GEOLOGICAL EXCURSION TO NAINITAL AND ADJACENT AREAS, UTTRAKHAND
(28 April to 2 May, 2022)
A Tour Report
SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD FOR THE DEGREE
OF
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
B.Sc. (Hons) GEOLOGY
BY
VIKAS RAJ SINGH Roll No: - 201460 Enrolment No: -296/20
B.Sc. 4
thSemester (2021-22)
CONTENTS
Acknowledgement Abstract
Chapter -1: Introduction
1.1 Geology of Himalaya
1.2 Introduction of Uttarakhand
1.3 Objectives of field trip
Chapter – 2: Detailed description of field work
2.1 ARIES
2.2 Kumaun University
2.3 Pines Nala
2.4 Pande Gaon
2.5 Bhimtal to Kathgodam
2.6 Bhowali Formation
2.7 Bhowali to Kachidham
2.8 Ranibagh to Kathgodam
2.9 Amrtpur
Chapter -3: conclusions
Appendices
Acknowledgement
Acknowledgement is the most beautiful page in any project’s final pages. More than a formality, this appears to me the best opportunity to express my gratitude.
I wish to express my deep gratitude and sincere thanks to Dr. NARENDRA KUMAR, Head of department (Geology), BBAU, LUCKNOW for his encouragement and
for all the facilities that he provided for this geological excursion. I sincerely appreciate this magnanimity by taking me into his fold for which I shall remain indebted to him.
It is proud privilege to place on record my most sincere feeling of gratitude, obligations and profound regards for Prof. SANTOSH KUMAR, Dean Faculty of Science, KUMAUN UNIVERSITY, NAINITAL.I thank him for taking keen interest in this excursion and for his perennial support and guidance. I will remain indebted to him for noble motivation and intellectual stimulation at all times.
I extend my hearty thanks Dr. VERTIKA SHUKLA, Dr. DHIRENDRA, Dr. ANIS, Dr.
PRIYANKA SINGH, Dr.SUSHIL KUMAR BHARTI, Dr. DHANANJAY KUMAR, Mr.
RAVINDRA KUMAR, Mr. SONU KUMAR who guided me successful completion of this report. I take this opportunity to express my deep sense of gratitude for their invaluable
guidance, constant encouragement, constructive comments, sympathetic attitude and immense motivation, which has sustained my efforts at all stages of this task.
I thankfully acknowledge my parents for blessing me with potential, courage and patience to accomplish the task.
I can’t forget to offer my sincere thanks to my classmates who helped me to carry out this excursion successfully and for their valuable support, which I received from them time to time.
Special thanks to my critics who help me bring out the best.
Abstract
Nainital is located in the Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalayas at a distance of 285 km (177 mi) from the state capital Dehradun and 345 km (214 mi)
from New Delhi, the capital of India. Situated at an altitude of 1,938 metres (6,358 ft) above sea level.
Nainital City of Kumaun Lesser Himalaya is prone to mass wasting processes during monsoon season, which mischievously triggers the hill slope instability in this region. Slate, dolomitic limestone, silty sandstone and rhythmite of the Krol Formation are the main rock types.
The present study focuses on the investigation of Stratigraphy, Structural feature, and Lithology character of Nainital and adjacent area.
The major geological structures of this area are Nainital lake fault passing from the center of the lake, Main Boundary Thrust at SW, and Khuriya Fault passing from the SE direction of Nainital City
.The excursion included a team of 67 students and 7 teachers. Our faculty
members decided and took the suggestion by some expert professors for the visit of Nainital and adjacent area (Uttarakhand) as it is the best area for geological excursion.
Introduction of Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand the 27th state of Republic of India lies between 28°44' & 31o 28' N latitude and 77o 35' & 81o 01' E longitude. The "Land of the Gods “Uttarakhand is mainly known for its natural beauty of the Himalayas, the Bhabhar and the Terai. Uttarakhand has a total area of 53,484 km² of which 93% is mountainous and 64% is covered by forest.
Two of India's largest rivers, the Ganges and the Yamuna, originate in the glaciers of Uttarakhand These two pilgrimage, Badrinath and Kedarnath form the Chota Char Dham lies in Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand is well known for his Chota Char Dham (Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri).
Physiography
Uttarakhand can be divided into several physiographic zones, all running parallel to each other from northwest to southeast. The northern zone, popularly known as the Himadri, contains segments of the Zaskar and the Great Himalaya ranges, with elevations ranging roughly from 10,000 to 25,000 feet (3,000 to 7,600 metres). Most of the major peaks are located in this zone. Adjacent to and south of the Great Himalayas is a zone containing the Lesser Himalayas, known popularly as the Himachal, with elevations between about 6,500 and 10,000 feet (2,000 to 3,000 metres); the zone has two linear ranges—
the Mussoorie and the Nag Tibba. To the south of the Himachal is a stretch of the Siwalik Range. The entire area containing the Himadri, the Himachal, and the Siwaliks is broadly known as the Kumaun Himalayas. The southern edge of the Siwalik Range merges with a narrow bed of gravel and alluvium known as the Bhabar, which interfaces to the southeast with the marshy terrain known as the Tarai. The combined Siwalik-Bhabar-Tarai area ranges in elevation from 1,000 to 10,000 feet (300 to 3,000 metres). South of theSiwaliks are found flat-floored depressions, known locally as duns, such as the Dehra Dun.
STUDY AREA: NAINITAL
Nainital is located in the Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalayas at a distance of 285 km (177 mi) from the state capital Dehradun and 345 km (214 mi) from New Delhi, the capital of India. Situated at an altitude of 1,938 metres (6,358 ft) above sea level, the town is set in a valley containing an eye-shaped lake, approximately two miles in circumference, and surrounded by mountains, of which the highest are Naina Peak (2,615 m (8,579 ft)) on the north, Deopatha (2,438 m (7,999 ft)) on the west, and Ayarpatha (2,278 m (7,474 ft)) on the south.
Fig: LOCATION MAP
GEOLOGY OF NAINITAL
o LATITUDE-29°23′31″N, LONGITUDE- 79°27′15″E and ALTITUDE- 2084 m.
o The geology of nainital is extremely complex characteries by landslide scarps and fans.
o The nainital fault that seperates lake and watershed into two roughly equal parts.
o The geomorphological features are many and include tectonic scarps with 25-100 m height, landslide and debris cover.
o Scarps are mostly associated with nainital fault’
o Lithology generally consists of shale, limestone, dolomites and sandstone.
Table: Stratigraphy of Nainital
AGE FORMATION LITHOLOGY
Quartenary Alluvium Clay, Calcareous
Concretion, Silt, Sand, Gravel, Boulders Etc.
Miocene to Pliocene Sedimentaries Sandstone, Claystone,
Conglomerate, Boulder Beds etc.
Unclassified, Mesozoic, paleozoic and upper protezoic
Sedimentaries and meta- sedimentaries
Shale, Quartzite, Slate, Phyllite, Sandstone, Dolomite, Limestone Lower Proterozoic, Azoic Crystalline and meta-
sedimentaries
Gneisses Complex and Associated intrusives
Objectives
This field excursion aims to provide an inquiry field experience. To explore the geographical landforms, features, geology of Nainital, geology of Himalayan region and adjoining area.
Main purpose of the excursion to interact with the physical environment so that we will be able to better visualize, comprehend and apply the theoretical knowledge what we have learnt in classrooms.
By observing many sections along Himalayan region and Nainital, we came to know the geology and stratigraphy of Nainital.
Purpose of this field excursion can be highlighted through following points –
➢ To identify the rocks of different types.
➢ To identify the structural features like fold, fault and joints etc.
➢ Learnt to use the Brunton compass to measure attitude of bed.
➢ To have a gesture of the professional work and responsibilities of a geologist.
2.1 ARIES ( Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences ) 2.2 Kumaun University ( Department of Geology )
2.3 Pines Nala 2.4 Pande Gaon
2.5 Bhimtal To Kathgodam 2.6 Bhowali formation
2.7 Bhowali To Kainchi Dham 2.8 Ranibagh Kathgodam
2.9 Amritpur
DAY ONE
ARIES (
Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences)DATE: 28.04.2022 TIME: 3:17 PM
o The Devasthal (Latitude :29◦21′40′′N Longitude: 79◦41′04′′E) is located at an altitude of about 2420 m, in ARIES, in central Himalayas.
o It is established in 1972.
o Devesthal optical telescope is currently largest reflecting telescope in Asia.
o The back-end instruments of telescope provide spectral and imaging capabilities at visible and near-infrared bands.
o It is used for study of celestial objects at optical wavelengths.
o Approx. 6000 Stars can be seen with naked eye.
o It is able to see Approx. 400 billion Star with the help of this telescope.
o Diameter of lenses is approx. 40 inches.
o In large telescope lenses are not used, as they are not easy to handle.
o Instead of lens, mirror(concave) is used.
Fig: ARIES Fig: Devesthal optical telescope
(Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences)
DAY TWO
KUMAUN UNIVERISTY (Department of Geology)
DATE: 29.04.2022 TIME: 9:45 AM
o
The Kumaun University (Latitude: 29°38′26′′N, Longitude: 75°45′84′′E) is located at an altitude of about 2100 m, in ARIES, in central Himalayas.
o
Visit to Department of Geology, Kumaun University.
o
There were two lectures on the geology of region of Nainital by the professor of department of Geology Kumaun University.
a) Dr. Pradeep Goswami(head) b) Dr. Santosh Kumar
o
Dr. Pradeep discussed about the geology of Himalayas, there formation and structure.
o
The Himalayan are divided into four regions:
1.shiwaliks or outer Himalayas.
2.Lesser or Middle Himalayas.
3.The Greater Himalayas.
4.The Trans-Himalayas-Tibetan Himalayas.
Himalaya is the word composed of Him + Alya which means “abodes of snow”.
One of the youngest and highest mountain range.
About 2400km length from Afghanistan –Pakistan in the East and Namcha Barwa in the East.
Width varies between 250- 300 km
Mountain range is arc shaped, convex southwards with syntaxial bends (A shape arcuate, turn) at the western and eastern ends.
The mountain ranges control the monsoon climate of Indian subcontinent.
The Himalayan Mountain range is subdivided into four principal zone: - 1. Sub Himalaya
2. Lesser Himalaya 3. Higher Himalaya
4. Crystalline and the Tethyan Himalaya Sub Himalaya – It is also known as Siwalik range.
It is 25–800m high.
It rises above the Indo Gangetic Plains along Main Frontal Thrust.
Siwalik Himalaya consists Tertiary and Quaternary sediments.
It is bounded to the North by Northward dipping main boundary thrust separating it from overlying Lesser Himalaya.
The Lesser Himalaya – Lesser Himalaya is higher than 2500m.
In the Kashmir valley (N-W Himalaya) the Pir Panjal Range rises to height greater than 3500m.
Lesser Himalaya consist of Precambrian and Cambrian sequences of Damtha, Tejam, Jaunsar- Garhwal and Mussoorie Group in Garhwal region of the western Himalaya
The Higher Himalaya – The higher Himalaya crystallines is separate from the lesser Himalaya along the Main Central Thrust.
The Higher Himalayan crystalline is extremely rugged with elevation of 3000m to more than 8000m. For example, Mount Everest is 8848m and Mount Kanchanjanga is 8598m high.
The Higher Himalayan crystallines in the western Himalaya is represented by the Chail, Jutogh an Vaikrita groups of rocks.
Crystalline and The Tethyan Himalaya- The Higher Himalaya Crystallines passes into the Tethyan Himalaya sequences towards north along the South Tibetan Detachment system.
The Tethyan Himalaya is a rugged terrain with beautifully sculptured landscape developed in sedimentary sequences that range in age from Late Precambrian to Cretaceous and Eocene.
As the high ranges of the Higher Himalaya Crystalline act a barrier for the wet monsoon cloud and dry desert, with sparse vegetation and naked rocks.
As the area is dry and cold, the rocks are weathered mechanically with little effects on chemical weathering.
Figure 1Geology of Himalaya
Fig: Lithotectonic succession in Kumaun Lesser Himalaya
SPOT:1( Durham House Near Kumaun University )
DATE: 29.04.2022 TIME: 9:30 AM
o LITHOLOGY:
SEDIMENTRY ROCK (Dolomite)
o SEDIMENTARY STRUCTURE:
Cross bedding.
o STRATIGRAPHY:
KROL-E
o AGE:
EARLY-PROTEROZOIC o ABOUT SPOT:
A thick succession of light to dark-grey dolomite of upper Krol succession characterizing development of 1000 to 900 m.y. old structures is well
exposed at this site. The stromatolites is present in this rock unit are columnar, laminar, domal, plumose and irregular stromatolites.
Its massive consumption looks to its extension as organisms started feeding
them. Their growth was towards and due to sunlight.
DAY THREE
SPOT:1(Pines Nala)
DATE: 30.04.2022 TIME: 9:30 AM
o Pines Nala (Latitude :29°23′24′′N Longitude: 79°28′04′′E,) is located at an altitude of about 1921m, in Nainital.
o ATTITUDE OF BED:
o STRIKE DIRECTION: 140°N,220°E o DIP DIRECTION: S50°W
o DIP AMOUNT: 70°
o ATTITUDE OF JOINT:
o STRIKE DIRECTION: 290°N,70°E o DIP DIRECTION: N20°E
o DIP AMOUNT: 25°
o STRUCTURAL FEATURES:
Bedding plane, joint plane, Joint sets, and cross bedding.
o LITHOLOGY:
SEDIMENTRY ROCK (Shale, Quartzite, Dolomite, Siltstone) METAMORPHIC ROCK (Slate)
o SEDIMENTARY STRUCTURE:
Ripple marks, Lamination.
o STRATIGRAPHY:
Blaini Formation (Dolomite Rock, KROL-B) o AGE:
EARLY-PROTEROZOIC
o ABOUT SPOT:
The spot (Pines Nala) is located at an altitude of about 1921m, in nainital.
In this area we saw many structural feature (bedding plane, joint
plane, joint set, and cross bedding), lithological feature (sale, quartzite, dolomite, siltstone, slate) and stratigraphy of this area is Blaini
Formation, KROL-B.
In this area the bed is dipping at S50°W.
Fig: Blaini Formation
Fig: Cross bedding
Fig: Ripple marks Fig: Quartzite rock with Quartz veins
Fig: Joint Plane Fig: Bedding Plane
SPOT:2 (Pande Gaon)
DATE: 30.04.2022 TIME: 12:45 PM
o Pande Gaon (Latitude :29°36′89′′N Longitude: 79°54′04′′E,) is located at an altitude of about 1901m, in Nainital.
o LITHOLOGY:
IGNEOUS ROCK: - Basalt(amygdaloidal) (Extrusive Igneous Rock)
o IGNEOUS TEXTURE:
Amygdaloidal (an igneous texture in the volcanic rock, usually basalt or andesite, has filled with secondary minerals such as zeolite, calcite, and quartz).
o AGE:
PALAEO -PROTEROZOIC
o ABOUT SPOT:
Pandey Gaon is a Village in Bhimtal Block in Nainital District of Uttarakhand State, India. It is located 11 KM towards East from District headquarters Nainital and 214 KM from State capital Dehradun.
Pandey Gaon is surrounded by Nainital Tehsil towards west, Dhari Tehsil towards East, Ramgarh Tehsil towards North, Haldwani Tehsil towards South.
In this area the Palaeo-Proterozoic volcanism has been found in abundance.
The Pande volcanics are vesicular and amygdaloidal.
Fig: Pande Gaon Volcanics
Fig: Basalt (amygdaloidal)
SPOT:3 (Bhimtal to Kathgodam)
DATE: 30.04.2022 TIME: 2:55 PM
o Spot (Latitude :29°18′25′′N Longitude: 79°32′53′′E,) is located at an altitude of about 1171m.
o LITHOLOGY:
Sedimentary rock, Volcanic rock.
o STRUCTURAL FEATURES:
Cross bedding, Foliation, Quartz veins, Volcanic strips.
o METAMORHIC PROCESSES:
Metamorphism (contact metamorphism): Slate rock convert into phyllite rock
o ABOUT SPOT:
The location (Bhimtal to Kathgodam) is located at an altitude of 1171m.
In this area we saw many structural and geological feature such as metamorphism process (contact metamorphism), meta-volcanic
sequence, cross bedding, sedimentary-volcanic rock and quartz viens along foliated plane.
Fig: Meta-sedimentary Sequence
Fig: Cross bedding
SPOT:4 (Bhowali Formation)
DATE: 30.04.2022 TIME: 2:55 PM
o Bhowali formation (Latitude :29°31′92′′N Longitude: 79°55′40′′E,) is located at an altitude of about 1171m.
o LITHOLOGY:
Quartzite, Qusaler basalt (rounded grain), Schist, Volcano sedimentary rock.
o STRUCTURAL FEATURES:
Schistosity, Alternate bands of quartzite.
o MINERAL:
Biotite, Mica o ABOUT SPOT:
The location (Bhowali Formation) is located at an altitude of 1171m.
In this spot we saw volcanics of clastic sediment, green schist facies, clastic sedimentary rock and pyroclastic sedimentary rock and many geological processes such as sandstone change into clastic material after crushed, green schist change into amphibolite and metamorphic alteration.
In Bhowali Formation we saw two depositional sequences i.e.; 1.85 Ma old and 2.5 Ma old.
Fig: Volcano Sedimentary with alternate bands of quartz veins
SPOT:5 (Bhimtal to Kachidham)
DATE: 30.04.2022 TIME: 5:30 PM
o Spot (Bhowali to Kachidham) (Latitude :29°23′24′′N Longitude:
79°28′04′′E,) is located at an altitude of about 1921m, in Nainital.
o LITHOLOGY:
Mixed quartzite
o STRUCTURAL FEATURES:
Schistosity (lamination in schist) o ABOUT SPOT:
The spot is located at an altitude of 1921m in Nainital.
In this spot we saw mixed quartzite, schistosity in schist, and also volcanic sedimentary sequence.
Fig: Mixed quartzite
Fig: Kachidham
DAY FOUR
SPOT:1 (Goula River)
.DATE: 1.05.2022 TIME: 12:55 PM
o Goula River is located at Latitude :29°23′24′′N and Longitude:
79°28′41′′.
o LITHOLOGY:
Black shale, Boulder, Purple Shale, Sandstone.
o STRUCTURAL FEATURES:
Cross bedding, Lamination, Pinch and swell structure,
Fig: Black Shale Fig: Purple Shale
Fig: Pinch and swell structure
SPOT:2 (Amritpur)
DATE: 1.05.2022 TIME: 1:47 PM
o
o The Spot (Amritpur) (Latitude :29°23′24′′N Longitude: 79°28′04′′E,) is located at an altitude of about 724m, in Nainital.
o LITHOLOGY:
Granite.
o ABOUT SPOT:
The spot ‘Amritpur’ is famous for Granite.
Fig: Amritpur Granite
Appendices
Appendix No. A-1: Geological Time Scale Appendix No. A-2: Brunton Compass Appendix No. A-3: Hammer
Appendix No. A-4: Hand Lens Appendix No. A-5: Camera Appendix No. A-6: Scale Appendix No. A-7: Schedule
A brunton compass, properly known as the Brunton Pocket Transit, is a type of precision compass made by Brunton, Inc. of Riverton, Wyoming. The instrument was patented in 1894 by a Canadian – born Colorado geologist named Devid W. Brunton. Brunton Inc. makes many other types of magnetic compasses, the Brunton Pocket Transit is a specialized
instrument used widely by those needing to make accurate degree and angle measurement in the field.
These people are primarily geologists, but archaeologists, environmental engineers, and surveyors also make use of the Brunton’s capabilities. The
United States Army has adopted the Pocket Transit as the M2 Compass for use by crew- served artillery.
Geological hammers are a necessity for field work. Specially forged or manufactured for breaking rock in a variety of ways. Whether using the hammer to expose fresh rock surfaces or as a means to extract samples for further analysis, they are of chief importance to the geologist. All geological hammers come with at least one flat face which is primarily for breaking rock where accuracy is not required or to break down larger pieces into smaller fragments. Chisel end hammers are for cutting rock where as pointed tip hammers are for accurate delicate work or extraction of crystals or fossils.
Geologists working in the field, lab, or office often need to closely examine rocks, sediments, soils, sands, minerals, and other materials with tiny features. A hand lens provides a quick and easy way to perform that work. It is important for them to examine the rock closely to identify minerals, see the size and shape of grains, look for small fossils or crystals, and much more.
This hand lens is a 10x pocket magnifying glass with a durable metal case. When not in use, the lens folds into a protected position. This protects the lens from breakage and scratches. It has a metal loop for attacking a lanyard, or you can thread a cord through the case below the pivot hinge and tie a knot.
For capturing high resolution and high definition image we used Nikon D3400 for better quality image. The Nikon D3400 size makes its very convenient to carry around when you travel, it is less imposing which make its better for photography. Focusing speed is good and camera is quick to look focus.
The different scales were used while taking the photographs of geological structures, exposure and minerals. The scale of toposheet is 1:50000
