STRATIGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF MESOZOIC AND PALEOGENE ROCKS OF HAZARA, AZAD KASHMIR AND ADJACENT AREJ:\S OF ISLAMABAD AND RAWALPINDI DISTRICTS

Abstract

A gross area of about 17500 square kilometers situated in Hazara, Islamabad and Azad Kashmir is investigated for "Stratigraphic Analysis of Mesozoic and Paleogene Sequences" under this field oriented study. Of the over 260 localities investigated, 49 are studied in detail of which 3 3 have been measued. The succession of rocks during Mesozoic and Paleogene is described in detail. A formation of Maestrichtian (?) age, at the top of Mesozoic sequence is newly identified, applicable not only to the region under study but also the Kohat-Potwar Province of Indus Basin. Sequence younger than the Kawagarh Formation, as described earlier, has also been identified. Microfacies studies of the Hangu Formation have revealed the presence of 5 lithostratigraphic facies identified as members for the first time in the region, applicable to the Kohat - Potwar Province of the Indus Basin. A 6th belt unrepresented by Hangu Formation is recognised as a Barren Zone. 5 unconformities and a diastem have been identified and described. 27 major and minor thrusts and prominant faults have been identified and described most of these for the first time. Hazara Kashmir Boundary Thrust (H.K.B.T.) is identified to separate Soan Trough on one hand and Haro and Poonch troughs on the other. 7 blocks have been identified for the pusposes of reference, for the first time, covering the region under study and the adjacent regions of the Kohat-Potwar Province of Indus Basin. 2 orogenic and 4 epeirogenic events have been identified. Based on the impact of unconformities, lithofacies variations, fades and thrust ·elationships and thickenning and thinning trends of various formations, a configuration of area )f deposition has highlighted the presence of 3 highs in north and north west within Hazara; east ind south of Hazara in Azad Kashmir and Potwar respectively resulting in Soan, Haro and >oonch troughs Dor and Neelum depressions. 77 Ilustrations include, location of lithologs (l ); Lithologs (33); lsopachs (14); limits and naximum development of Jurassic to Paleogene (1 ); Fence diagram ( 1 ); Lithofacies and other ·ross sections (4); Paleosediments and Paleophysiography (2); Variations in Chemical anlaysis 1); Facies distribution (1 ); Structural blocks, cross sections and distribution (3);Tectonic map 1), Basinal configuration (2), andFossil plates (12).