SRO_GSI_8990

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

[Progress Report for the Field Season 1979-80]

Geological setting in the Nugu Valley and Kakanakote Reserve Forest, South
western Part of Mysore District, Karnataka

By
V. BALACHANDRAN
Geologist (Sr)
A.R. NAMBIAR
K.S. ADIGA
Geologist (Jr)
And
CHANDRA SHEKHAR
Asstt. Geologist

KARNATAKA (SOUTH) PROJECTS

BANGALORE

1983

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 SRO_GSI_8990

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA

(Progress report for the field season 1979-80)

GEOLOGICAL SETTING IN THE NUGU VALLEY AND KAKANAKOTE

FOREST SOUTH WESTERN PART OF MYSORE DISTRICT, KARNATAKA

By
V. Balachandran, Geologist (Sr), Karnataka Circle
A.R. Nambiara, K.S. Adiga, Geologist (Sr), Kerala Circle,
Chandra Shekar, Asstt. Geologist, Karnataka Circle
Geological Survey of India

NOT TO BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM IN PART OR FULL WITHOUT

PRIOR PERMISSION OF THE DIRECTOR GENERAL, GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
OF INDIA

KARNATAKA (SOUTH) PROJECT

1983

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 SRO_GSI_8990

GEOLOGICAL SETTING IN THE NUGU VALLEY AND KAKANAKOTE

RESERVED FOREST SOUTH WESTERN PART OF MYSORE DISTRICT,
KARNATAKA
By
V. Balachandran, Geologist (Sr), Karnataka Circle
A.R. Nambiar, K.S. Adiga, Geologist (Sr), Kerala Circle,
Chandra Shekar, Asstt. Geologist, Karnataka Circle
Contents Page No.
ABSTRACT................................................................................................................... 4
I. INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................... 5
Flora and Fauna: ........................................................................................................ 5
Previous work: ........................................................................................................... 6
II. GEOMORPHOLOGY .............................................................................................. 7
III. GEOLOGICAL SETTING ...................................................................................... 8
Nugu Valley (topo sheet 58 A/5) ............................................................................... 8
Kakankote Reserved Forest (topo sheet 58 A/1): .................................................... 12
IV. CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................................... 14
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ......................................................................................... 15
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................ 16
INDEX TO LOCALITIES ........................................................................................... 17
APPENDIX-I Semi-quantitative Spectrochemical Analysis of 2 rock samples from
Nugu Valley ................................................................................................................. 18
LIST OF PLATES ....................................................................................................... 19
Plate-I: Geological map of Nugu Valley (58 A/5) Scale 1:63,360) ............................. 19
Plate-II: Geological map of Kakankote Reserved forest (58 A/1) (Scale 1:63,360) ... 20

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 SRO_GSI_8990

GEOLOGICAL SETTING IN THE NUGU VALLEY AND KAKANAKOTE

RESERVED FOREST SOUTH WESTERN PART OF MYSORE DISTRICT,
KARNATAKA
By
V. Balachandran, Geologist (Sr), Karnataka Circle
A.R. Nambiar, K.S. Adiga, Geologist (Sr), Kerala Circle,
Chandra Shekar, Asstt. Geologist,
Karnataka Circle
ABSTRACT
Systematic mapping in the thickly forested south western parts of the Mysore
district adjoining Kerala was conducted on expedition basis covering 260 sq. km. on
1:63,360 scale, as per the field season programme for the year 1979-80. In this area
upper amphibolite of lower granulite facies supracrustals, viz., fuchsite (± kyanite-
sillimanite)-sericite quartzite, graphite-garnet-sillimanite-muscovite/sericite-quartz
schist, graphite-garnet-sillimanite-biotite gneiss, grunerite-pyroxene-magnetite
quartzite, tremolite marble along with amphibolite, pyroxene, serpentinised peridotite
and dunite, known as the Sargur Complex, occur surrounded and traversed by a
complex of migmatitic gneisses. The high grade supracrustals extend into the
adjoining parts of Kerala, where the same lithological assemblage is called the wynad
Schist Complex.

The metasedimentary rocks and the migmatitic gneisses are co-folded into a
borad regional antiformal fold on NW-SE to WNW-ESE trending axis. Joints parallel
to the axial plane of the fold are very prominently developed. In the Nugu Valley
three transverse faults have been recognised cutting across the metasedimentary
rocks. Among economic minerals, the tremolite bearing crystalline limestone at ∆
3047ˈ near Moleyur is no teworthy. Two samples of serpentinite from Kandalike have
been analysed for their possible content of Ni, Co and V. One of the samples of
serpentinite contains 3000 ppm of nickel and it may be worthwhile to carryout
detailed sampling of the serpentinite body. The labrodarite bearing gneiss in Nugu
Valley can be used as an ornamental stone on account of the brilliant play of colours
shown by the labrodarite.

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 SRO_GSI_8990

I. INTRODUCTION
The south western part of the district of Mysore adjoining Kerala, comprised
by topo sheet Nos. 58 A/5 and 58 A/1, had not been studied or geologically mapped in
detail, as this area is highly rugged and thickly forested abounding in wild animals,
particularly wild elephants. The well known Bandipur-Kakankote game sanctuaries
lie in this part. In fact, the Bandipur forest including its western continuation in the
Nugu Valley has been included under the ˈProject-Tigerˈ as a measure to preserve the
animal and forest wealth therein. In order to study this difficult terrain, systematic
geological mapping was carried out in the Nugu Valley falling in topo sheet 58 A/5
and the Kakankote Reserved Forest comprised by a part of topo sheet 58 A/1 on an
expedition basis from 1st February 1980 to 28th April, 1980 (vide Code Nos.
GM/57D, 58S/SR/KAR/75/17 and GM/57 D, 58A/SR/KRL/75/17 of Karnataka (S)
and Kerala Circles respectively. Geological mapping in the south western part of the
Mysore district is significant from the point of view of identifying the extension of the
supracrustals known as the Sargur Complex and to correlate these with similar rocks
mapped in the adjoining Kerala area, designated as the Wynad Schist Complex (M.M.
Nair, et al 1976), besides locating economic mineral deposits, if any. In the Nugu
Valley, mapping could not be extended upto the Karnataka-Kerala border, as
originally planned, as the Project-Tiger authorities withdrew permission to enter the
forest area. Therefore, on the advice of Shri J. Swami Nath, Dy. Director General,
Southern Region and Shri A.R. Gokul, Director-in-charge, Karnataka Circle, mapping
was continued in the Kakankote Reserved Forest which has common boundary with
the Wynad districts of Kerala. A total of 260 sq. km. was mapped on 1:63,360 scale.

The Anthropological and Botanical Surveys of India took part in the

expedition in the Nugu Valley; the ASI was represented by Shri Rameshchandra,
Asstt. Anthropologist, Southern Regional Office, Mysore, and the BSI by Shri S.
Karthikeyan, Systematic Botanist, Western Circle, Poona.

The Kakankote Reserved Forest can be reached by the Mysore-Manantoddy

road and it is about 80 km from Mysore. The main part of the Nugu Valley lies south
of the Nugu dam, which is approachable by an all weather road from Sargur, which in
turn is about 60 km SW of Mysore.

Flora and Fauna:

As indicated in the beginning, both in the Nugu Valley and Kakankote

Reserved Forest a great variety of plants and animals are encountered. From what we
could gather from Shri S. Karthikeyan, BSI, the following plants are common in the
Nugu Valley.

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 SRO_GSI_8990

Trees:

Tectona grandis, Terminalia spp., Anogeissus latifolia, Santalum album,

Emblica officianalis, Buchanania larzum, Bosswellia serrata, Semicarus anacardium,
Pongammia pinnata, Mangifora indica, Pterocarpus marsupium.

Shrubs:

Helicterous isora, Zizyphus oenoplia, Gymnos-poria Montana, Accacia spp.,

Euphorbia Tirucalli, Indigofera spp and Bombasa.

Besides these, a large numbers of herbs, herbaceous and woody climbers are
present. These jungles are known for grass, which grow abundantly to heights of 1.5
to 2 m.

Wild elephants are the principal members of the ˈbig gameˈ in these forests.
Spotted deer, sambhar, bisons, bears and wild dogs are quite common and rarely giant
squirrel are seen. Tigers and panthers are also reported to be present in fairly large
numbers. During our traverses in these jungles we have frequently come across deers,
elephants and bisons and our attempts to photograph them have not been altogether
unsuccessful (Photo I).

Previous work:

B. Jayaram of the Mysore Geological Deptt. (MGD) was the first person to
have rapidly traversed over the south west part of the Mysore district in 1912-13
covering an area of 2500 sq. km. in 6 months. This survey was necessarily of a
reconnoitory nature. Jayaram had recognised the high grade schists and he had
grouped them as ˈmetamorphic seriesˈ and had opined that they were derived by
metamorphism of sediments. Subsequently, B. Rama Rao (1920 & 30) and T.P.
Krishnachar (1939) of MGD and N.G.K. Murthy (1958) of GSI had prospected for
kyanite and sillimanite in the hilly tracts east of Sargur and around Nugu dam. It was
B. Rama Rao who had coined the term ˈSargur Seriesˈ for the high grade
metamorphics and he was of the view that these rocks represent highly
metamorphosed equivalents of the Dharwars encountered in the northern parts of the
state. C.S. Pichamuthu explained that the Dharwar schists have been folded into an
anticlinorium plunging northwards and as result of which the deeper and thereby,
successively more metamorphosed portions are exposed southwards.

In recent years (1971-76) the Sargur group of rocks which are well exposed
around Nugu Dam and in the hills east of Sargurs, as well as in the Kabini Right Bank
Canal excavations have been studied in considerable detail under the guidance of Shri
J. Swami Nath. Dy. Director General, Southern Region, by M. Ramakrishnan and

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 SRO_GSI_8990

M.N. Viswanatha, Chandrashekar and K.T. Rajan have mapped the adjoining areas.
Shri J. Swami Nath and others are of the view that the high grade suite of
supracrustals and the associated meta-basites and ultrabasites possibly represent the
oldest rocks in the Karnataka craton. The ubiquitous complex of gneissic rocks amidst
which the supracrustals occur as disjoined, linear bands were thought to be the result
of ˈpantectogenesisˈ subsequent to the disposition of the supracrustals. In theadjoining
parts of Kerala, M.M. Nair et. Al, Kerala Circle, GSI, have mapped similar
assemblages of supracrustal rocks.

II. GEOMORPHOLOGY
The Nugu Valley and Kakankote areas are not contiguous. Yet, there are many
significant geomorphological similarities, for similar structural and lithological
factors seem to have controlled the geomorphic configurations. For instance, the
relatively more resistant members of the supracrustal sequence like the fuchsitic
quartzite and the banded magnetite quartzite stand out as ridges and the alignment of
these ridges reflect the regional structure. Even a cursory study of the air-photos or
the toposheets of these two terrains indicates the prevalence of two sets of drainage
courses trending at right angles to each other, besides the principal E-W Kabini
Course.

The easterly flowing Kabini is the major drainage in this part of the Mysore
district; the Nugu and the Taraka are its important tributaries. The Nugu takes its
origin in Kerala and flows in a general northerly course following closely the contact
between the supracrustals and the gneisses. The subsidiary streams joining the Nugu,
like the Hebhalla and Varanchi Hole, are in NW-SE to WNW-ESE directions.
Likewise, in the Kakankote area the Sut nala and the Berle Hole flow in ESE and SE
directions respectively. It is very clear that the disposition of the supracrustals and the
NW-SE to ESE joints have greatly influenced the drainage pattern.

The N-S Nugu Valley is assymmetrical in cross-section. The western side is

steeper with a range of hills running close to the Nugu river. These hills are the
southern continuation of knot of hills (Biraval-Mullur betta .3160) seen around the
Nugu dam. This hill range has a curvilinear disposition and extend over a length of 30
km. The most prominent hills in this range are Moleyur Betta (∆ 3047ˈ) Bhutbetta
(.3170ˈ), Shegebetta (3724ˈ) and Nimadevarbetta (3008ˈ). The eastern side of the
valley, on the other hand, gently rises forming a broad rolling terrace which
culminates in the Jainbari Betta-Byalkupe Betta range of hills.

The Kakankote area is an elevated plateau with the Kabini flowing on its
southern side. The most conspicuous topographic features are the near E-W running
Dodmausala (∆ 3146) and Chichkmausala (∆ 3103) range of ridges in the centre of

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 SRO_GSI_8990

this terrain. There are a number of strings of low mounds and ridges which are aligned
in E-W direction near the Karnataka-Kerala border showing a gradual swing to N-S
direction as we proceed eastwards.

III. GEOLOGICAL SETTING

In both the Nugu Valley and Kakankote Reserved Forest the terrain is
extensively soil covered besides being thickly clad with vegetation. Rock outcrops are
seen only sporadically in nala section and at the top of hills and ridges. The geological
setting in these two areas are alike in many respects. Psamo-pelitic schists and
gneisses, meta-ultramafites, amphibolites and hornblende-biotite gneisses are the
principal rocks encountered in these terrains. Since these two areas are not contiguous
and as there are a few important differences in the geological setting, they are being
dealt with separately.

Nugu Valley (topo sheet 58 A/5)

The meta-sedimentary rocks occur exclusively on the western side of the

Nugu river; they occur in the form of a 1 to 3 km wide and over 30 km long arcuate
belt trending NNE-SSW in the northern parts swinging gradually to NE-SW and then
to ENE-WSW directions in the southern parts. The supracrustal sequence is composed
of such high grade metamorphic rocks as graphite-fuchsite-sillimanite-muscovite-
quartz schist, fuchsite-(± sillimanite and Kyanite)-quartzite, graphite-garnet-
sillimanite-biotite gneiss/schist, and banded magnetite-quartzite and tremolite-marble.
Curiously enough, amidst this high grade assemblage occurs carbonate-quartz-felspar
chlorite schist, a typical green schist facies rock. Within the supracrustal assemblage
metapyroxenite, serpentinite and garnetiferous amphibolite are seen.

The rocks encountered in the Nugu Valley could be arranged as follows:-

Dolerite & gabbro Peninsular

Pink augon gneiss gneissic
Hornblende biotite gneiss complex
Meta-basites & Pyroxenite, peridotite & serpentinite
ultra-basites Hornblende schist, garnetiferous
amphibolite, talc-tremolite schist
actinolite schist.
Meta-sedimentary Banded magnetite-quartzite, SARGUR
rocks carbonate-quartz-felspar-chlorite SCHSIT
schist, tremolite marble, graphite- COMPLEX
fuchsite-sillimanite-muscovite-quartz
schist, graphite-garnet-sillimanite-
biotite gneiss and fuchsite quartzite
Base not decipherable

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Among the meta-sedimentary rocks the fuchsitic quartzites is the most

predominant member forming the backbone of the sharp ridges. It often contains
sillimanite and kyanite; kyanite usually shows alteration to sericite (section NO 6).
Zircon iron ores and brookite are the accessory constituents of the rock (section NO
8). The pink and earthy coloured graphitic fuchsite-sillimanite-muscovite/sericite-
quartz schist is the next extensive unit; this rock is soft and occurs in the low ground
and is generally highly weathered; it also occurs interbedded with the fuchsitic
quartzite as at 4 km SSW of Nugu dam. The garnetiferous sillimanite biotite biotite
gneiss/schist which is often graphitic, is very well seen on the eastern side of .2730
ridge, 4 km NNE of Moleyur. Two well defined bands of banded magnetite quartzite
are seen in the northern continuation of the Moleyur Betta (∆ 3047) one of which is
traceable northwards for 5 km and their continuity is broken by transverse faults. This
rock has a well pronounced banded structure, highly folded and contorted (Photo II)
containing besides magnetite and quartz, a little of ortho pyroxene and a good
proportion of grunerite showing the typical polysynthetic twinning (section NO 22).
Tremolite marble is very well exposed in the Moleyur Betta (∆ 3047) and it is mainly
made up of calcite and dolomite which are generally euhedral, subordinate quartz,
diopside and sheafs and elongate crystals of colourless tremolite (NO 34 & 38). In the
Moleyur Betta, adjacent to the main band of tremolite marble, chlorite schist occur as
a fairly extensive band; this rock is made up of carbonate, quartz and highly altered
felspar besides chlorite. In facts, lenses and discontinuous layers of tremolite marble
occurs with the chlorite schist. The occurrence of this typical green schist facies units
in a terrain characterised by high grade assemblages is intriguing.

Amidst the meta sedimentary rocks occur concordant bands of meta

pyroxenite, amphibolite and serpentinite, which are possibly sill. The most prominent
outcrops of these rocks are observed at about 300 m west of Kandalike (11 53ˈ5 :
0 "

0 ꞌ "
76 25 10 ). Another important exposure of serpentinite is on the eastern side of the
Moleyur Betta. The serpentinite body occurring west of Kandalike is about 50 m wide
and 300 m long; it contains very thin (3 mm) veins of chrysotile asbestos and impure
meagnesite and there are also specks and nodules of magnetite in it. Relict pyroxene
can be made out in the thin section (NO 43).

On the eastern side of the Nudu river, as well as west of the supracrustal belt,
migmatitic gneiss is the country rock. It is usually composed of quartz (showing
undulose extinction) K-felspar (orthoclase and/or microcline), sodic plagioclase (often
highly sausseriticised) and brown biotite and subordinate hornblende; epi-dote, iron
oxides, allanite, zircon and apatite are frequently encountered accessories (NO 5 &
52). This is rock is richer in hornblende near mafic onclaves and it is generally criss-
crossed by quartz, pegmatite and aplite veins; thin veins and stringers of epidote both
along and across the gneissosity, are quite commonly noticed. Enclosed within the

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gneiss, there are concordant pods, rafts and bands (paleosome) of hornblende schist,
coarse-grained garnetiferous amphibolite and meta-ultramafites (talc-tremolite schist
and actiono-lite-tremolite schist), some of these paleosomes could be traced for over 1
km as seen south of Sulekatte and north of Jainbaribotta. The mafic enclaves are
generally traversed by quartzo-felspathic veins and there is usually a selvedge of
biotite at their contacts with the gneiss and the gneiss is darker in colour, richer in
hornblende and dioritic indicating that there has been interaction between the mafic
bodies and the intruding quartzo-felspathic constituents. Interestingly, the majority of
the ultramafic bodies show, as elsewhere, sharp contact with the country rock and are
not traversed by quartzo-felspathic veins. However, nowhere the ultramafites show
discordance with the gneissic foliation. In addition to the mafic and ultramafic
0 ꞌ " 0 ꞌ
enclaves some interesting rocks are encountered. At the hill .2775 (11 47 45 : 76 27 ),
0 ꞌ 0 ꞌ " 0 ꞌ "
west of Ankupur (11 58 :76 27 30 ) and 2 km south of Nanjadevarbetta (11 53 10 :
0 ꞌ "
76 29 30 ) the gneiss consists of porphyroblasts of labrodorite showing brilliant play
of colours. The presence of labrodorite in a quartz rich gneiss is an anomalous feature;
it is possible that the labrodorite bearing gneiss represents migmatised anorthosite. On
account of the brilliant play of colours exhibited by the labrodorite, this gneiss can be
used as an ornamental stone. North of Jainbaribetta (∠ 3231) in the low east of
0 ꞌ " 0 ꞌ "
Bankahalli (11 53 30 :76 28 30 ) there is an elliptical mass of rock composed of
quartz, clino-pyroxene, garnet and epidote (Section NO-4 and 41). About 2 km east of
0 ꞌ " 0 "
Badga (11 53 45 :76 24 ) charnockitic gneiss consisting of quartz, orthoclase,
plagioclase and hypersthene which is altering to biotite and subordinate clinopyroxene
is very well exposed.
0 ꞌ 0 ꞌ "
North of Dodbargi (11 50 :76 25 15 ) an elliptical body of augon gneiss
measuring 3.0 km. by 1.5 km (approx.) is encountered; this rock is composed of
quartz, porphyroblasts of pink K-felspar and sodic plagioclase, biotite and
hornblende. This rock must have been originally a porphyritic granite which has been
rendered gneisses by shearing and the same process must have been responsible for
stretching the original phenocrysts in the form of ꞌoyosꞌ or porphyroblasts. Shearing is
further evidenced by crushing of the ground mass and undulose extinction of quartz
grains.

In addition to the rocks described above, quite a few basic dykes are also
0 ꞌ
encountered in the area N-S to NNE-SSW trending gabbro dykes of Moleyur (11 52
0 ꞌ " 0 ꞌ " 0 ꞌ "
N : 76 22 30 E) and north of Muttigo (11 52 30 N : 76 25 30 E) are noteworthy.
Similarly a dolerite porphyry is also met with 2 km NW of Byalkuppebetta.

The meta sedimentary rocks do not show any primary structures and they are
exposed only as discontinuous bands. In view of these facts and as the terrain is

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 SRO_GSI_8990

mostly under soil and vegetation cover, it is very difficult to establish the order of
super position among them. The inter-relationship between the migmatitic gneisses
and the meta sedimentary rocks is also hard to establish as their contacts are
invariably obscured by soil cover. The trend of the high grade metamorphites is
conformable to the foliation of the surrounding gneiss and both are co-folded. Since
the meta sedimentary rocks are usually traversed by quartzo felspathic veins, which
are apparently related to the gneiss, it is probably that the gneiss is younger than them.

STRUCTURE

In Nugu Valley, the rocks strike in ENE-WSW direction in the southern and
south western parts. The strike gradually changes to NE-SW and then to NNE-SSW
as we proceed northwards; the dips are predominantly towards SSE, SE and ESE at
steep angles. Thus, a broad regional antiformal fold plunging steeply SE is indicated.
The gneiss is usually intensely dragfolded parallel to foliation and are traversed by
several narrow shear zones. Joints striking NW-SE to WNW-ESE are the most
predominantly besides the foliation joints in the gneiss and bedding joints in the meta-
sedimentaries. Three transverse (ENE-WSW to WNW-ESE) faults traversing the
supra crustals have been identified. On the basis of lateral shift of the rock formations
and mylonitization and phyllonitization, the mylonitization zone is about 30 m.

ECONOMIC GEOLOGY

Among the economic minerals, the impure crystalline dolomitic limestone

deserves mention. Outcrops of this rock are seen on the eastern slopes of ∆ 3047ꞌ
hillock which has an approximate strike length of 1.0 km and an average width of 50
m. Incidence of impure magnesite and very thin chrysotile asbestos (3mm) is recorded
from the serpentinite of Kandalike. This serpentinite has sporadic disseminations of
magnetite too. This serpentinite is nickoliferous (3000 ppm nickel).

Massive kyanite in minor amonts occurs as scattered boulders 1.5 km. ESE of
0 ꞌ " 0 ꞌ
Haleyur (11 57 30 N:76 25 E). Garnet-biotite-sillimanite to schist 1 km east of
0 ꞌ " 0 ꞌ "
Alaganji (11 55 15 N:76 24 45 E) contains isolated pockets of fibrous aggregates of
sillimanite (fibrolite).

Some of the quartz veins along NNE-SSW running Nugu lineament carry
specularite.

Transparent crystals of amber yellow coloured epidote are noticed in the

Pegmatoidal veins at the road section 1.5 km NE of Ainurmarigudi.

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 SRO_GSI_8990

Kakankote Reserved Forest (topo sheet 58 A/1):

It has been pointed out earlier that the geological setting in the Nugu Valley
and Kakankote area are similar in many respects with a few significant differences.
High grade metasedimentary rocks in the Nugu Valley form a narrow, elongate belt
whereas these lithounits in Kakankote Reserved Forest are exposed as wider zones.
The rock types encountered in these two areas by and large are the same. The
characteristic features of the Kakankote area are the absence of marble, fairly
widespread occurrence of garnetiferous sillimanite-biotite gneiss, presence of
myloblastic and tachylitic veins.

The geological contacts marked in the adjoining parts of Kerala can be

generally traced across the Karnataka Kerala boundary and hero it can clearly be
noticed that the rock units of the so called wynad and Sargur Schist Complexes are
one and the same.

The probable lihto stratigraphy in the Kakankote Reserved Forest could be as

follows:-

Dolorite dykes
----------------------------
Mylonitic gneiss (Myloblastic)
Potassic granite (very coarse grained
and rarely porphyritic at places).
--------------------------------
Migmatitic (garnetiferous)
hornblende-biotite gneiss
------------------------------
Gabbro, gabbroic anorthosite SARGUR
COMPLEX
Poridotite
Amphibolite(± garnet)
Banded magnetite quartzite
Fuchsite-kyanite-sillimanite
Sericite quartz schist/quartzite and WYNAD
garnetiferous sillimanite biotite SCHIST
gneiss. COMPLEX
--------------------------------------
Base not decipherable
Banded magnetite quartzite forms a prominent E-W horizon comprising the
Chickmosala ridge. This rock is coarse grained consisting mainly of quartz and
magnetite with enstatite and augite (both altering to hornblende) and also grunerite
(KC-4). On the southern side of the Chickmosala ridge a broad zone of garnet
(almandine?) - sillimanite-biotite gneiss (often graphitic) is very observable and on
the northern side migmatised hornblende-biotite gneiss is the country rock which is
usually garnetiferous. Amidst the migmatite gneiss, as well as the sillimanite-biotite

12
 SRO_GSI_8990

gneiss concordant bands and pods (photo III) of garnetiferous amphibolite quite
common.

Garnetiferous-fuchsite-kyanite-sericite-quartz schist/quartzite occurs as a very

wide band in the Dodmosala ridge. Another major band of this rock is noticed in the
0 ꞌ " 0 ꞌ
ridge at 1.5 km north of Anomala (11 52 30 N:76 9 E). Besides these major
occurrences there are several rafts and enclaves of this rock seen with the migmatite
gneiss. At several places, as in the nala section 1 km south of the 4th milestone on the
road to Kymara, the rafts of kyanite-sericite quartz schist are discordant to the
gneissic foliation indicating, thereby, that the gneiss is younger than the meta-
sedimentary rocks.
0 ꞌ 0 ꞌ
In the SW corner of the state near Bavali (11 51 N:76 7 E) outcrops of gabbro
are met with. This body is the eastern extension of a large gabbro massif mapped
around Karthikulam in the adjoining part of Kerala. This gabbro is characterised by
the presence of both clino and ortho-pyroxenes and both have been uralitised (section
0 ꞌ " "
10 KV/80). SE of Golur (11 52 30 :76010ꞌ50 ) on the northern side of the Kabini,
occurs another gabbro body with minor gabbroic anorthosite patches. These are also
continuation of larger bodies of these rocks mapped on the southern side of the Kabini
in Kerala. The gabbro as well as gabbroic anorthosite show effects of Migmatisation
are also traversed by quartzofeldspathic veins. At about 3 km ENE of the
Chickmousala peak a peridotite body 50 m wide and 300 m long is traceable.

Bordering the Mysore-Manantoddi road between Chickbhairankuppo

0 ꞌ " 0 ꞌ "
(11 52 30 :76 8 30 ) and Golur, occurs a peculiar "Prophyrillic" rock (Photo IV &
IVA) consisting of 1 to 3 cm long subhedral, or elliptical porphyroclasts of pink K-
felspars set in a fine grained faintly foliated groundmass. These grains show
megatwinning. Under the microscope (Section KC 1) this rock is soon to be
composed of rounded. Porphyroclasts of felspars (perthite and microline) in a ground
mass of fine-grained quartz (showing undulose extinction), fine flakes of biotite
(altering to chlorite) arranged in a curvilinear fashion around the porphyroclasts; the
apatite and allanite showing a well developed reaction rim. The rock could be
designated as myloblastic or mylonitic gneiss. In this rock the proportion of pink K-
felspar increase southwards and finally near the Kabini it grades into pink coarse
grained hornblende biotite gneissic granite. It is probable that the myloblastic has
resulted from the cataclasis of the original gabbro body and alkali metasomatism
along this shear zone (Kabini shear). Ultramylonitisation of the country rock has lead
to the development of tachylite veins in this zone (Photo IVA).
0 ꞌ 0 "
In the northern part of the Kakankote area near Kymara (11 57 :76 7 ) pink
and grey, very coarse grained, (porphyritic, at places) potassic granite is exposed.

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Aplitic and pegmatitic variants are also noted, particularly along Sunkadakato-kymara
road. This granite appears to be intrusive into the migmatitic gneiss, for veins and
apophyses of this rock are observable at many places, particularly in the northern
reaches of Berle Hole Section.

All the rock types in this area are traversed by fine grained dolerite dykes.
Under the microscope it is seen to consist of fine grained aggregate of clino and
orthopyroxene, fine laths of plagioclase; sub-ophitic texture is also discernible.

STRUCTURE

The rocks have a general E-W strike near the state boundary and as we
proceed eastwards the strike changes to NE-SW and then to near N-S directions. It is
felt that the meta-sedimentary rocks and the migmatite have been cofolded on WNW-
ESE axis roughly coinciding with the Sutnala. The tachlite dykes and dyke lots are
usually highly fractured and crude "foliation" or parting parallel to that of the
metamorphics has been imparted to the dykes. This feature can be clearly observed in
a 15 cm wide sinuous dykelet traversing the mylonitic gneiss (Photo V) near
Anemala. There it can be presumed that the Kabini shear, which is a major penetrative
lineament has reactivated time and again.

In Kakankote area, no mineral of economic importance has been located

except for a few bands of banded magnetite quartzite as at Chickmosala betta and
0 ꞌ " 0 ꞌ "
around Anakallu thittu (11 56 30 :76 10 30 ).

IV. CONCLUSIONS
In the south western part of Mysore district adjoining Kerala (i.e. in the Nugu
Valley and the Kakankote Reserved Forest) amphibolite to lower granulite facies
psamo pelitic schists/gneiss and migmatitic gneiss, meta-ultramafites and
amphibolites are encountered. The meta-sedimentary sequences known in Karnataka
as the Sargur Complex and in Kerala as wynad Schist Complex are correlatable with
one another. As a matter of fact, the high grade supracrustal units mapped in Kerala
continue into the adjoining Kakankote Reserved Forest. The metamafites and meta-
ultramafites appears to be intrusive into the supracrustals. The migmatitic complex of
gneisses appears to be younger than the supracrustal sequence which occurs as
enclaves, rafts and pods of varying dimentions amidst the former.

Regarding minerals of economic importance in the mapped area, the limestone

occurrence in the eastern slopes of ∆ 3047ꞌ near Moleyur needs special mention.
Samples of serpentinite from Kandalike in Nugu Valley has been analysed for Ni and
Co and it is found to contain 3000 ppm Ni and 100 ppm cobalt. It is recommended
that detailed sampling of the serpentinite body should be carried out to determine its

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overall nickel content and identify, if any, concentrated nickeliferous zones occur
within it. The labrodorite bearing gneiss can be used as an ornamental stone.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We wish to thank Shri A.S. Ramiengar, than Director, Karnataka Circle (S),
GSI, Bangalore for rendering necessary help in the infant stage of the expedition
work. This work has carried out under the overall supervision and guidance of Shri
A.R. Gokul, Director-in-charge, Karnataka Circle, GSI. We are thankful to him for his
guidance in the field and for many useful suggestions in the preparations of this
report.

We are indebted to Shri K.S. Subramanian, Director, GSI, Kerala Circle,

Trivandrum for providing material support.

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REFERENCES
Jayaram B (1913) Report on the premilinary geological
survey of the south west corner of
Mysore district. Rec. Mys. Geol.
Dept. Vol. 13.
Nair, M.M. et al (1976) The structural and stratigraphic
relationship of the schistose rocks
and associated igneous rocks of the
Tollicherry-Manantody area, Kerala.
Ind. Mineralogist, Vol.16, pp 89-100.
Rama Rao B (1936) Recent studies on the Archaean
complex of Mysore. Presidential
Address Geol. Geog. Proc. Ind. Sci.
Congress.
Viswanatha M.N. & (1976) The Pre-Dharwar Supra-crustal rocks
Ramakrishnan M of Sargur schsit complex in southern
Karnataka and their Tectono-meta-
morphic significance, Indian
Mineralogist, Vol. 16, pp. 48-65.

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INDEX TO LOCALITIES

S. No. Location Latitude Longitude

1 Alaganji 11 55 15 76 24 45
2 Anakalluthittu 11 56 30 76 10 30
3 Ankupur 11 58 00 76 27 30
4 Badga 11 53 45 76 24 00
5 Bankchalli 11 53 30 76 28 30
6 Bavali 11 51 00 76 07 00
7 Chichkbhairankuppo 11 52 30 76 08 30
8 Dodbargi 11 50 00 76 26 15
9 Golur 11 52 30 76 10 50
10 Kandalike 11 53 05 76 25 10
11 Kymara 11 57 00 76 07 00
12 Moleyur 11 52 00 76 22 30
13 Muttige 11 52 30 76 25 30
14 Nanjadevarbetta 11 53 10 76 29 30

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APPENDIX-I
Semi-quantitative Spectrochemical Analysis of 2 rock samples from Nugu Valley

S. No. Lab. No. Sender's No. Cu Ni Co Ga V Cr La Y Nb Ce Zr Ba Sr Mo

1 277 (1) NH 44 20 150 30 20 250 100 ∠30 20 ∠10 ∠100 200 10 ∠ 300 20
2 277 (2) NH 46 5 3000 100 ∠5 20 3000 ∠30 ∠10 ∠10 ∠100 ∠20 20 ∠ 300 5

N.B :- 1) ∠ : less than

2) The values are given in ppm Analysts: 1) R. Aswathanarayana
3) The limit of detection for Co is 100 2) H.B. Das
ppm with the present arrangement of
analysis
4) The limit of detection for Sr is 300
ppm due to lack of sensitive plates
Sd/-
(P.D. MALHOTRA
DIRECTOR (GEOCHEMISTRY)

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LIST OF PLATES

Plate-I: Geological map of Nugu Valley (58 A/5) Scale 1:63,360)

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Plate-II: Geological map of Kakankote Reserved forest (58 A/1)

(Scale 1:63,360)
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA
GEOLOGICAL MAP OF A PART OF KAKANKOTE RESERVED FOREST,
MYOSRE DISTRICT, KARNATAKA

INDEX

Cataclasite/Mylonite

Pink-grey granite Gneiss

Hornblende-Biotite Gneiss (± Garnet)

Anorthositic Gabbro

Gabbro
Dunite – D
Ultramafics Pyroxenite-p

Banded Magnetite Quartzite

Amphibolite (± Garnet)
Kyanite-Sericite-Fuchsite-graphite-Quartz
Schist/Gneiss
Garnetiferous-Sillimanite-Biotite Gneiss
Minor fold axis
Strike and dip of foliation

Mapped by
V. Balachandran
Geol (Sr) Field Season 1979-80
A.R. Nambiar
Geol (Jr)
K.S. Adiga
GSI KTA D.O. No 6/82
G.S. Vedavyas Geol (Jr)
Chandrashekar
Asst Geol

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