foraminifera and Ostracoda. Singh et al. (1971), Singh (1976,

1984) and Singh and Sharma (1991) have reported a rich foraminiferal and Ostracoda

assemblage respectively from the Kharatar Member. The basal part of the Sanu

formation is inferred to have been deposited under continental environment with little

marine influence. The limestone with glauconitic sand stone with intercalated shale in

the upper part has yielded planktonic land benthonic, indicative of middle shelf

conditions.

2.2. A1: Mohammad ki Dhani (Composite section)

Description: This section comprises of the sandstone shale facies (thickness 2m.).

Highly fragile grey color shale forms the younger most unit in the section which is

overlain by medium to coarse grained brownish sand stone having current bedding

Fig. 2.25 Shows Measured lithology of the Mohammad ki Dhani composite section.

57
which lies conformably over the younger shale. This sand stone is overlain by the

37cm mudstone that is compact in nature. It is further overlain by the shale enriched

by the presence of plant roots (Rhizolith) this unit is further overlain by the light grey

color siltstone that is partially ferruginous. It contains abundant trace fossils

(Rosselia) which is topped by laterised Fe crust (Figure-2.25).

2.2.B: Khuyala Formation (Eocene)

Longitude: 23⁰32’ N Longitude: 68⁰ 56’ E

Total thickness = 25 m.

Age: Paleocene to Early Eocene

Lithology: Gypseous clay/shale greenish to cream followed by a grayish white to

saffron shale consisting of Assilina

Attitude of the beds: Low dipping

Type Section: Te- Takkar scarp located near west of Mohhammad ki Dhani.

Environment: shallow inner shelf

Sequence: Nil

Based on distinct litho logical variations, Singh (1984) has sub divided this

formation into two members Te - Takkar limestone member and Khinsar shale

Member. This formation is fossiliferous. The type section comprises of Gypseous

clay/shale greenish to cream followed by a greyish white to saffron shale consisting of

Assilina. This is overlain by dirty white, thin bedded argillaceous limestone, yellow to

brown hard, shell limestone, white to yellow chalk, occasionally sandy and at the top

is pinkish yellow, thick massive hard compact crystalline and fossiliferous limestone.

This formation is deposited in inner to middle shelf environment.

Section studied: SE of the village.

58
2.2. B1: Samri Nala section 1

Description: This section comprises of 2m thick

sequence of shale and limestone that is exposed in

the Samri Nala. The maroon color shale form base of

the section that is fragile in nature, it is overlain by

the yellowish color limestone band that is compact in

nature. This limestone band is further overlain by the

grey shale which is topped by the fossiliferous gritty

limestone having Nummulites fossils embedded in

the limestone. This is overlain by the shale that is

having the limestone Nodules and Thalassinoides

burrows. It is topped by the marker band that

Figure 2.26 Shows Measured litho log
of Sameri Nala section1.
comprises of yellowish to white colored band having

Thalassinoides trace fossils having Teichichnus fossil on its top. This again is overlain

by grey shale that is fragile in nature (Figure-2.26). It is again topped by the hard

compact white limestone and then topped by the 10cm shale which is overlain by the

yellowish colored limestone band again which is overlain by the grey shale. All the

beds present in the section are extensive and can be traced at a distance of 300mt.

2.2. B2 Samri Nala section 2

Description: This section is of 2mt height comprising of shale and limestone

sequences that is very well exposed. In this section the light yellow Nodular limestone

forms the base of the section. It is overlain by the green color fragile shale followed

by bright yellow colored micritic limestone band which is again topped by the grey

colored shale. It is overlain by the grey colored marl having nodular base (Figure-

2.27). This unit is overlain by the bright yellow colored micritic limestone. It is

59
topped by the Nodular limestone having

Thalassinoides trace fossils. In this the

percentage of Nummulites decreases as observed

in the section. This unit is further overlain by

grey color Nummulitic limestone followed by the

grey color compact and massive limestone which

is further overlain by 14cm nodular limestone

band at the top of the section. This section is

Fig. 2.27 Shows Measured log of Sameri
younger than section discussed above. Nala section 2

2.2.B3: Te Takkar section

Description: This section comprises of the 12m

thick sequence of the shale and carbonate

lithology in which carbonate forms the younger

unit as compared to the calcareous shale unit.

The maroon shale forms the oldest bed in the

section. This shale is overlain by the 10cm thick

light yellowish color limestone bed. This is

further overlain by the grey shale that is very

fragile in nature. This shale is overlain by off

white limestone bed, the field character of this

bed is very similar to as observed in the Sameri

Nala section, henceforth this bed is considered

as a marker this bed contains the foraminifera

Fig. 2.28 Shows Measured log of Te Takkar
and is bioturbated B.I. 5 and the presence of section.

60
Thalassinoides burrows it can be easily picked in this section. This bed is again

overlain by the Teichichnus trace fossil containing wackestone that lies conformably

over the underlying bed. Further this bed is overlain by the limestone yellowish to

white in color and is less fossiliferous. This is overlain by the grey shale that is fragile

in nature. This is further overlain by 12cm thick white colored chalk limestone highly

fragile. It is further overlain by the 1m. Shale limestone beds which differ in the

degree of bioturbations. This sequence is overlain by (18 cm thick) white to compact

limestone which is characterized by the presence of mega fossils in terms of nautilus,

bivalves along with this numerous trace fossils are also identified viz. Teichichnus,

Planolite, Paleophycus (Figure-2.28).This bed is overlain by thick sequence of the

limestone (700cm) this is covered by the scree material of the overlying lithology.

Furthermore light grey color compact Nummulitic limestone make the top most bed

in the section this bed is also bioturbated extensively B.I.3

2.2. B4: Khinsar section

Description: This section comprises of the 48 beds of limestone and shale 24 each.

The limestone present in this section is divided in to 24 bands /beds in which the

important ones is band no. 2,4,5,7,8,12, respectively. The band no 2 contains

gastropods mold embedded in the limestone matrix which is overlain and underlained

by yellowish green shale that is very fragile in nature the band 4 contains bioclastic

material including Pecetene oyster and bivalves etc. (Figure-2.29). The band 5

contains laminations and rusty brown layer at the top of 2cm. Similarly the band 7 is

characterized by the presence of bioturbations and Fe nodules in the bottom part of

the bed. Further band 8 and 12 represents the micritic limestone and has Polycate

tubes present in them. The shale present between these bands is generally light yellow

to light greenish yellow in color and generally is devoid of any fossil content.

61
2.2. C: Banda Formation

Longitude: 23⁰32’ N Longitude: 68⁰ 56’ E

Total thickness = 30 m.

Age: Middle to late Eocene (Lutetian)

Lithology: Limestone, calcareous siltstone, greenish marl, bentonitic greenish clay

Attitude of the beds: Low dipping

Type Section: Exposed in south of the Bandah village.

Environment: inner to middle shelf, shallow inner neritic

This formation is exposed in the south of the Bandah village that is the type

area for the formation. On the outcrop, the lithology consists mostly of limestone

yellow calcareous siltstone, greenish marl, bentonitic greenish clays thin beds of

calcite at the base having disconformable in nature. The formation comprises of the

two members i.e. Batrewala member and Bakhri ka Tibba Member. Batrewala

member consists of hard foraminiferal limestone with thin intercalations of

glauconitic marl and brown clay and intercalated marl beds. The middle and upper

part of the formation comprises of shale and limestones with occasional presence of

Laterite.

Section studied: SE of the Banda village.

2.2. C1: Phoolon ki Talayi section

Description: This section is a part of Batrewala Tibba member. It comprises of the

shale limestone sequence the with numerous fossils in the form of Nummulitic

limestones, Oyster, Pecten and bored bivalves respectively. The green grey mudstone

present at the base of the section forms the younger most bed that is exposed. It is

overlain by the grey colored foraminiferal limestone which lies in the grainstone as

per Dunham classification. This foraminiferal limestone is also very fragile in nature,

62
this bed is overlain by the grey shale and this grey shale is then topped by the

foraminiferal limestone which is further overlain by the foraminiferal limestone oyster

shells pinkish to dirty white in color. This unit is overlain by the 100cm grey shale

that is again very fragile in nature. It is overlain by the 71cm thick off white limestone

that is unfossiliferous it is further overlain by foraminiferal limestone Fe top band;

this bed has its significant as it contains the trace fossils such as Ophiomorpha. This

bed is than overlain by the 128cm light yellow colored shale which is further overlain

by the foraminiferal limestone having oyster boring (Figure-2.30). These bored oyster

shells plays an important role in the depositional environment. Further this limestone

is overlain by the grey shale and sandstone beds. Sandstone is coarse grained and is

also fragile which overlain by the top band of the Nummulitic limestone that contains

larger Nummulites in terms of Discocyclina. The beds present in the section are very

low dipping; the total height of the section is 17 m.

Band-12

Band-8

Band-7

Band-5

Band-4

Band-2

Fig. 2. 29 Shows Measured litho log of Khinsar Fig. 2.30 Shows Measured Litho log of Phloon
section. ki Talayi section.

63