A GEOLOGICAL FIELD REPORT ON

SITAPAHAR ANTICLINE STRUCTURE,

RANGAMATI, CHITTAGONG
Course Name : Geological Field Mapping - II
Course No: GS- 314F

Submitted To Submitted By
Dr. Md. Sakawat Hossain (Professor) Shahanaj Parvin
Md. Sakaouth Hossain (Associate Roll: 305
Preoffesor) Exam Roll: 191274
Department of Geological Sciences, Reg no: 20190548565
Jahangirnagar University Session : 2018-2019

Savar , Dhaka 1342.

DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES,

JAHANGIRNAGAR UNIVERSITY
Savar , Dhaka - 1342
ABSTRACT
Fieldwork is both an important part of our academic studies and one of the most important parts
of geological study because theoretical research cannot be accomplished without it. For in-depth
understanding of the Earth's geological features and components through application, fieldwork
is essential. As a third year student of Geological Sciences, we need to help the field or practical
experiences about the rock type as well as structure for which we need to go to the real field to
see a rock in the real world and write it down. That’s why we have to participate in a field
work.The Ghagra-Rangamati Road-cut Section, Rangamati, Chittagong, which is a component of
the Sitapahar Anticline, was the entire fieldwork which research as our 3rd year students
(Session 18-19), Department of Geological Sciences, Jahangirnagar University.
We use Traverse Method to acquire field data in addition different kind of field equipments. In
addition we use Sieve Analysis Method to study the grain size analysis. We have found one
major structure which is Sitapahar Anticline. This anticline may be found in Bangladesh's south-
eastern region, and the surroundings around it are characterized by a number of parallel ranges of
hills that are oriented NNW-SSE. In the Mio-Pliocene, compressional pressures created the Indo-
Burman Folded Belt of Bengal Foredeep, which is what they are. The eastern flank of Sitapahar
anticline is steeper than western flank, which indicates that this fold is an asymmetrical anticline.
The common sedimentary structures that were found in the studied area are lenticular and wavy
bedding, flaser bedding, cross bedding, nodular structure, trough cross lamination, micro cross
lamination etc. The area is somewhat disturbed by numerous faults and joints due to high
tectonic disturbance. Sitapahar Structure is composed entirely of sedimentary rocks essentially of
sandstone, shale, sandy shale & their various alternations. We also have identified four
stratigraphic units. These are unit D: (Moderately compact yellowish-brown sandstone with
clay galls) unit C: (Moderately compact yellowish brown sandstone) unit B: (Sandy/silty
Shale with calcareous sandstone layers) and unit A: (Bluish Shale). Unit A is oldest and unit
D is youngest rock. We have analysis the grain size of unit B, unit C and unit D . These four rock
units are correlated with Bhuban Formation , Boka Bil Formation , Tipam Sandstone
Formation and Dupi Tila Formation respectively . Among these functions Bhuban Formation
is oldest. Geologically and economically the area has a great importance and also for tourism and
the area may play an important role in the national economic of the country. Concretion and hard
sandstone are locally used as construction materials.

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Table of Contents
Chapter One: Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 5
CHAPTER 1- INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 6
1.1 Location and Extent: ....................................................................................................................... 6
1.2. Accessibility ................................................................................................................................... 8
1.3. Physiography .................................................................................................................................. 8
1.4 Regional Geology and Tectonics: .................................................................................................. 10
1.5. Previous Investigations ................................................................................................................ 16
1.6. Purpose and Scope of Investigation............................................................................................. 18
1.7.Methods and Equipments Used in the Field ................................................................................. 19
CHAPTER 2: SEDIMENTOLOGY .................................................................................................................... 21
2.1. Lithology ....................................................................................................................................... 22
2.1.2. Sandstone and Shale Alternation: ............................................................................................ 24
2.1.3 Sandstone:- ................................................................................................................................ 24
2.2.Sedeimentary Structures .................................................................................................................. 26
2.3 Grain size Analysis ............................................................................................................................. 29
2.4 Special Feature .................................................................................................................................. 41
CHAPTER 3: TECTONIC STRUCTURES .......................................................................................................... 43
3.1 Major Structure: ................................................................................................................................ 44
3.2 Minor Structure: ............................................................................................................................... 46
CHAPTER 4: STRATIGRAPHY ........................................................................................................................ 50
4.1. Stratigraphy of Individual Section .................................................................................................... 51
4.2 Correlation with Regional Stratigraphy: ........................................................................................... 52
CHAPTER 5: ECONOMIC GEOLOGY ............................................................................................................. 55
Chapter 6. Conclusions ............................................................................................................................... 56
Chapter 7. Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................... 57
Chapter 8. References ................................................................................................................................. 58

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List of Figures:
Figure 1: Location map of Rangamati district. [Banglapedia]……………………………………07
Figure 2: Physiographic units of Bangladesh (Reimann,1993) …………………………………..09
Figure 3: a. Location of the Bengle…………………………………………………………...…..11
Figure 4: Tctonic map of Bangladesh and Adjoining Areas (Reimann, 1993 ; Guha , 1978 ; GSB
,1990)……………………………………………………………………………………...……..13
Fig 5:Nodular Shale…………………………………………………………………………..….23

Figure 6: Fissile Shale……………………………………………………………………..…….. 23

Figure 7: Wavy Sandy Shale and Lenticular Sandy Shale………………………………….…..24

Fig 8: Sandstone and Shale Alternation…………………………………………………..………24

Figure 9: Loosely Compacted Yellowish Brown Sandstone…………………………….………25

Figure 10: Moderately compacted sandstone………………………………………………...….25

Figure 11: Nodular structure in Unit A…………………………………………………………..26
Figure 12: Wavy Bedding in unit B……………………………………………...……………….27
Figure 13: Lenticular Bedding…………………………………………………………..………..27

Figure 14: Trough Cross Bedding…………………………………………………………..…….28

Figure 15: Clay Gall in unit D…………………………………………………………….………41

Figure 16: Bioturbation in unit A………………………………………………………...……….42
Figure 17: Lockeia in unit B…………………………………...…………………………………42
Figure 18: Fold/ Multiphase deformation………………………………………………...………45
Figure 19: Cross section of Sitapahar Anticline…………………………………………………..46
Figure 20: Joint Set in unit A …………………………………………………………………..…47

Figure 21: Cleavage Plane in unit A ……………………………………………………………...47

Figure 22: Dragging effect in unit B ……………………………………………………………..48

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Figure 23: Local Unconformity in unit C…………………………………………………………49

Figure 24: Ductile shear Deformation…………………………………………………...……….49

Figure 25 :Fault breccia in unit B…………………………………………………...……………50

List of Table:
Table 1: Tectonic Division of Bangladesh……………………………………………………………..……………………15
Table 2: Equipment’s used in the field………………………………………………………………….…………………..20
Table 3: M values……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……...30
Table 4: D values………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………30
Table 5: S values……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….31
Table 6: K values……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….32
Table 07: Different Grain Size Analysis-1……………………………………………………………………..…………...33
Table 08: Different Grain Size Analysis-2……………………………………………………………………………..…...35
Table 09: Different Grain Size Analysis-3……………………………………………………………………………………38
Table 10: The stratigraphic succession of the Ghagra-Rangamati road cut section……………..……..52
Table 11: Stratigraphic correlation of Rock units of Sitapahar anticline, Bangladesh & Assam, India
(Evans, 1932) …………….………………………………………………………………..…………………………………….…… 53

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 Chapter One: Introduction
1.1. Location and extent
1.2. Accessibility
1.3. Physiography
1.4. Regional Geology and tectonics
1.5. Previous Investigations
1.6. Purpose and Scope of Investigation
1.7. Methods and Equipments used in the Field

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CHAPTER 1- INTRODUCTION

The core idea of Earth Science, which is the subject that has received the most attention, is
geology. Fieldwork is a crucial component of geology since it gives a lot of information about the
Earth, its evolution, and the history of life. Hence, if we want to learn more about geology,
fieldwork is absolutely necessary. For this reason, from 3rd March to 10th March 2023, we, the
third-year honors students at Jahangirnagar University's Department of Geological Sciences,
conducted a geological fieldwork. This research was carried out in the "Sitapahar Anticline,"
which is a hilly terrain in the Rangamati-Kaptai district of Chittagong. This anticlinal line is
currently trending NNW-SSE.
This field report includes the geology of Sitapahar structure at Rangamati hilly region on the basis
of field data and samples collected from the whole fieldwork. Sitapahar structure situated in the
Rangamati district that is located in the southeastern part of Bangladesh is one of the prominent
practically observable areas of our country due to the great supply of exposures. The hilly parts of
Rangamati district provide good exposures of rocks and mostly are formations of Tertiary and
Quaternary age. In the investigated area, huge thickness of clastic sedimentary rock is well exposed
which offers an excellent opportunity to carry out a geological course and we made it possible. In
Bangladesh the Folded Belt has been divided into eastern, middle and western zones (Bakhtine,
1966 and Guha ,1978). The investigated “Sitapahar structure” is part of the middle zone of CTFB.
It is the southward extension of the Assam Himalaya or Eastward extension of Arakan-Yoma
ranges (Hamid ,1989). Neotectonic activities have also been taking place in the region to develop
the major structures.
The report deals with mainly with the result of field data, grain size analysis & collected samples
from different section of Rangamati hill tracts area to describe lithology, stratigraphy, structure,
stratigraphy & mineral of economic importance.

1.1 Location and Extent:

The field work was done at Sitapahar structure of Rangamati-Kaptai hilly Region which is situated
in the southeastern part of Bangladesh. Rangamati is situated about 250 km southeast of Dhaka
city and 72 km southeast of Chittagong city at road distance. Sitapahar structure lies along
Chittagong-Rangamati metalized road at Rangamati district of Chittagong Hill tracts. The structure
is about 70 km (N-S) long and 12 km (E-W) wide and covers about 550sq km of Rangamati district.

The investigated area lies between-

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Latitude: 22° 35′ N to 22o 40′ N and

Longitude: 92° 4′ E to 92° 9′ E

and the investigation has done in only one section of Sitapahar structure and it is called
Ghagra- Rangamati Road-cut section. The exposure of this area is easily accessible by
bus, tracks and on foot.

Figure 1: Location map of Rangamati district. [Banglapedia]

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1.2. Accessibility
The Rangamati town is well connected with Dhaka, the -capital City of Bangladesh by road,
Maghachari Ghagra-Rangamati Road cut section and Chandraghona Kaptai road cut section, the
investigated area is connected with Rangamati and Dhaka by metal road. It used to be tough to
interact with Rangamati since it is one of the hilly districts, but today it is simple. Initially, from
Jahangirnagar University, we took a bus to the Komolapur train station. Next we took the train to
Chittagong, and from there we took the bus once more to get to Rangamati, where our base camp
was. We have worked in the Ghagra-Rangamati Road-cut Section, which is simple to get to
because it is connected to our base camp by a metalled road. Hence, we took a minibus to get to
the area we were investigating.

1.3. Physiography
Physiography describes the earth’s surface. This includes (Mountains and Valleys , their shape and
steepness) ,the way rivers flow across the land and way in which the land erodes. Geographers
recognize physiographic provinces based on the shaoe on the land. Physiography can be described
as the physical and biological features of an area. Physical features mean topography, relief,
drainage, climate etc. Biological features mean vegetation, cultivation, wildlife, population etc.
Physiographically Sitapahar Structure lies on the hilly region basis of structure, topography and
rock type. This region is highly designated by valley with parallel ridges, the ridges are parallel to
the regional structure of Chittagong hill range trending NNW-SSE.

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Figure 2: Physiographic units of Bangladesh (Reimann,1993).

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Riemann (1993) has subdivided Bangladesh into nine sub-division. According to this, the study
area is situated in Chittagong hill tract. Numerous streams and streamlets are present in the
Rangamati Hill Range. Locally, these streams are called charra. Length of these streams are
ranging from few meters to kilometers. The streams within the area are mostly seasonal,
intermittent and perennial in nature. In general, the drainage of Rangamati Hill Range is dendritic
pattern. The area can be characterized by tropical to sub-tropical climatic condition.

1.4 Regional Geology and Tectonics:

The word tectonic refers to the role of plate movement. Plate tectonics play the most
important role in the geologic development of an area.
The Bengal Basin is the northeastern part of Indian subcontinent bounded by the
Precambrian Indian Shield platform in the west, the Precambrian Shillong Plateau in the
north, Indo-Burman Ranges to the east and on the South. It is plunges into the Bay of
Bengal. The dynamic nature of this basin can be attributed to the interaction of three
plates, namely the Indian, Tibetan and Burma plates. The tectonic collision of Indian plate
on the south with the Eurasian continent to the north and with the Burmese plate to the
east in the late Paleogene about 40 million years ago. The surface of the Bangladesh is
almost completely covered by sediment of Quaternary age. (Brunnschweiler, 1974)
Regionally Bangladesh has been broadly divided into three parts based on its tectonic
settings. They are:

(1) The Shelf Zone;

(2) The Hinge Zone &
(3) The Bengal Foredeep zone

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Figure 3: a. Location of the Bengle Basin in the context of the Indian, Tibetan and Burmese Plates
b. Map shows tectonic elements of the Bangle Basin and location of the study area (modified after
Alam et al. , 2003)

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(1)The Shelf Zone:
The part of a stable area of sedimentation where it was boarded by more subsiding, more mobile
basin of sedimentation, generally a geosyncline. The shelf zone occupies the northwestern part of
Bangladesh and is composed of the subsided Precambrian Indian platform. The Shelf zone has
been divided into three parts. They are:

(a) The Rangpur Saddle

(b) The Dinajpur Slope &

(c) The Bogra Slope. (Hossain, 1986)

(a)The Rangpur Saddle: The Rangpur saddle a faulted area that is a possible
connection of structural between the Indian platform and The Shillong Massif of North-
eastern India and the basement core of which is overlain by as little as 422 ft (129m) of
Phanerozoic rocks.
(b)The Dinajpur Slope: The Dinajpur slope where rocks of Phanerozoic age overlie the
Precambrian basement complex, dip northward and thicken toward the Himalayan
foredeep.
(c) The Bogra Slope: The Bogra slope containing rocks of Phanerozoic age that dip
gently to the southeast and also thicken in that direction.
(U.S. Department of Interior Geological Survey; 1981)

(2) The Hinge Zone:

The hinge zone is a narrow strip of about 25 km wide, acomplex transitional zone, which separates
the Bengal fore deep from the shelf zone. It is characterized by the change in dip of the basement
rocks associated with deep seated displacements in faults and marked by gravity and magnetic
anomalies. It trends approximately N30oE along the Calcutta Pabna Mymensingh gravity high and
extends up to the western tip of Dauki fault. (International Atomic Energy Agency & U.N
Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization)

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(3) The Bengal Foredeep zone:
Bengal foredeep occupies the vast area between Hinge line and Arakan Yoma folded system and
plays the most important role in the tectonic history of the Bengal basin. Bengal foredeep can be
subdivided into two major regions. They are:
(a) Western Platform Flank
(b) Eastern Folded Flank

Figure 4: Tctonic map of Bangladesh and Adjoining Areas (Reimann, 1993 ; Guha , 1978 ; GSB
,1990)

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(a) Western Platform Flank: The western folded flank can be subdivided into-

(I)Faridpur trough;

(II) Barisal-Chandpur High;

(III) Hatiya Trough;

(IV) Madhupur-Tripura Thresold &

(V) Sylhet Trough

(I) Faridpur trough: Faridpur Trough is situated adjacent to the hinge zone is characterized by a
general gravity low with development of Neogene sequence.
(II) Barisal-Chandpur High: Barisal-Chandpur high is interpreted as a gravity and magnetic
anomaly caused by a magnetic body of great depth. This zone is located between Faridpur Trough
and Hatiya Trough of the Bengal foredeep. The width of the zone is about 60 km and apparently
corresponds to an uplift of the sedimentary cover. PATHARGHATA, MULADI, CHANPUR,
LAKSMIPUR, MUNSHIGAN, DAUDKANDI are the main anticlinal structures of this zone.
(III) Hatiya Trough: Hatiya Trough east of this zone is the deepest trough of Bengal Basin which
opens southwards to the Bay of Bengal. The sedimentary sequence is over 20 km thick here.
(IV) Madhupur-Tripura Thresold: Madhupur high the area represents an undulated topography
slightly elevated from the adjacent active floodplain at Madhupur. Tectonic disturbances can easily
be observed where Dupi Tila sand is exposed under the Madhupur formation. Numerous low lakes
caused by subsidence compensatory to the elevation of the Madhupur Tract. Some Authors believe
that the upliftment of Madhupur Tract resulted by the diversion of the Brahmaputra River.
(V) Sylhet Trough: Sylhet Trough is situated on the southern side of the Shillong Massif and
corresponds to the vast low lands of Surma valley with numerous swamps, where absolute
elevation marks below the sea level.

(b) Eastern Folded Flank: Folded Belt represents the most prominent tectonic element of
Bengal Foredeep with general sub-meridional trending hills parallel to Arakan-Yoma folded
system. It extends within Bangladesh for 450 km (N-S) and about 150 km wide covering an area

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of 35,000 on the shore area. Folds are characterized by ridge forming, box-like in cross section,
high amplitudes with variable width. The elevation of these anticlinal fold ranges in Bangladesh
from 100-1,000m. These structures are faulted and thrusted and the intensity of folding increases
gradually from west to east. (Banglapedia)

From the above discussion, it is observed that the relative movement of the Indian & Burmese
plate has developed the maim east west compression in the region. The Burmese plate being
override the Indian plate has been serving as the main pushing agent. Studies shows that of Eastern
Folded Flank has the intensity of deformation and folding is higher in the east than the west. Due
to structural peculiarities of this folded flank, it can be sub-divided into the three following tectonic
zones:
(I) The Western Zone: The quietest zone of box like structures, which indicates that this folding
is not yet accomplish. This zone includes Dakhin Nhila, Inani, Sitakund, Maheshkhali, St.
Martin’s, Jaldi and Walataung.
(II) The Middle Zone: More disturbed, predominantly asymmetrical middle zone of the Eastern
Folded Flank includes Matamuhuri, Bandarban, Gilasari, Sitapahar and Kasalong structure.
(III) The Eastern zone: This zone includes narrow, elongated ridge shape and tightly folded
structures like Mowdak, Borcal, Uttar Chattra and Shisok. (Nafisa T. Dina, 13) The present study
area, Sitapahar Structure lies in the middle zone (II) of Chittagong Hill Tracts within the folded
part (Eastern Folded Flank) of the Bengal Foredeep in the Bengal Basin.

Table 1: Tectonic Division of Bangladesh

Rangpur Saddle
Shelf Zone
Dinajpur Slope
Bogra Slope
Hinge Zone
Faridpur trough
Barisal – Chandpur High
Western Folded Flank Hatiya Trough
Folded Flank Madhupur- Tripura Thresold
Sylhet Trough
Western Zone
Eastern Folded Flank Middle Zone
Eastern Zone

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Tectonic Setting of the Study Area
Our study area Sitapahar Structure is situated within the middle asymmetric thrust faulted zone of
the Chittagong-Tripura Fold Belt (CTFB) and immediate west of the Indo-Burmese deformation
front. This fold belt of the Bengal Basin along with more easternly Indo-Burman range (IBR)
developed as a consequence of the oblique collision between Indian and Burmese Plates. This
asymmetrical anticline trend generally NNW-SSE and plunging in nature have been the Steeper
Western Flank and gentler Eastern Flank which are resulted from east-west compression due to
relative plate motion where Burmese plate overridden by the Indian Plate.

1.5. Previous Investigations

For the presence of natural exposure and possibility of hydrocarbon presence this area has been
interesting to geologists since 19th century. A large number of investigations have been performed
by different organizations and agencies throughout the Bengal Basin Stratigraphy and Plate
tectonic evolution area in order to find out economically important geological elements and also
to know the geology of the area. The area was first systematically mapped by the Indian Geological
survey in 1937. But later, the Sitapahar anticline attracted many Geologists since the beginning of
the century.

 After the Second World War, the Burma Oil Company had carried out a quick reconnaissance
survey of the entire folded belt of the eastern part of Bangladesh and made a preliminary map of
the Sitapahar Anticline.

 In the early sixties the OGDC made several traverses across the Sitapahar Anticline along the
several streams or road tracts.

 Brunnschweiler reported on the geology of the Indo-Burman Ranges in1966.

 N.A parker of the U.S geological survey and M.A Maroof Khan of the Geological survey of
Pakistan carried out a geological investigation in 1969 along the Chandraghona- Kaptai road cut
section for the collection of clay to test their suitability as a raw material for light material for
weight aggregates.

 Brunnschweiler reported on Indo-Burman Ranges, Mesozoic-Cenozoic Orogenic Belts in 1974.

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 Rao describe the Geology and Hydrocarbon potential of a part of AssamArakan Basin and its
adjoining region in 1983.

 In 1988 Shell Oil Company attempted to drill a deep exploration well on the Sitapahar anticline.
This was abandoned at a depth of1377m. Prior to the drilling shell attempted to interpret the
subsurface structural configuration with seismic survey.

 Everett, Orville and Staskowski reported on Regional tectonics of Myanmar and adjacent region
in 1989.

 Alam reported on Tide dominated sed imentation in the upper Tertiary succession of Sitapahar
Anticline in 1995.

 Alam and Ferdous describe the lithofacies analysis and depositional environment of the Upper
Tertiary sandstone formation in the Sitapahar Anticline in 1995.

 M. Mustafa Alam and M.H. Shaheed Ferdous published a report on “Neogene clastic succession
of the Sitapahar anticline in south eastern Bangladesh: an example of marine – continental
transgression” in 1995. They also analyze the lithofacies and depositional environment of the
upper Tertiary in the Sitapahar anticline and published a report in 1995.

 Dasgupta, S. and Nandy, D.R. reported on Geological framework of the Indo–Burmese

convergent margin with special reference to ophiolitic emplacement in 1995.

 M. Mustafa Alam and S.M Rezaul Karim published a report on “Facies and environmental
analysis of the Neogene clastic succession in the Mirinja Anticline, folded belt, Bengal Basin,
Bangladesh” in 1997. A.M. Sikder (1998) attempted to detailed photo geological interpretation of
some of the anticlinal structures including Sitapahar.

 An article was published by S.H. Akter et al. (1998) and for the first time, documents Bouma
Sequence in the basal part of the Surma group exposed in the axial region of Sitapahar anticline
indication of deep water origin of this sediment.

 Sikder noted on the Tectonic evolution of Eastern Fold Belt of Bengal Basin in his PhD Thesis
in 1998.

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 M. Royhan Gani, M. Mustafa Alam published a paper on Trench-slope controlled deepsea
clastics in the exposed lower Surma Group in the southeastern fold belt of the Bengal Basin,
Bangladesh in 1999.

 Gani reported on Depositional history of the Neogene succession exposed in the southeastern
fold belt of the Bengal Basin Bangladesh in his M.Sc. Thesis in 1999.

 Uddin and Uddin describe the stratigraphy of Chittagong Hill Tracts in 2001.

 Sikder and Alam reported 2-D modeling of the Anticlinal structure and structural development
of the Eastern Fold Belt of Bengal Basin in 2003.

 M. Royhan Gani, M. Mustafa Alam published a paper on Sedimentation and basin-fill history
of the Neogene clastic succession exposed in the southeastern fold belt of the Bengal Basin,
Bangladesh: a high-resolution sequence stratigraphic approach in 2003.

1.6. Purpose and Scope of Investigation

Being a geology student, it is crucial to complete fieldwork in order to compile practical knowledge
of geology in an organized manner. This report focuses primarily on the field's geological aspects,
which are based on the physiography, regional geology, petrology, sedimentology, and structural
analysis of the Sitapahar Structure. The specific objective of this fieldwork is:

 Researching the nature of sedimentary rocks and the state of deposition.

 Preparing the map and convert the field map into a geological map.

 Understanding the structure, stratigraphy, and petrography of the area being researched.

 Systematically gathering the samples.

 Correlating the local section with standard geologic column.

 To establish the geological and depositional history of the area under study.

 Increasing the scope of geology knowledge.

 Knowing the economic value of the studied rock samples.

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The report includes an overview of the subject under investigation. The geological study, which

contains a significant amount of geological evidence, and this Field report may be helpful for the

further investigation of this area. Because this area of Bangladesh is so important, there is a vast

opportunity for further study.

1.7.Methods and Equipments Used in the Field

Mainly two methods have used in the field-

1. Traverse Method and

2. Sieve Analysis Method

 The survey is conducted using the traversing and spot locating methods along the areas

with the best exposure. It is known as traversing to split an area into numerous stations and

measure the distance between them by adding up the number of steps.

 The clinometer is used to measure the bed's attitude, data is extracted from a suitable rock

exposure, and the exposures are appropriately photographed. We also observed the

lithology, petrology, and structural characteristics of the next exposure and followed our

honorable teacher's instructions regarding the rock materials.

 A base map with the scale of R.F. 1:25000 was also supplied to us prior to the fieldwork,

in the field we measure the attitude and latitude longitude of the exposure and put them on

the base map.

 After completion of the fieldwork, the samples were taken and tested in the lab for grain

size analysis. The results of this examination are utilized to characterize the petrography

and depositional history.

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 Table 2: Equipment’s used in the field

Equipments Uses
1.Base map Used to locate observed information on the base map
2.Clinometer Used to measure attitude of the bed.
3.Pocket lens Used to observe the texture of rocks and sediments.
4.Note book Used to note down data and other features.
5.Haversack Used to carry all the equipment.
6.Hammer Used to collect sample and find out the other sedimentary structure.
7.Water bottle Used to carry water to drink.
8.Dilute HCl (1m) Used to identify the cementing material of the rocks whether it is
calcareous or not.
9.Sample bag, Tag Used to collect sample.
& rubber band
10. GPS Used to measure the latitude and longitude of any place at any time.
11.First aid box Used to protect from any initial infection.
12. Camera Used to take photographs of important features.
13. Sunglass Used to protect eyes from dust and from heavy sunlight.
14. Permanent Used to write down the information about the sample on the bag for
marker pen, tags laboratory analysis.
and rubber band
15. Clip board Used to hold the base map in proper position and took support for
necessary drawing.
16. Others Torch light, pocket knife, glass plate, cup, spoon, scale, pen, pencil,
eraser, sharpener, water bottle is used in the field.

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 CHAPTER 2: SEDIMENTOLOGY

2.1 Lithology

2.2 Sedimentary Structures

2.3 Grain size Analysis

2.4 Special Feature

SEDIMENTOLOGY
Sedimentology is a branch of science that studies sedimentary rocks' physical and chemical
characteristics as well as the processes that led to their development, such as the movement,
deposition, and lithification (conversion of sediments into rocks). Interpreting ancient
environmental conditions in sediment source areas and depositional sites is a major goal of
sedimentological research. Sedimentologists investigate the components, structures, textures, and
fossil content of deposits formed in various geographic contexts. They can distinguish between
continental, littoral, and marine deposits in the geologic record using these techniques.

Studied Section:
Our fieldwork was carried only the area where the exposures were well found. The study area was
observed through only one section named Ghagra-Rangamati Road-cut Section.

Ghagra-Rangamati Road-cut Section:

We investigated at only one section that is Ghagra-Rangamati road-cut section along the both sides
of the road exposures. The section is almost 16km away from our base camp. The length of the
section is about 13-14 km. We have worked at this section to find maximum variation due to it’s
cross orientation with the road.
The geographic position of the section-

Page | 21
Latitude: 22°35'N- 22°40'N
Longitude: 92°4'E - 92°9'E
We used a bus to travel to this portion, which was easily accessible through a metaled road. A
steep terrain with erratic topography makes up the investigation area. They are distinguished by
their abundance of hillocks, spurs, ridges, and valleys. Valleys and parallel ridges are prominent
geographic features in this area. The ridges run parallel to the Chittagong Hill Range's regional
structure, which has a NNW-SSE direction.

2.1. Lithology
Based on the analysis of color, texture, composition, and sedimentary structure of the rocks, two
major lithology were identified on the Rangamati Hill range area and these are as follows:

 Shale
 Alteration of Sandstone and Shale
 Sandstone

Shale
Shale is a fine grained siliciclastic sedimentary rock with lamination. The variations in shale
that we have found nodular bluish shale in investigated area . This rock is grey in color, nodular
structure and fissile nature is present, bedded form. The cementing metarial is argillaceous.
Bioturbation is present as well as flaser bedding wavy bedding etc were found in shale. This is
the oldest unit and found only on axial zone. From location 11-13 (Day- 1) & location 1-2
(day-2) . We got this type rock, it’s a part of Bhuban formation and it’s the oldest unit of studied
area. Below the shale rock type such as

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2.1.1.a) Nodular Shale:
Gray in color, this is the round to elliptical body of shale. Formed due to water escape from the
shale. Basically composed of mud but few proportion of silt may also be Present.

Fig 5:Nodular Shale

2.1.1.b) Fissile Shale:

Bluish gray to gray in color, non-porous, non-friable, well exhibit lamination show with numerous
cracks and fractures. These cracks and fractures are formed due compressive force.

Figure 6: Fissile Shale

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2.1.1.c) Lenticular, Flaser and Wavy Sandy Shale:
In wavy bedded facies sand and shale has same proportion; In Flaser bedded facies sand is
prominent than shale; Lenticular bedded facies has sand lens present in between mud.

Figure 7: Wavy Sandy Shale and Lenticular Sandy Shale

2.1.2. Sandstone and Shale Alternation:

the investigated area, we found shale with interlaying of sandstone. It is gray in color, fine to
medium grain size, highly compacted and highly permeable. It shows ripple cross-lamination,
cross lamination and wavy, lenticular, flaser bedding are also present within this rock type.
Calcareous sand bent found in this type rock. From Location 6-10 [Day-01]& Location 3-5
[Day-02] we found this alternation of sandstone and shale, this is part of Boka Bil Formation.

Fig 8: Sandstone and Shale Alternatio

2.1.3 Sandstone:-
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock that composed of sand sized mineral particles or rock fragments.
The variations in sandstone that we have found in the investigated area are described below

a) Loosely Compacted Yellowish Brown Sandstone.

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b) Moderately compacted sandstone.
a. Loosely Compacted Yellowish Brown Sandstone: Yellowish brown in color, fine to
edium grain size, loose and friable, highly permeable. The cementing material is
ferruginous. It nagsive structure mainly, but cross lamination, cross bedding and trough
cross bedding also found within this rock type. Clay layer and clay gall are also present.
This is the unit D, the youngest unit of the studied area, part of the Dupi Tila Formation.
From locations 1-3 [Day-1] & Location 9-10[Day-2]. we found this type sandstone.

Figure 9: Loosely Compacted Yellowish Brown Sandstone

b. Moderately compacted sandstone:- yellowish brown sandstone Medium to coarser

grain size, me cobble Peebles found in sandstone. Moderately compacted and permeable.
Thick bedded shale, undulate wavy bedding, etc structure was found. Crust braccia, shiny
appearance of shale, and beds were randomly oriented in the fault zone. This is unit C,part
of Tipam formation. From Location 4-5[Day-1] and 6-8[Day-2] we found this type of
sandstone. Here also found Multiphase Deformation Feature.

Figure 10: Moderately compacted sandstone

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2.2.Sedeimentary Structures
Sedimentary Structures are large scale features produced within a depositional environment during
or no longer after deposition. Sedimentary structures include all kinds of features formed at the
time of deposition. Sediments and sedimentary rocks are characterized by bedding, which occurs
when layers of sediment, with different particle sizes are deposited on top of each other. These
beds range from millimeters to centimeters thick and can even go to meters or multiple meters
thick. Structures that are produced at the same time as the sedimentary rock in which they occur
are called primary sedimentary structures. Examples include bedding or stratification, graded
bedding, and cross-bedding. Whereas other sedimentary structures like concretions form well after
deposition and penecontemporaneous modification are known as secondary structures. Based on
our field observation we found primary sedimentary structures such as Lenticular Bedding,
Nodular Structure, Cross Bedding, Wavy Bedding, Trough Cross Bedding etc. We also observed
secondary structures like iron concretions.
1. Nodular Structure: Nodular is used to describe sediment or sedimentary rock
composed of scattered to loosely packed nodules in matrix of like or unlike character. It
is also used to describe mineral aggregates that occur in the form of nodules. We found
this structure only in Bluish gray shale and it was the fundamental structure of that rock
type.

Figure 11 : Nodular structure in Unit A

Page | 26
2.Wavy Bedding: Wavy bedding is a form of heterolithic sediment characterized by interbedded
rippled sands and mud layers. Based on our observation, wavy bedding was found in both bluish
gray shale and sandy shale.

Figure 12 : Wavy Bedding in unit B

3.Lenticular Bedding: Lenticular Bedding is a structure formed by interbedded mud and ripple
cross laminated sand in which the ripples or sand lenses are discontinuous and isolated in both a
vertical and a horizontal direction. We also observed this structure in Sandy Shale and Bluish Gray
Shale.

Figure 13: Lenticular Bedding

Page | 27
4. Flaser Bedding: Flaser beds are a sedimentary, bi-directional, bedding pattern created when a
sediment is exposed to intermittent flows, leading to alternating sand and mud layers. While flaser
beds typically form in tidal environments, they can (rarely) form in fluvial conditions - on point
bars or in ephemeral streams. We observed this structure in Sandy Shale.

5. Tabular Cross Bedding: Tabular (planar) cross-beds consist of cross-bedded units that are
large in horizontal extent relative to set thickness and that have essentially planar bounding
surfaces. Tabular crossbedding is formed mainly by migration of large-scale, straight- crested
ripples and dunes. It forms during lower-flow regimes.

6. Trough Cross Bedding: Trough cross bedding consists of cross bedded units in which one or
both bounding surfaces are curved. The units are trough shaped sets consisting of an elongate scour
filled with curved fore set laminae that commonly have a tangential relationship to the base of the
set. This structure was observed in Yellowish Brown Sandstone.

Figure 14: Trough Cross Bedding

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2.3 Grain size Analysis
Grain size analysis is a typical laboratory test conducted in the soil mechanics field. The purpose
of the analysis is to derive the particle size distribution of soils.

For this purpose of work is to examine the exposed sedimentary rocks, mainly loose and compacted
sandstone and interpret the lithological characteristics. There are several types of method is for
grain size analysis, like settling velocity, microscopic method, sieve analysis. Due to limiting scope
mainly sieve analysis is used for grain size analysis.

Sieve Analysis: For sieve analysis the following parameter is used:

(a) Cumulative Curve: Painted on logarithmic graph paper with ordinate representing weight
percentage and abscissa representing equivalent grade size.
(b) Histogram: A block diagram that shows the proportion of grains in each size range that
are present in sediment.
(c) Grain Size parameter: Different statistical perimeters were calculated from cumulative
curve according to Folk and ward methods (1968). The parameters are:

(I) Graphic Mean (M): Approximation of arithmetic mean of the selected percentile

values.

Page | 29
 Table 3: M values-

Graphic Standard Deviation, or (II) (Sorting) D: Sorting refers to the differentiation of

dispersion, character, shape, facies, and size from a heterogeneous mixture.

Table 4: D values-

(III) Skewness (S): Determine whether the coarser material exceeds the finer
material or finer material exceeds the coarser materials. Skewness reflects
sorting in the tails of the grain size population. Tail have excess finer material

Page | 30
called positively skewed, tails have excess coarser materials called negatively
skewed.

Table 5: S values-

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IV) Kurtosis (K): Measures the ratio between sorting in the tails and sorting in the
central position. If sorting is better in the central position called leptokurtic. If
sorting is better in the tails called platykurtic.

Table 6: K values-

Sieve Analysis: Ghagra-Rangamati Road Cut Section:

Data Table and Calculation
Sample no: 02
Location no : 5
Location: Ghaghra Rangamati Road Cut Section
Unit : B
Date: 06.02.2023
Rock type: Sandstone

Page | 32
Table 07: Different Grain Size Analysis-1

Grain Size (d) ɸ Size (log Raw Data Weight Cumulative

(mm) 2d) weight Percentage Weight
(gm) Percentage
2 -1 13.82 13.889 13.88
1 0 9.03 9.075 22.96
0.5 1 11.6 11.658 34.62
0.25 2 9.79 9.839 44.46
0.125 3 42.49 42.703 87.16
0.063 4 10.83 10.884 98.05
<0.063 >4 1.94 1.949 100
Total 99.5 100

Page | 33
Input ᶲ (Phi) value from the graph paper

% value Phi value

ɸ05 0
ɸ16 -0.7
ɸ25 0.2
ɸ50 2.12
ɸ75 2.62
ɸ84 2.88
ɸ95 3.58

Page | 34
Result:

Type Result Comments

Graphic
1.433333333 Medium sand
Mean

Graphic very poorly

1.437
Standard sorted

Strongly
Graphic
-0.379 Negative
Skewness
skewed
very
Kurtosis 0.606
platykurtic

Data Table and Calculation

Sample no: 03
Location no : 8
Unit : C
Date: 06.02.2023
Rock type: Sandstone
Table 08: Different Grain Size Analysis-2

Mash Size (d) ɸ Size (log Raw Data Weight Cumulative

(mm) 2d) weight Percentage Weight
(gm) Percentage
2 -1 2.86 2.871 2.871
1 0 4.29 4.304 7.177
0.5 1 9.72 9.757 16.934
0.25 2 19.42 19.494 36.428
0.124 3 49.61 49.799 86.227
0.063 4 9.15 9.184 95.412
< 0.063 <4 4.57 4.588 100
Total 99.62 100

Page | 35
Page | 36
Input ᶲ (Phi) value from the graph paper

% value phi value

ɸ05= -0.35
ɸ16= 0.85
ɸ25= 1.49
ɸ50= 2.28
ɸ75= 2.69
ɸ84= 2.92
ɸ95= 2.95

Result:

Type Result Comments

Graphic
2.016666667 Fine sand
Mean

Graphic
1.017 poorly sorted
Standard

Strongly
Graphic
-0.487 Negative
Skewness
skewed
Kurtosis 1.127 leptokurtic

Page | 37
Data Table and Calculation
Sample no: 01
Location no : 1
Unit : D
Date: 05.02.2023
Rock type: Sandstone
Table 09: Different Grain Size Analysis-3

Grain Size (d) ɸ Size (log Raw Data Weight Cumulative

(mm) 2d) weight Percentage Weight
(gm) Percentage
2 -1 2.98 3.007 3.007
1 0 1.18 1.190 4.197
0.5 1 7.61 7.679 11.876
0.25 2 27.2 27.447 39.323
0.125 3 49.61 50.061 89.384
0.063 4 5.72 5.771 95.156
< 0.063 <4 4.8 4.844 100
Total 99.1 100

Page | 38
Page | 39
Input ᶲ (Phi) value from the graph paper
phi
% value value
ɸ05= 0.19

ɸ16= 1.22

ɸ25= 1.55

ɸ50= 2.2

ɸ75= 2.52

ɸ84= 2.85
ɸ95= 3.92

Result:
Type Result Comments
Graphic
2.09 Fine sand
Mean
Graphic
0.972 Moderately
Standard
sorted
Deviation
Graphic Negative
-0.145
Skewness skewed
very
Kurtosis 1.575
leptokurtic

Page | 40
2.4 Special Feature
Clay Gall: When a patch of clay or mud dries out, the upper surface cracks and peels away from
the upper layers. These thin leaves of clay may occasionally be transported a short distance and
deposited in sand or in some kind of sediment in the form of flat or lensed shape clay galls,
generally oriented parallel to the bedding. We observed this structure in Yellowish Brown
Sandstone and others.

Figure 15: Clay Gall in unit D

Bioturbation: Bioturbation structures or biogenic sedimentary structures that disrupt physical

stratifications or rearrange the sediment fabric by the activity of organisms in the form of tracks,
trails, burrows and similar structures.

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Figure 16: Bioturbation in unit A

Figure 17: Lockeia in unit B.

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 CHAPTER 3: TECTONIC STRUCTURES

3.1. Major Structures

3.2. Minor Structures

Page | 43
Techtonic Structure

Structure: Structural geology is the branch of geology that deals with the form, arrangement and
internal structure of the rocks and specially with the description, representation and analysis of the
structure. The aim of structural geology is to determine and explain the architecture of rocks as
observed in the field. The movement that affects solid rocks result from forces within the earth,
causing different type of structures as folds, faults, joints and foliation. Structures are generally
feature of a mass or rock unit, which can be seen best in the outcrop rather than in hand specimen
and judging the data produced from the notebook (Billings ,1972).

3.1 Major Structure:

On the basis of Map, cross-section and field observation major structure of investigated area are
given below-
i. Fold (Anticlinal)
ii. Fault

Fold: Fold is an undulation or waves in the stratified rocks of the earth crust. Folds are formed by
compressive stress and mainly found within convergent boundaries. Fold can be formed in two
ways:
i. Tectonically
ii. Non-tectonically
This fold is anticlinal in structure. An anticline may be defined as a fold that is convex upward,
that has oldest rocks in core. This structure covers a large area. The Sitapahar anticline is about
70km (N-S) long and 12km wide (E-W) and covers about 550 sq.km of Rangamati district. The
eastern flank of this anticline is steeper than western flank indicates that this fold is asymmetric
anticline. The axis of fold is running in NNW-SSE direction parallel to the trend of Arakan-Yoma
anticlinorium. The field work was operated working from the west flank towards the east flank by
traverse method. Individual locations were plotted on the anticline separately. Criteria of
recognition of Sitapahar anticline in the field-
i) Direct visual observation of this region indicates that the structure is a large-scale fold which is
convex upward.
ii) The attitude of the rock strata show that the beds are dipping in the opposite direction from a
place that represents an imaginary line.

Page | 44
iii) Dip direction indicates that oldest rock unit (Shale) at the core and younger rock (loose
yellowish-brown sandstone) at the outer side. Because the top of the anticline is eroded. Nodular
Shale has no double continuous outcrop. So, the rock unit indicates axial region of the anticline.
iv) Imaginary line along the lowest dip amount is the axis of the fold.

Figure 18: Fold/ Multiphase deformation

Fault: In the investigated area another prominent structure is fault. Faults are well defined cracks
along which the rock-masses on either side have relative displacement. This displacement may
occur in any direction due either to translator or rotational movement of the fractured blocks.

There are mainly three prominent faults in Ghagra-Rangamati road cut-section. They are thrust in
nature and trending NNW-SSE.

Faulting in this section is evidenced by,

i) Western most fault is identified by abrupt change in dip amount.

ii) Fault that is adjacent to the axis is marked most layer displacement.

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iii) Eastern most fault is marked by adjacent valley.

Figure 19: Cross section of Sitapahar Anticline

3.2 Minor Structure:

In our Investigated area the following minor structures are found:

• Joint
• Cleavage Plane
• Drag Fold
• Local Unconformity
• Ductile shear Deformation
• Fault breccia

Joint: Joints are cracks or fracture present in the rocks along which there has been no
displacement. Joints occur in all types of rocks. They may be vertical, inclines or even horizontal.
Their dip and strike are measured in the same way as that of sedimentary strata. Joints are formed
as a result of contraction due to cooling or consolidation of rocks. They are also formed when the

Page | 46
rocks are subjected to compression or tension during earth movements. If two joints are parallel to
each other then it is called Joint Set .

Figure 20: Joint Set in unit A.

Cleavage Plane: A cleavage plane is the fracture of a crystal or metal by crack propagation across
a crystallographic plane or cleavage plane, or the tendency to cleave or split along definite
crystallographic planes. There are no grain variation in cleavage plane.

Figure 21: Cleavage Plane in unit A.

Drag Fold: A minor fold, usually one of a series, formed in an incompetent bed lying between
more competent beds, produced by movement of the competent beds in opposite directions relative

Page | 47
to one another. Drag folds may also develop beneath a thrust sheet. They are usually a centimeter
to a few meters in size.

Figure 22: Dragging effect in unit B.

Local Unconformity: In the investigated area a local unconformity has been found. An
unconformity that is strictly limited in geographic extent and that usually represents
relatively short period, such as one developed around the margins of a sedimentary
basin or along the axis of a structural trend that rose intermittently while continuous
deposition occurred in an adjacent area.

Page | 48
 Figure 23: Local Unconformity in unit C.

Ductile shear Deformation: Tabular or sheetlike and planar or curviplanar zones in which rocks are
more highly strained than rocks adjacent to the zone are called ductile shear zones. The
identification and study of ductile shear zones are important because major plate boundaries are
defined by such shear zones. We need to study such zones because along them, partially molten
rocks can flow. Second, viscous dissipation related to such zones has been investigated. The ductile
shear sense/sense of movement from such zones can be deciphered mainly from asymmetric fold.
(Browse 4,747 journals and 33,807 books)

Figure 24: Ductile shear Deformation

Fault breccia : Fault breccia or tectonic breccia, is a breccia (a rock type consisting of
angular clasts) that was formed by tectonic forces.

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Fault breccia is a tectonite formed by localized zone of brittle deformation (a fault zone) in a rock.
Brecciation in fault zones influences fault zone hydrogeology in its interaction
with groundwater and petroleum deposits.
Fault breccias are tectonites formed primarily by tectonic movement along a localized zone
of brittle deformation (a fault zone) in a rock formation or province. The grinding and milling
occurring when the two sides of the fault zone moving along each other results in a material that
is made of loose fragments. Because of this fragmentation fault zones are easily infiltrated
by groundwater. (Twiss, R.J. & Moores, E.M., 2000 (6th edition): Structural Geology, W.H.
Freeman & co, ISBN 0-7167-2252-6; p. 55)

Figure 25: Fault breccia in unit B

CHAPTER 4: STRATIGRAPHY
4.1. Stratigraphy of Individual Section

4.2. Correlation with Regional Stratigraphy

Stratigraphy: Stratigraphy is the study of stratified rocks which deals with original

succession & age relation of rock state, distribution, and lithologic composition, fossil

Page | 50
content & geochemical properties of strata. The main principle of stratigraphy is based

upon sedimentary petrology & the basic principle of stratigraphy. (Dunber & Rodgers,

1957). The law of superposition, the first basic generalization of geology, serves as the foundation
for the stratigraphic principle. Four lithostratigraphic units were identified in the field based on
lithologic data. These are what they are:

Formation Rock Unit Depositional

Environment
Youngest Loose Yellowish D Fluvial
Brown Sandstone
with clay gall
Cross Bedded C Fluvial
Yellowish Brown
Sandstone
Alteration of B Deltaic
Sandstone and Shale
Nodular Bluish Shale A Marine

Oldest

4.1. Stratigraphy of Individual Section

The investigated area's stratigraphy is difficult to determine due to its complex tectonic structure,
lack of continuous rock exposure, thick alluvium cover, dense vegetation, and lack of
investigation. Therefore, efforts have been made to establish the area's stratigraphy based on the
lithology provided by the rock exposure along the section.
The following is a description of the stratigraphy of the Ghagra-Rangamati Road Cut section:

Page | 51
Table 10: The stratigraphic succession of the Ghagra-Rangamati road cut section is given
below-

Unit Formation Lithology Symbol

D Loose Yellowish Yellowish brown color, medium to fine
Brown Sandstone grained, loosely compact, poorly to
moderately sorted, highly porous, found
with clay gall
Iron layer due to oxidation and leaching,
Clay gall and clay layer were found.
C Cross Bedded Yellowish brown colored, medium to
Yellowish Brown coarse grained, moderately compacted,
highly permeable, presence of clay gall
Sandstone
and burrows.

B Alteration of It is gray color, fine to medium grain

Sandstone and size, moderately compact and highly
Shale permeable. It shows ripple cross
lamination, micro cross lamination and
wavy, lenticular, flaser bedding ,fault
are also present within this rock type.
A Nodular Bluish Bluish color ,hard and compact, nodular
Shale structure. Bioturbation, Joint set and
cleavage plane present.

4.2 Correlation with Regional Stratigraphy:

Correlation means the process by which stratigrapher's attempts to determine the mutual time
Relation of a local section. (Dunber & Rodgers, 1957).
Correlation of rock formation of different region is an important part of Stratigraphy. Typically,
correlation is performed using both lithological and biological criteria for rock formation. Our
research area is located in the eastern folded belt of the Bengal Basin, which developed as the
southern extension of the Assam Himalaya , in the Mio-Pliocene age. The stratigraphy of Assam

Page | 52
has been well established. In Ghagra-Rangamati road cut section rock units are correlated based
on their lithostratigraphy.
Table 11: Stratigraphic correlation of Rock units of Sitapahar anticline, Bangladesh &
Assam, India (Evans, 1932):
Stratigraphy of study area Stratigraphy of Assam India Probable
(Mathure & Evans, 1932) age
according
to Reiman,
Rock type Lithology Group Formation Lithology 1993
Uni

? ? Sandstones,
Dihing paddy
sandstone
and
clay
D Loose Yellowish brown color, Grey to Pleistocene
Yellowish medium to fine yellowish
Brown grained, loosely claystone,
Sandstone compact, poorly to sandstone,
with clay moderately sorted, Dupi Tila siltstone etc.
gall highly porous, found
Iron layer due to
oxidation and leaching,
Clay gall and clay layer
were found.
? ? ? Unconsolida Upper
ted Pliocene
claystone,
silty
Tipam Girujan clay shale and
sandstone
with
calcareous
concretion.
C Cross Yellowish brown Yellowish to Pliocene
Bedded colored, medium to brown
Yellowish coarse grained, sandstone
Brown moderately compacted, and
Sandstone highly permeable, Tipam very
presence of clay gall Sandstone subordinate
and burrows. shale.

Page | 53
B Alteration It is gray color, fine to Alteration of Upper
of medium grain size, siltstone and Miocene
Sandstone moderately compact shale with
and Shale and highly permeable. It calcareous
shows ripple cross band.
lamination, micro cross
lamination and wavy,
lenticular, flaser Boka Bil
bedding ,fault are also
present within this rock
type.

A Nodular Bluish color ,hard and Siltstone, Lower

Bluish compact, nodular silty Miocene
Shale structure. Bioturbation, shale, sandy
Joint set and cleavage Surma Bhuban shale and
plane present. sand
stone.

Page | 54
 CHAPTER 5: ECONOMIC GEOLOGY
The explored region of the Sitapahar Anticline, which contains Tertiary sediments, contains no
significant economic mineral resources. The distribution of economic deposits like petroleum and
mineral resources has been impacted by the geologic characteristics, particularly the tectonic
structural context and stratigraphy.

During fieldwork in the area, sandstone and shale, two important sources of building materials,
were found. Sandstone from the Boka Bil Formation is a substantial hydrocarbon resource.

The faulted zone in this area may include oil and gas seepage. Further analysis and drilling data
are needed to evaluate whether drilling in these zones is likely to lead to the commercial
accumulation of oil.

In the investigated area huge number of pebbles and boulders are found. These are used for
building construction, railway blast and construction material for road and highway.

The oldest of the four rock units is shale, which functions as both a source rock and a cap rock due
to the asymmetric anticline. Unit B is sandstone (Boka Bil), which is used as a reservoir rock.
Hence, there could be a chance for hydrocarbon. But the difficulty is the trap as the axial section
exposed and degraded, another sort of trap exists such faulted trap.

Further investigation may lead to the discovery of a new gas or oil resource in this region, which
would be vital to the growth of our country's economy. The Kaptai Lake is one of the most
significant economic zones, which still generate hydroelectric power as well as a great reservoirs
of fresh water fish.

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 Chapter 6. Conclusions

In order to produce a field report, a cross section, and a geological map of the area being studied,
Jahangirnagar University's geological sciences students went on a field trip. The majority of the
inspection was done on the western and eastern flanks of the Sitapahar anticline, on each side of
the road cut part. The overall geology of the Sitapahar anticline is covered in this field report, along
with information on its structure, stratigraphy, tectonics, depositional environment, and economic
significance. The physical and geomorphic features of the region are also covered. The region of
Bangladesh's Bengal basin where the upper Miocene to Recent sequence was deposited is where
the investigation area is situated. Every exposed rock is a clastic sedimentary rock from the
investigated area. The four primary units that make up the rocks are listed below in order of oldest
to youngest age:

1. Unit A - Nodular Bluish Shale

2. Unit B - Alteration of Sandstone and Shale
3. Unit C - Cross Bedded Yellowish-Brown Sandstone
4. Unit D - Loose Yellowish-Brown Sandstone

The Ghagra-Rangamati road cut-section is located in an area with erratic terrain that is
distinguished by hillocks that are oriented NNW-SSE. There are three important faults are
observed in the anticline which were recognized on basis of sudden change in dip amount, layer
displacement and valley. The researched area was split into four formations by comparing the
stratigraphy of the study area to that of Assam based on lithology and sedimentary sequences. The
ages range from Miocene to Plio-Pleistocene, and the names of these fossils are Bhuban, Boka
Bil, Tipam Sandstone, and Dupi Tila.

Page | 56
 Chapter 7. Acknowledgements

I want to start by thanking God from the bottom of my heart for allowing us to successfully
complete a field trip on the Ghagra-Rangamati Road Cut Section of the Sitapahar Anticline. I
would like to extend my profound gratitude to our amazing chairman Professor Dr. Md. Sakawat
Hossain as well as to my distinguished teacher Associate Professor Sakaout Hossain sir, without
whom I would not have been able to finish my fieldwork as quickly. They provided us with wise
guidance, sage advise, in-depth research, and devoted teamwork as we carried out our fieldwork
and wrote our field report. I wish to express my deep gratitude to the District Council employees
for allowing us to stay in their retirement community in Rangamati.

We sincerely thank Bangladesh Railway, the people of Rangamati, the Jahangirnagar University
Medical Center, the Jahangirnagar University Medical Transportation Department, our cook, and
the staff.

Last but not least, and most importantly, I want to thank everyone in my class for their cooperation
and support, especially the people in my group.

SHAHANAJ PARVIN

Page | 57
 Chapter 8. References
1. Alam, M., 1972, Tectonic classification of Bangladesh, Geol. Soc. Amer. Bull., 83, 519-
522.

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