Abstract
Globally Cenozoic interval witnessed recurrent climatic change of warming and cooling episodes of various magnitudes. The geological archives of the western part of the Kutch Basin are bestowed with spectacular igneous structures formed during the Deccan Trap volcanism. Overlying, Cenozoic successions of the Kutch Basin also get affected by the global climatic perturbations, which get registered in their impressive stratigraphic successions. Sedimentation in the basin was primarily controlled by the rate of relative sea-level fluctuations vs. background siliciclastic supply. Combined effect of climatic perturbations and relative sea-level fluctuation along passive-margin setting resulted in the occurence of variety of fossils, lithology and sedimentary structures, available all over the Cenozoic outcrops. To conserve and protect endangered geological features, geoscientists around the world have recognized several geosites, which can serve as standard reference section for further research and sustainable development for generations. In this study, we identify some spectacular outcrops from the western parts of the Kutch Basin (Cenozoic outcrops and Deccan Trap exposures) and document their properties to be recognized as potential geosites. These sites preserve exclusive geological features and provide template to understand the geological processes, however, needs conservation and protection. We propose the following assorted geosites viz. (1) Entablature geosite, (2) Pillow lava geosite, (3) Taphonomy geosite, (4) Fossil crab geosite, (5) Trace fossil geosite and (6) Soft sediment deformation (SSD) geosite. These sites may serve as exclusive locations for students field excursion, field-training for diverse professionals, social outreach activities and future reference section; indeed helps to achieve the implementation of some of the geoheritage goals. Diverse and unique geological features can be easily approached by thoroughly connected rail network and metalled roads.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 106 |
Journal | Geoheritage |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 2024 |
Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to International Association for the Conservation of Geological Heritage 2024.
Keywords
- Entablature
- Fossil crab geosite
- Parasequence
- Pillow lava
- Taphonomy
- Trace fossil