SPE-PAPG ATC-2023

“EXPLORING THE UNEXPLORED: HIGH RISK PLAYS AND ECONOMIC CHALLENGES”

STUDENT PAPER CONTEST

Identification and Analogy of Glaciogenic Geometries Between Punjab Platform in

Pakistan and Proven Glaciogenic Play

Muhammad Hammad1, M Anas2, Syed Uzair Ahmed3, Umar Ullah4, Aamir Sajjan5, Hammad Salman6

*Corresponding Author Email: m.hammadkhan678@gmail.com

Department of Geology, University of Karachi, Karachi

ABSTRACT:

This article aims to give an outline about identification of integrated geological feature stratigraphic traps (Spur and Tunnel)
developed in the region of Punjab Platform due to the movement of glacier during Ordovician – Carboniferous time that could be led
to a further study of hydrocarbon exploration in the area.

Punjab platform represents the eastern segment of the tectonically stable Middle Indus Basin covering an area of more than
100,000km2 and located roughly between 27.50֯ N – 32.00֯ N latitude ad 70.30֯ E – 74.00֯ E longitude. In Cambrian Jhelum Group
(Khewra, Kussak, Jutana and Bhaganwala formations) was deposited, due to uplifting glaciation occur in the Late Carboniferous. In
Early Permian, the warm temperature of Earth melts the glacier which eroded the preexisting rock of Jhelum Group and makes a new
deposition of Tobra Formation. Present research interprets these valleys through seismic data and geological or plate tectonic history
and identify the stratigraphic traps which is formed during the deposition of Tobra Formation.

Stratigraphic trap develop in Tobra Formation will help out to explore new hydrocarbon entities in that region. It is supported by the
presence of source rock below and above the Tobra Formation present which is good for hydrocarbon generation.

Keywords: Glacial Geometries, Punjab Platform, Tobra formation, Tunnel Spur Valley, Seismic Model

INTRODUCTION:

This article focuses on the development of the spur and valley throughout Permo-Carboniferous time due to glacial movement at the
Punjab platform, located in the eastern part of the middle Indus basin, Pakistan. The Punjab platform is a westward dipping monocline
covered by alluvium and is bounded by the Sargodha high in the north and Jacobabad high in the south. Towards the west, it merges
into the Suleiman depression, while extending into the Bikaner Nagaur basin to the east (Figure 1). The platform is situated at a
significant distance from the collision zone, making it a relatively unaffected area with gently dipping westward strata (Figure 2).
However, despite its minimal impact from tectonic events, there are notable stratigraphic variations, including apparent on lapping of
Cambrian and Permo-Carboniferous strata against the Sargodha high (Petroleum Geology by IB Qadri). This study aims to analyze the
stratigraphic traps valley and spur developed due to the movement of the Glacier began during the Carboniferous found in the Punjab
platform, based on the available seismic data and well data.
Figure: 1 Showing latitude and longitude of Punjab platform (after Tariq & Aftab 2012). Figure: 2 showing unaffected area of
Punjab platform (SE) (Petroleum Geology by IB Qadri)

GEOLOGY AND TECTONICS:

The present-day Indo-Pakistan plate was attached with the northeast flank of the Africa and Arabian plates (Figure 3) through the
tectonic plates movement the Indo-Pak plate was separated from the African and Arabian Plate. During the Proterozoic era, the
Indo-Pakistan plate experienced various tectonic events, including multiple episodes of volcanism associated with rifting. The
Kirana Hills, which form the basement rock, received sedimentation during the Infra-Cambrian period through marine
transgression, resulting in the deposition of shallow marine siliciclastic rocks (e.g., Jodhpur, Bilara, Nagaur, carbonate, and salt
units) on the shallow shelf, facilitated by fluvial influx. The shallow and road shelves witnessed the deposition of carbonates
during cyclic sea level changes, including the deposition of massive rock salt during periods of evaporites. Subsidence, likely due
to the reactivation of basement faults, provided additional accommodation space in grabens, favoring siliciclastic deposition, and
resulting in considerable sediment thickness on the Punjab platform.

Cambrian clastic and carbonate rocks, such as the Khewra, Khussak, Jutana, and Bhaganwala formations, were deposited in a
shallow marine continental environment. The absence of late Cambrian to Carboniferous rock strata throughout the Indus basin is
attributed to the uplifting phase of the Indian plate margin. Subsequently, in the late Carboniferous period, glaciation occurred
and lasted for approximately 200 million years. As the Earth's temperature increased, the glacial ice melted, eroding the
Cambrian rocks, and forming spur and tunnel/valleylike features. In the early Permian period, sea level changes led to
transgression, submerging the continental shallow shelf under the Tethys Sea (Figure 4). Permian sediments, including the Tobra,
Dandot, Warcha, and Sardhai formations were deposited onlapping the Cambrian sediments and filling the valley, marking an
unconformity (Figure 5).
Figure 3. Paleogeographic tectonic map of Gondwanaland during Infracambrian. Indian, Arabian and African plates were fused
together. Indian and Arabian plate margins are believed to be common depositional site at the Cimmerian shelf during
Infracambrian and Cambrian. (Tariq & Aftab 2012)
 N
Chitral
Early Permian (~ 200 MA) global paleogeography
Gilgit

Srinagar

Kashmir
Tethys Salt range
Sea
Tethys Sea
Punjab platform

Gondwanaland

Paleo flow
direction

Badhuara

ARVALLI RANGE

MALANI RANGE

Gondwanaland

0 Km 300

Figure 4. Paleogeographic map (showing present day longitude and latitude) of the Pakistani and Indian parts of Gond-wanaland
during the Early Permian. The location of the Salt Range and main sediment source areas are shown (modified after Shah and
Sastry1973). During Permian times, the Pakistan region occupied part of Gondwanaland at a paleolatitude of 50◦–55◦ south of the
equator and was bordered to the north by a large marine embayment that formed part of the Tethys Ocean. (Ghazi & Aftab 2012)
 Early Permian (Asselian) Early Permian (Sakmarian)

N Tethys
N
Tethys Sea
Salt Range
Sea
Tobra Formation
Transgression Salt Range
Direction
Sediment transport
Direction

ARVALLI RANGE ARVALLI RANGE

MALANI RANGE MALANI RANGE

Early Permian (Artinskian) Early Permian (Kungurian)

N Tethys N
Tethys Sea
Sea
Transgression
Direction
Sardhai
Sediment transport
Salt Range Direction
Salt Range

Warcha

MALANI RANGE ARVALLI RANGE MALANI RANGE ARVALLI RANGE

Figure 5. Tectono-stratigraphic evolution of the present-day Salt Range and Punjab platform area through the Early Permian
(Asselian to Kungurian) times. These maps illustrate the change of sedimentation style from fluvio-glacial (Tobra Formation), to
shallow to marginal marine (Dandot Formation), to meandering fluvial (Warcha Sandstone) and shallow marine (Sardhai
Formation). (Ghazi & Aftab 2012)
 Generalized Stratigraphic Column of Punjab Platform

Figure 6: Stratigraphy column of Punjab platform. (Hilal A. raza)(Qamar yasin)(Hilal raza & riaz ahmed)
Dataset and Interpretation:

In this article 2D seismic line 921-FABS-04 of Punjab Platform was scanned and used to digitize the spur and valley model of
Early Permian/Carboniferous and highlights the Glacial Landform, stratigraphic and paleogeographic variations. The seismic data
set, is a 2D multi-channel post stack time migrated data, acquired by Pakistan OGDCL in 1992-1993 and processed in the same
year. The seismic stratigraphic interpretation was carried out marking the horizon tops in the zone of interest by using Fort Abbas
Well data. The stratigraphic features, such as valley, valley fill and spur were identified with confidence. Figure-7 is showing the
schematic interpretation of seismic line 921-FABS-04.

Figure 7: Schematic diagram from seismic line 921-FABS-04

Figure -8 is showing that the Infra Cambrian rocks were deposited at the Basement and consists on the Jodhpur, Bilara, Salt,
Hanseran, Nagur, Upper Carbonate Salt Formations. After Infra Cambrian the Cambrian rocks were deposited comprisingof
Khewra, Kussak, Jutana and Baghanwala Formations. At the top of the Cambrian the black dotted line is showing the
Unconformity andrepresenting the glaciation period started in late Carboniferous (355 - 300 mya) Figure-9. The Carboniferous
Glaciation eroded Upper Cambrian (Kussak, Jutana and Baghanwala) from the valley areas and in spur the complete sequence
from Kussak, Jutana and Baghanwala exist in Fort Abbas Well. The Glacier movement created these valleys and spur at the
Punjab Platform. After the top Cambrian unconformity, the Permian sediments (Tobra, Dondot and Warcha Formations) were
deposited in the valleys and at spur. There is a high chance of deposition of Tobra and Dandot Formations in the Valleys Figure-7
(modeled from seismic) and making stratigraphic traps. Which can be a good trap for hydrocarbon accumulation. Tobra
Formation was deposited due to the Glaciar movement and containing Pebbles, Gravel and sand particle having good porosity.
The Permian age Dandot Formation can be the source to charge the Tobra Formation.
Figure 8: Schematic deposition of Ifra Cambrian to Permian sediments.

Permo-Carboniferous:

Permo-Carboniferous time was about 300 million years ago, it was period of significant glaciation. The glacial period began in
the Late Devonian and lasted in the Late Permian, so it is usually called the Permo-Carboniferous glaciation, and it lasted close to
90 million years. The Permo-Carboniferous represents the latter parts of the Carboniferous and early part of the Permian period.
The extensive distribution of Permo-Carboniferous glacial sediments in South America, Africa, Madagascar, Arabia, India,
Antarctica and Australia. It was also one of the major pieces of indication for the concept of continental drift, and led eventually
to the concept of a super-continent, Pangaea. Glacial movement spanned almost the whole of Carboniferous and Early
Permian time. About the end of the Carboniferous, around 290 million years ago, Gondwana, the southern part of Pangaea, was
located near the south pole. Glacial centers expanded across the continents, producing glacial tillites and patterns in pre-existing
rocks. A complex center of glaciation migrated across South America, Antarctica and South Africa between about 350 and 240
Ma. The Permo-Carboniferous ice sheet was so extensive that it would occupy a circle spanning 50 degrees of latitude centered
on the pole Figure-9, Figure-10.

Figure 9: Paleo position of the Indo-Pak plate with position of Glaciar 305.8 Ma.
 Figure 10: Permo-Carboniferous glaciation including Punjab Platform area.

Glaciogenic geometries Analogue:

Analogue – 1

Top schematic seismic line is from Punjab Platform area and bottom seismic line is an analogue from a published paper
Glaciogenic reservoirs and hydrocarbon systems (M. Huuse D. P. Le Heron, R. Dixon, J. Redfern, A. Moscariello, and J. Craig)

Conclusion:

Based on the appearances criteria of reflection response, the presence of tunnel valley could be marked on seismic sections
Although the quality of the seismic sections is not good, the tunnel valley can still be identified with confidence. A high
resolution 2D seismic data can help to validate and identify more possible tunnel valleys in the area and to prepare a tunnel valley
distribution map by using qualitative methodology. A high-resolution 3D seismic data can help to see the areal extent of the
tunnel valley and to apply quantitative methodology for further investigation.
Acknowledgements:

The authors express their appreciation to the chairperson of geology department Madam Erum Bashir, Assistance Professor Sir
Arsalan and Assistance Professor Madam Sadaf Ismailfor reviewing encouraging and supporting to publish this article. Special
thanks for Madam Erum Bashir.

References:

QamarYasin1,2, Syrine Baklouti3, Ghulam Mohyuddin Sohail4,5, MuhammadAsif6 & Gong Xufei Evaluation of Neoproterozoic
source rock potential in SE Pakistan and adjacent Bikaner–Nagaur Basin India.

Hilal A. Raza, Wasim Ahmad, S. Manshoor Ali, Muhammad Mujtaba, Shahnaz Alam, Muhammad Shafeeq, Muhammad Iqbal,
Ishtiaq Noor and Nasir Riaz.Hydrocarbon Prospects Of Punjab Platform Pakistan, With Special Reference To Bikaner-Nagaur
Basin Of India.

Irfan U.JAN, Shahid Iqbal, Sarah J. Davies, Jan A. Zalasiewicz , Michael H. Stephenson, Michael Wagreich , Muhammad Haneef
, Muhammad Hanif & Sajjad ahmad (A Preglacial palaeoenvironmet In the upper carboniferrous-Lower Permian Tobra
Formation of the Salt Range, Pakistan.)

Shahid Iqbal 1,2,* , Michael Wagreich 2, Mehwish Bibi 2, Irfan U. Jan 3 and Susanne Gier 2 (Multi-Proxy Provenance Analyses
of the Kingriali and DattaFormations (Triassic–Jurassic Transition): Evidence for Westward Extension of the Neo-Tethys Passive
Margin from the Salt Range (Pakistan)).

Syed Tariq Hasany1, Muhammad Aftab1, and Raza A. Siddiqui1 (Refound Exploration Opportunities in Infracambrian and
Cambrian Sediments of Punjab Platform, Pakistan)

O.N. BHARGAVA (Palaeozoic Successions of the Indian Plate)

Geology & Tectonics of Pakistan by Kazmi & Jan.

Petroleum Geology by IB Qadri.

Shahid Ghazi1,2,∗, Nigel P Mountney1, Aftab Ahmad Butt2 and Sadaf Sharif2 (Stratigraphic and paleoenvironmental framework
of the Early Permian sequence in the Salt Range, Pakistan).

M. HUUSE1*, D. P. LE HERON2, R. DIXON3, J. REDFERN1, A. MOSCARIELLO4 & J. CRAIG5 (Glaciogenic reservoirs and
hydrocarbon systems: an introduction)

SPE-PAPG ATC-2023
“EXPLORING THE UNEXPLORED: HIGH RISK PLAYS AND ECONOMIC CHALLENGES”
STUDENT PAPER CONTEST

Muhammad Hammad did F.sc from
Karachi Intermediate board in 2020 and
rd
currently is in 3 year of Undergraduate
Program of Geology in Karachi University.
He is planning to do his Master in Mining
Geology, also performs several fields work
in Sindh and Baluchistan including Bela Ophiolites field and
some others. Currently working on Bela Ophiolites
manganese ore sample. The goal is to look and learn real
life Geology Techniques to perform research work and
promote Mining Geology in the region.
Muhammad Anas did F.sc from Karachi
Intermediate board and currently doing
graduation in department of Geology at
university of Karachi. As well as doing
some lab works like finding concentration
and amount of percentage of elements in
objective rock, ore, soil and water samples
etc. Also doing field visits to understanding geological
principles on field like cape monze, Thatta Chilliya band
dam, bela ophiolites, lakhra coal mine field trip. Currently
doing project on upgradation of manganese concentration
on manganese ore body of Bela ophiolite.
 Syed Uzair Ahmed did F.sc from
Karachi Intermediate Board and
currently studying at Karachi
university in geology department,
rd
3 year. Have done some field
visits to Lakhra coal mine, Hub
dam, Chiliya bund Thatta, Bela
region (Bela Ophiolites), Quetta 5-
day field. Also have done lab testing on different samples
like calculating percentage of elements in the specific
sample of soil or rock & water also.
Hammad Salman did F.sc from
Karachi Intermediate Board and
currently studying at university of
Karachi in department of Geology
B.Sc (H). 3 years have done many
fields in Geology department visits
to Sona pass & Quetta 5-day field
work. Also have done lab testing on different samples like
calculating percentage of elements in the specific samples
of soil of rock and water also.

Umar Ullah did F.sc from Karachi

intermediate board and currently in
third year of studies at Karachi
University's Geology Department,
and his journey has been nothing
short of thrilling. He embarked on
captivating field visits to renowned
geological sites, including the depths
of Lakhra Coal Mine, the banks of
Hub Dam, and the remarkable coral reef ecosystem at
Chiliya Bund in Thatta with PAPG-South. Additionally, also
explored the enigmatic landscapes of the Bela-Khuzdar
region, specifically the Bela Ophiolites, and had an
unforgettable 5-day expedition to Quetta. In the
laboratory, have dived into the world of geology,
meticulously conducting tests on diverse samples. From
calculating elemental compositions in soil and rock to
exploring the secrets held by water samples

Aamir Sajjan did F.sc from Sindh

Board and currently studying at
university of Karachi in
department of geology B.Sc (H),
rd
3 year have done many fields
in geology department visits to
Lakhra coal mine, Hub dam,
Chiliya bund Thatta, sona pass,
Quetta 5 day field. Also have
done lab testings on different samples like calculating
percentage of elements in the specific sample of soil or
rock & water also.