ISSN: 2320-5407 Int. J. Adv. Res.

10(10), 362-373

Journal Homepage: - www.journalijar.com

Article DOI: 10.21474/IJAR01/15500

DOI URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.21474/IJAR01/15500

RESEARCH ARTICLE
DECCAN VOLCANIC OF MALWA, STRATIGRAPHY AND CORRELATION OF BASALTIC LAVA
FLOWS USING MEGACRYST BEARING HORIZON AS TOOL, PARTS OF WESTERN M.P. INDIA

A.A. Khan and O.P. Joshi

Ex. Directors Geological Survey of India.
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Manuscript Info Abstract
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Manuscript History A review of earlier studies of the Deccan Trap occurrences of parts of
Received: 15 August 2022 Ratlam, Mandsaur, Jhabua, Dhar, Khargone, Indore, Ujjain and
Final Accepted: 18 September 2022 Shajapur districts of Madhya Pradesh, India was carried out of the area
Published: October 2022 falling between latitudes 220 00’00” to 24000’00”N and longitudes
74000’00” to 76000’00” in Survey of India Quadrangle sheet Nos. 46I,
46J, 46M and 46N.The main objectives of the study were to synthesize
the data on the Deccan Trap basaltic lava flows , their types ,their
diagnostic characteristics with special emphasis on delineating and
identifying the various megacryst horizons , their levels with specific
elevation above m.s.l. to build up the litho-stratigraphy for regional
correlation. Broadly the area exhibits the Proterozoic Aravalli
Supergroup, the Cretaceous, Bagh and Lameta Groups and the Deccan
basaltic lava flows with intruded dykes and sills. The Aravalli
Supergroup is represented by the Udaipur, Lunavada and Champaner
Groups. The Udaipur Group consists mainly of hornblende gneiss,
marble and calc-silicate, carbonaceous phyllites and chlorite schist. The
Lunavada Group comprises dolomitic limestone (Phosphate bearing),
quartzite, muscovite quartzite, quartz muscovite schist, feldspathised
quartzite, gneissic feldspathic rock and biotitic gneiss. The Champaner
Group is represented by dolomite, phyllite, slates and basic intrusives.
The Aravalli Super group of rocks is also intruded by serpentinite,
pyroxinite, granite and basic rocks. The Aravalli Supergroup of rocks is
unconformably overlain by Cretaceous marine sedimentary deposits of
Bagh Group. It includes Lower arenaceous and Upper calcareous units
and occurs as discontinuous outcrops. These are almost horizontally to
sub horizontally disposed. The Bagh Group is represented by three
units / Formations i.e. Nimar sandstone overlain by nodular limestone
and subsequently by coralline limestone. The Lameta Group of rocks is
noticed in the area east and South East of Bagh exposures, overlying
the Nimar sandstones. These rocks predominantly consist of limestone,
gritty sandstone and conglomerate and generally exhibit hummocky
topography and sometimes display solution channels. These are mostly
horizontally to sub-horizontally disposed with an average thickness of
5- 6 m. The Deccan Trap has occupied a very long stretch of area
which consists of a sequence of 121 basaltic lava flows with a
cumulative thickness of about 610 m. These flows represent a sequence
of cyclic lava eruptions with fine to medium grained a aphyric to

Corresponding Author:- A.A. Khan 362

Address:- Ex. Director Geological Survey of India Bhopal.
ISSN: 2320-5407 Int. J. Adv. Res. 10(10), 362-373

sparsely / moderately / highly / mega porphyritic lava. About two third

of the total flows exhibit Aa characters and the rest are compound and
simple Pahoehoe. Some of these flows consist of megacryst units
containing feldspar laths varying in size round two to five cm. These
megacryst horizons have been identified at different elevations in
Quadrangles 46I, J, M, N and on the basis of these horizons, various
flows have been grouped into to six Formations which have specific
nomenclatures and stratigraphic status. These formations are in the
order of antiquity 1) Mandleshwar formation, 2) Choral formation,3)
Dhar formations 4) Indore Formation 5) Bargonda Formation and 6)
Singarchori Formation. Full sequence is exposed only in quadrangle
46N whereas the Quadrangles 46I, J, M do not exhibit Bargonda and
Singarchori Formations. An attempt has been made to correlate the
various Formations in degree sheets 46 I, J, M, N with the surroundings
Geological Quadrangles. The Megacryst bearing lava- flows act as
marker horizons for this purpose. A large number of dykes and dyke
swamps of basaltic as well as doleritic compositions have been marked
around the Narmada River. The intensity of the dykes is more in the
oldest Mandleshwar Formations and it gradually decreases in
increasing order of antiquity towards the younger Bargonda and
Singarchori Formations. The general trend of these dykes varies from
East North East – West South West to E-W running sub parallel to the
Narmada lineament, besides a few dykes also cut across this lineament
trend and oriented along NNW-SSE to N-S direction. The Length of
these dykes varies from about 200 m to 20 Km with width varying
from a few meters to as much as 200 m. The possibility exists that these
dykes may have been actually feeders through which periodic eruptions
of tholiitic basaltic lava took place resulting in formation of such a
thick pile of lava flows. Besides as many as seven Intertrapean
fossiliferous sedimentary horizons have been recognized within the
basal part of the flows. These demonstrate episodic nature of volcanic
activity, long periods of quiescence and resilience. The overall study of
various lava flow s and their interrelations their relative dispositions
thinning /swelling and pinching nature. Their relative elevations,
occurrence of marker megacryst units, change in lava characters,
overall gradient of lava flows and their relation to preexisting
topography and slope elements reveals that the sources of lava
eruptions of Older Formations are situated somewhere in the west and
south west whereas those of Younger Formations are located in the
Eastern part of Mhow of the area studied.

Copy Right, IJAR, 2022,. All rights reserved.

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Introduction:-
The geological studies of Deccan Trap Basaltic lava flows of parts of western Madhya Pradesh of the area bounded
by latitude 22°00’00” to 24°00’00” N and longitudes 74°00 ‘00” to 76°00 ’00” E of parts quadrangle sheets 46/I,
J,M,& N were carried out with the help of available geological maps and reports, supplemented by study of satellite
imagery TM, MSS & FCC data in parts of Ratlam, Mandsaur, Jhabua, Dhar, Khargone, Indore, Ujjain and Shajapur
districts of Madhya Pradesh.

The objective of study is to compile the data acquired in course of study of the area investigated, study of available
geological reports, geological maps bore hole data and other published material on Malwa Group of Deccan Trap
Basaltic lava flows of the area. It also includes detailed study of their volcanic diagnostic characters salient features
and nature of lava flows for the purpose of correction and building up a common stratigraphic framework for the
volcanic sequence for regional correlation. It also includes study of bore hole data, litho logs, rock cores to conceive
the regional model of surface and subsurface geology. Kaila (1988)

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Location And Communication

The area forms part of Ratlam, Mandsaur, Jhabua, Dhar, Khargone, Indore and Ujjain districts of M.P. These names
also denote the towns which are districts headquarters and are connected by tar road. The National Highway No. 3
(Bombay-Agra road) passes through south-eastern part of the area, Dhar Indore, Jhabua Khargone, Ratlam Shajapur
and Ujjain are connected with meter gauge railway line which passes through north-western part of the area. The
broad gauge Delhi-Bombay railway line passes through north –western part of the area and connects Barichera
Kalana - Ratlam and Dahod in the area. All weather roads connect Indore, Dhar and Jhabua, besides metal roads and
network of cart tracts connect the interior parts of 46/I, 46/J, 46/M and 46/N.

Present Work
The present work includes geological studies of Deccan Trap Basaltic lava flows of parts of western Madhya
Pradesh of the area bounded by latitude 22°00’00” to 24°00’00” N and longitudes 74°00 ‘00” to 76°00 ’00” E of
parts quadrangle sheets 46/I, J,M,& N were carried out with the help of available geological maps and reportsbore
hole data, stratigraphic columns and section supplemented by study of satellite imagery TM, MSS & FCC data in
parts of Ratlam, Mandsaur, Jhabua, Dhar, Khargone, Indore, Ujjain and Shajapur districts Deccan volcanic of
Malwa Group of western Madhya Pradesh .

Geology of Deccan Volcanic.

The area studied is manly occupied by Deccan basaltic lava flows. These lava sheets form E-W trending chain of
hill ranges in the areas south of Narmada, NW-SE trending ranges in southern part of Malwa plateau. In the north—
east these flows constitute plateaux with steep scarp faces with several isolated hills in form of mesa and butte. The
highest elevation in the area is 830 m in the southern part and the lowest is 150 m along Narmada river course in the
southeast.

A sequence of 171 basaltic flows between elevation 340—613 m (461), 47 basaltic flows between altitude 220 m to
750 m (46J), 27 flows between elevation 440 to 550 m (46M) and 56 flows between 275 to 830 m (46N) has been
studied and identified. These flows represent a composite sequence of cyclic eruptions with fine to medium grained,
sparse to moderately and highly porphyritic Aa and .simple/compound pahoehoe flows having megaporphyritic
units at the top. The megaporphyritic units consist of 2-3 cm megaphenocrysts of feldspar, which are identified at
elevations of 275 m, 440 m, 520 m, 520 m, 610 m, 790 m, and 830 m in the type area of 46N. Khan et. al (1985) &
(1994-95)

Deccan Volcanics Of Quadrangle 46I

The area of 46I quadrangle (M.P) part includes Survey of India sheets No. 461/8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 & 16. It is
bounded by Latitudes 23.00.00 and 24.00.00 N and Longitudes 74.00.00 and 75.00.00 E covering parts of Ratlam,
Mandsaur and Jhabua districts of Madhya Pradesh..

The area comprises mainly the rocks belonging to the Aravalli Supergroup, the Bagh Group, Deccan basaltic lava
flows and Iaterite.

The south-eastern and eastern part of quadrangle sheet 461 (M.P.) part is occupied by Deccan Trap basaltic flows.
The area consists of 21 lava flows between elevation of 340 m and 613 m. The exposed thickness of these flows is
about 273 m. These flows are both ‘Aa’ and compound pahoehoe types which contain phenocryst of feldpar
megacryst unit at the top. On the basis of various diagnostic volcanic features and elements of the lava flows of
Deccan basalt have been divided into four sub group / formations named as: (1) Mandleshwar formation, (ii)
Kalisindh formation, (iii) Kankariya-Pirukheri formation, and (iv) Indore formation in increasing antiquity.
Thickness of lava flows in these formations varies from 60 m to 113 m. These flows have been correlated with those
of the adjoining area of Quadrangle Sheet No. 46M and 46J on the basis of, elevations, flow gradients and other
diagnostic features. (Table No 1 & 6)

Deccan Volcanics Of Quadrangle 46J

The area of 46J quadrangle studied includes Survey of India sheet No. 463/2. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
& 16 and bounded by latitude 22°00’O0” N and longitudes 74°00’00” to 25°00’00” E covering parts of Jhabua, Dhar
and Ratlam districts of Madhya Pradesh.

Geologically the area mainly comprises rocks belonging to the Aravalli Super group, the Bag Group and Deccan

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Trap.

In quadrangle degree sheet 46J, the southern, eastern a, north-eastern part is occupied by Deccan basaltic Lava
flows. These lava sheets form E-W trending chain of hill ranges in the south. NW-SE trending southern part of
Malwa plateau in the north-east has steep scarp faces exposed towards south-west with several isolated hills in the
form of mesa and butte. The highest elevation in the area is 750 in the southern part and the lowest is 220 m along
Narmada river course in the south-east.

The area exhibits a sequence of 47 basaltic flows of Deccan Trap with cumulative thickness of 530 in between
altitude 220 in and 750 m. The flows represent a sequence of cyclic eruptions with fine medium grained, sparse to
moderately and highly porphyritic basal having Aa and compound pahoehoe characters and megaporphyritic units at
the top. The megaporphyritic units are identified in six horizons elevations of 220 m, 430 in, 550 in, 610 in, 720 m
and 750 it’. Amid these the uppermost level is identified at 750 w above m.s.l. in the area. The flows constitute six
groups which are correlated with Mandleshwar, Kalisindh, Kankariya-Pirukheri, Indore, Barsonda and Singarchori
formations.

Intrusives
The Deccan Trap and the Bag Group of rocks in the southern part, especially in the vicinity of the Narmada River,
are intruded by a number of ultra basic, basic and carbonate dykes and few basic to ultra basic sills. The trend of the
dykes is ENE—WSW and is parallel to the trend of the Narmada river occurring in en-echelon pattern. This
apparent parallelism may have some relation with the Narmada lineament tectonics.

Among the ultra basic dykes, one dyke occurring NE of Tindari (46J 3&4) is a lamprophyre and the rest are olivine
pyroxenee bearing ultra basic dykes of pyrites-basalt affinity. The lamprophyre is black, hard, compact,
equigranular, porphyritic and has high specific gravity. The pyroxene olivine bearing dyke rocks are black colored,
hard, compact and have high specific gravity. On surface they show pitted weathering. Under microscope they are
seen to be porphyritic containing abundant phenocrysts of clinopyroxene and agate. The groundmass is composed of
clinopyroxene olivine, plagioclase feldspathoide and opaque minerals.

The basic dykes range in composition from gabbros to dolerite. The length of the dykes vary from a few meters to as
long as 7.5 km as found near Biswani village with width ranging from 2 m to 15 m. These have non-porphyritic to
highly porphyritic, intersertal to intergranular and politic to sub-ophitic textures. All dykes show chilled margins at
the contact with the country rock.

The sills range in composition from ultra basic to basic which intrude Deccan Trap and the Bagh Group. The ultra
basic sills are found near Undai (44J/4) end Althawa (46J/6) while basic sills are found near Undala (463/12) and
Sondwa (463/8).

The carbonate dykes are found to be intruded within the Deccan Traps and their length varies from several meters to
about 10 km with width from less than a meter to 30 m. At places these dykes contain xenoliths of basalt and
sandstone. These carbonate dykes follow the fractures and fault planes. These ranges in composition from hybrid
carbonate rock to calcite/dolomite rock and are found to contain silica in the form of quartz, chart and chalcedony.
Khan et. Al (1994-95) (Table No 2 &7)

Deccan Volcanics of Quadrangle 46 M

The area of 46M quadrangle include Survey of India top sheet 46M/1 to 16 between latitudes 23° 00’ and 24° 00’ N
and longitude 5° 00’ and 76° 00’ E, comprise six districts of Madhya Pradesh and one district of Rajasthan. It covers
major part of Ujjain district and small portions of Dewas, Dhar, Indore, Jhabtia., .Mandsaur, Shajapur of Madhya
Pradesh and a small portion of Jhalawar district of Rajasthan.

The area occupied by quadrangle 46 M is called Sondwaha plateau forming the western part of the well-known
Malwa plateau. The terrain is uneven to undulating and exhibits a terraced topography with more or less horizontal
surfaces. The general elevation is 440 m to 550 m above m.s.l. The vast expanse of lava landscape overlies a pre-
Cretaceous surface. The extensive erosion during the quaternary period has carved the level across the pile of lavas
over which the Chambal, Kalisindh and Mahi rivers flow with undulating divides. Small part of the fossil landscape
has been exhausted in the northern part where the Lower Vindhyan Quartzites are found in juxtaposition with the

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trap in an irregular fashion indicating that the lava flows poured out upon uneven surface of pre-Cretaceous age.
There are number of isolated rounded or linear mesa of the traps occurs in the southern part of the area indicating
former level of erosion cycle..

The south-western part is a highly broken rugged land form with little soil cover and more rock exposures giving a
relict type of topography. The central part of the area shows a series of flat topped elongated plateau surfaces
between 460 and 520 m levels. The development of 5 to 15 in thick laterite capping over these plateau has been
noticed between 490 m and 540 m in the north-eastern part. The typical step like terraces with sporadic isolated
hillocks over the plateaux is the common features in the central and southern parts of the area.

The general elevation of the area is about 500 m above m.s.l in the major part and the relief varies from 148 m to
216 m.

The low lying plains are restricted to the courses of the major rivers in the northern parts. The rise in the elevations
from these low lying tracts is very gradual. The flat surfaces of the terraces often represent the contact of the
volcanic flows, the linear rocky and undulating surfaces concealed under moderate to thick soil cover exhibit a north
easterly to northwesterly gradient in the central and eastern parts. The prominent break In slopes at the contact of the
flows are seen at 440 m, 460 m, 480 m, 510 m, 520 m from north to south. The typical trap topography has resulted
due to the disposition and composition of the flows where the relatively soft, easily eroded vesicular zone in the
upper part renders a horizontal retreat of scarp slopes.

The area is drained by the Chambal River and its tributaries Sipra, Choti Kalisindh Kure nadi and Bageri nedi. Sipra
river and its tributary Gambhir nadi drains the central and the eastern part of the area. All the northerly flowing
rivers have a slightly meandering course with asymmetrical to symmetrical river terraces on either bank. The
terraces varying in thickness from couple of meters to 15 m comprise mainly of loam.

The gently meandering courses of the major rivers indicate their nearly graded nature of confluence of the minor
ephemeral streams with the major ones and general medium to coarse dendritice drainage pattern do not suggest a
structural control over the drainage. However, relatively straight courses locally observed along the Chambal river
west of Nagda (46M/7) and Sapra river southwest of Jharda and Choti Kalisindh river in general might be due to
concealed fracture. The area is comprised mainly of Deccan Trap and Vindhyan rocks.

The area comprises layered basaltic lava flows with two inliers of the Vindhyans in the north. These lava flows are
commonly termed as ‘Malwa Traps’. In a vertical column between 440 m and 550 m elevations 17 flows have been
delineated, out of which, three flows pinch out in the north-easterly direction. The lava flows in the area are of
simple pahoehoe and ‘Aa’ except middle sequence in the southwestern part which shows compound pahoehoe
characters.

The lava sequence of 17 flows has been divided into three formations on the basis of the megacryst horizons
identified at 440, 525 m and 550 m elevation. Khan et. al (1994-95) ( Table No.8 )

Table No.10:- Megacryst Horizons of 46M.

Formation — No of- Megacryst Size cm

flows horizon located
at an elevation of

III Indore 7 550 m 1—5

Formation above

II Kankaria 6 Top flow 2—4

Pirukheri .525
Formation

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I Kalisindh 4 Top flow 1—4

Formation 440 m

Base not exposed

The lava flows are horizontally disposed and constitute three distinct stacks which are correlatable with Kalisindh,
Kankariya, Pierukheri and Indore formations in the south (46N) and (461) in the West.

Kalisindh Formation
This comprises four - ‘As’ flows exposed in the low lying tracts of Chambal river, Sipra river and Choti Kalisindh
river the exposed thickness of these flows is about 40 m. The base of these lava flows is not exposed where as the
upper contact with the overlying formation is at 440 m level. The upper part of the flow is characterized by a
vesicular zone with irnpersistent patches of red bole traversed by carbonate veins. In the south-western part along
the Mahi river the thickness of these flow is more and this’ group comprises two prominent ‘Aa’ flows. The lava
flows are fine grained, sparsely porphyritic and moderately compact with well developed columnar joints having
diameters of 40 cm to 1m in the lower massive part. The upper flow is fine-grained, dark grey, moderately
porphyritic with phenocrysts of pyroxene and plagioclase.

Kankariya Pirukheri Formation

This formation comprises six ‘Aa’ flows are well exposed along the low lying tracts of Chambal and Sipra river
section between elevations of 460 m and 525 meters. The lower lava flow is dark grey, fine grained, compact,
aphyric to sparsely porphyritic with distinct basal clinkers and has a baked contact with the lower flows. The middle
flows are marked by a palaeo weathered, adulatory and vesicular zone of 2 to 4 m and are dark grey, very compact,
massive, and fine grained and moderately porphyrltic containing plagioclase feldspar phenocrysts. The upper flow is
grey to dark grey, compact, massive and fine with a megacryst unit at the top containing feldspar of 2-4 cm size.

lndore Formation
The formation consists of seven flows between elevation 525 m and 550 m. The lower three flows are fine grained,
compact, hard, massive porphyritic to sparsely porphyritic which are separated by overlying lava sheet by
impersistent red bole. The thickness of these flows varies from 5-10 m. The middle part of this formation is
represented by three lava flows, which exhibit pahoehoe characters. These flows are fine-grained massive and
porphyritic in nature and occurs as butte and mesa in the area 540 m above m.s.1.

The top flow is an Aa’ flow confined between altitudes of 545 m and 550 m and is exposed in north of Bhikwa. The
flow is fine grained, dark grey and compact basalt. It is sparsely porphyritic and the top of the flow is not exposed

Craterlets:
A few craterlets have been reported from the area near Kukido Magra (not traceable in top sheet 46M/2 1:50,000)
and at the base of the hill east of Jethana (23° 40’ 40: 75° 00’40’). These craterlets are oval to perfectly circular.
Their diameter varies from 1 to 10 m. with a wall or a rim rising 3 to 9 m above the surrounding surface. These rims
show 30° to 40° inclination towards center. There are 46 such craterlets near Kukido Magra and 10 in the hill east of
Jethana. These craterlets are within flow no 7 & 8. A calcite body of radiating nature has also been recorded in one
of the craterlets at the base of hill east of Jethana. (Table No 3) Khan et. al (1994-95)

Deccan Volvanics Of Quadrangle 46N

The studied area of quadrangle 46N consisting of Survey of India top sheet 46N/1 to 16,it is bounded by latitudes
22° to 23° north and longitudes 75° to 76° east. The area forms parts of Dhar, Indore, Khargone, Dewas, Ujjain
and Jhabua districts of Madhya Pradesh. This quadrangle as a whole forms the southwestern part of Malwa plateau
and the fringing plains; the part of Malwa plateau known as Indore-Mhow plateau lies in the north-eastern part of
the quadrangle. The area has east-west trending chain of hill ranges with several mesa and butte typo geomorphic
features in the central part and a southerly facing scarp and the Narmada plain in the south. The highest elevation in
the area is 881 m in the northeast and the lowest is 150 in along Narmada River on the southwest. The drainage

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pattern in the area is predominantly of dendritic type. The southern part is drained by westerly flowing Narmada
River and its tributaries while the northern part is drained by several northerly flowing rivers like Sipra, Gambhir,
Chambal and Mahi.

The area is extensively covered by Deccan Trap lava flows having a few small inliers of Archaean, Bijawar, Bagh
and Lameta Group of rocks in the south-western part; besides a few isolated inliers of Bagh Group are also exposed
in the southeastern part. A narrow strip of Quaternary sediments occur along Narmada river course in the,
southeastern part.

The geological sequence is given in (Table No. 1).

The Archaean Upper Proterozoic rocks are represented by pink granite gneiss and granites with xenoliths of
hornblende/chlorite schists and dolomite Intruded by basic dykes and quartz veins.

The Bijawar Group includes metaseditmentary rocks cornprising phyllite, shale/slate and quartzite and
unconformably overlies the Archaean rocks in southwestern parts exhibit close lithological similarities with
Champaner Group of rocks exposed in adjacent area in 46J/15. These rocks are grouped together is treated as
Champaner Group of rocks. the schistocity in the phylllite trends NW-SE with dips of 60° - 70° towards north-east;
whereas the quartzite, shale and dolomite have gentler dips of 15° -50° in northeast direction. These rocks have
been transected by quartz veins.

The discontinuous units of the Bagh Group unconformably overlie the Archaean/Proterozoic and Bijawar rocks.
This horizontally disposed sedimentary group comprises three formations which in order of in increasing antiquity
are Nimar Sandstone, Nodular Limestone and Coralline Limestone. The thickness of these units varies from a few to
200 m. The nodular limestone and the Coralline Limestone are moderately fossiliferous.

The Larneta Group comprises a sequence of shales and reddish brown to green sandstones which at places are
highly silicified, conformably overlying the Bag beds in the southwestern part.

The Deccan Traps of the area consists of a sequence of 46 basaltic flows with a cumulative thickness of 555 m
exposed between altitudes 275 to 830 m above m.s.l. (Table No. 9). The flows represent a sequence of cyclic
eruptions with fine to medium grained, aphyric to sparsely/moderately porphyritic flows with mega-porphyritic
flows towards the top of each cycle. About two-thirds of the total thickness flows exhibit Aa’ characters and rest are
compound and simple pahoehoe type of flows. The thickness of ‘Aa’ flows in general varies from 14 to 18 m, while
that of the pahoehoe units varies from 1 to 5m.The megacryst horizons contain feldspars varying in sizes from 1 to
6.5 cm and the average size is 2.25 cm. The levels of such horizons are identified at elevations of 275 m, 440 m, 520
m, 610 m, 690 m and 830 m. The pile of lava flow of the area has been classified into six formations; each
characterized by distinct physical and petrological characters with mega-porphyritic flow marking the end phase of
each cycle of eruptions. These formations have been named after the localities where their exposures are best seen,
viz., Mandleshwar, Choral, Dhar, Indore, Bergonda and Singarchori and are correlatable with the Satwas, Kannod,
Sonkach, Dewas and Remkot groups of flows respectively present in the QGM 46N/8 and with Mandleshwar,
Kalisindh, Kankaria, Pirukheri, Indore Bargonda and Singarchori respectively in the QGM 46M and with Mahi,
Nagda and Narwas formations respectively in the QGM 55B. The youngest formation of the area is named after the
highest Singarchori peak. The thickness of lava pile of the individual formations varies from 78 m to 182 m. (Table
No. 4 and 9)

Mandleshwar Formation
This is the oldest formation with seven flows comprising ‘Aa’ type lava Identified between 142-275 m and covers a,
wide area in the southern part. The flows are fine grained aphyric except the youngest flow which is highly
porphyritic to megaporphyritlc in texture. The megacryst unit contains plagioclase feldspar of about 2-4 cm size.
The thickness of individual flows varies from 15 to 18 in. A total of four fossiliferous intertrappean beds with
thickness varying from 50 cm to 3 m comprising limestone, chert and shale overlie flows F3, F4, F5 and F6.are
delineated. The various fossils of gastropods, Bivalves and plant remains have been recorded from these
intertrappeans beds. The flows of this formation show a westerly to southwesterly gradient.

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Choral formation
It is identified between elevations of 275-440 m consisting of eleven lava flows. These flows are generally fine
grained aphyritic to sparsely porphyritic while the youngest flow is mega-porphyritic and amygdaloidal. The
megacryst unit consists of plagioclase feldspars of 1-3 cm size. The thickness of individual flows varies from 15 to
16 rn. In lava sequence three Intertrappean beds varying in thickness from 70 cm to 3 m are noticed mainly
comprising argillaceous limestone have been reported from the upper flows of the Choral Formation.The fossils
wood Gastropodsds and leaf impressions have been recorded from these beds occurring in southwestern part of the
area.

Dhar Formation
It is identified at an elevation between 440-520 m.This formation of comprises five flows.These flows have a wide
aerial extent in northern and western parts of the area forming moderately undulating topography. The flows are fine
to medium grained, moderately to highly porphyritic with mega-porphyritic flow at the top containing megacrysts of
feldspar 1-2 cm size. The flows show gradual change in their physical characters from compound pahoehoe on the
west to ‘Aa’ types in the east.

Indore Formation
It is identified between elevations of about 520-610 m. This formation comprises six flows which forms the central
parts of Malwa plateau. The flows are generally fine grained; sparsely to moderately porphynitic showing lateral
variation in physical characters from pahoehoe in the west to ‘Aa’ characters in the east.The average thickness of the
flow is 14 to 15 m. The youngest flow of the Formation is mega-porphyritic having plagioclase—phenocrysts of
more than 1 cm size.

Bargonda Formation
The Bargoda formation is represented by eleven flows identified at elevations of about 610-790 m; this forms a
small plateau around Bargonda n the southeastern part. The flows are generally fine grained, aphyric to sparsely
porphyrltic, exhibiting ‘Aa’ characters. However, the youngest flow of the formation exhibits compound pahoehoe
characters and mega-porphyritic texture consisting of megacryst of feldspars at the top containing phenocrysts
ranging in size from 1 to 25 cm. The flows of the Bargonda formation form butte in the areas to the south of lndore
and west of Mhow.

Singarchori Formation
It is youngest formation named after Singarchori where it is best exposed in hill section and at few other places in its
vicinity in the south-eastern part. It includes six lava flows identified between elevations of 790-830 in. These lava
flows are fine to medium grained, sparse to moderately porphyritic in nature, it gradually become mega-porphyritlc
towards the top.

A large number of dykes and dyke swarms of basaltic and doleritic composition have been recorded in the Narmada
plain in the southern part. The intensity of dyke occurrence is more in the oldest, Mandleshwar formation and
gradually decreases in the younger formation and as such no dyke has been recorded from Bargonda and Singarchori
Formation. The general trends of these dykes are ENE-WSW to E-W running parallel to the trend of Narmada
lineament and a few are across to it having N-S to NNW-SSE and NE-SE trends. The length of dykes varies from
100 m to 20 km and width from 50 cm to 15 m. It has not been possible to discriminate post-trappean dykes from
feeders on the basis of available data.

In all probability these dykes are actual feeders through which periodic eruptions of tholeiitic basalt took place
resulting in formation of a 610 m thick pile.In this formation about forty six discrete flow events have been
recognized. These have been grouped into six major episodes on the basis of flow characteristics and presence of
marker horizons of megacryst plagtoclase aphyric mega-porphyriticI basalts. As many as seven intertrappean
fossiliferous sedimentary horizons have been delineated and identified recognized within the basal parts. It
demonstrates episodic nature of volcanic activity, long periods of quiescence and resilience of both.

The Quaternary formation comprises a sequence of very coarse to fine sand, silt and clay with pebbles in the basal
bed. It is exposed along the Narmada River in south-eastern parts of the area. Thick black cotton soil which is of
transported nature is noticed in the Narmada plain as well as on the high plateau areas in northern parts. Khan et. al
(1994-95) (Table No .4 & 9)

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Correlation Of Deccan Basaltic Lava Flows

46I, 46J, 46M AND 46N

The Aravalli Group of rocks uncomfortably overlain by Cretaceous marine sedimentary deposits of Bagh Group. It
includes Nimar sandstone nodular limestone and coralline limestone. These are almost horizontally disposed and
their basal part is marked by conglomerate.

The Lameta Group consists of brown to yellowish brown, fine to medium grained cherty limestone. It is seen south-
east of Bagh overlying the Nimar sandstone of Bash Group.

The Deccan basaltic Lava flows have occupied a large area which consist 121 flows out of which a sequence of
twenty one flows in 46I, thirty seven in 46J, seventeen in 46M and forty six in 46N with cumulative thickness of 555
m is exposed between the elevations of 275 m to 830 m. These flows represent a sequence of cyclic eruptions with
fine to medium grained aphyric to sparse/moderately phyric and megaporphyritic towards top. About two third of
the total flows exhibit ‘Aa’ characters and rest are compound and simple pahoehoe type of flows. The thickness of
Aa; flows varies from 15 to 20 in in general while that of pahoehoe units varies from 2 to. 5 in. These flows consist
of megacryst unit containing feldspar varies from 1 to 5 cm and average size is 2.5 cm. These megacryst horizons
are identified in the area at different elevation in quadrangle 46I, 46J, 46M & 46N and on the basis of these horizons
various flows have been grouped into six formations which has been given specific nomenclature and stratigraphic
status.On regional basis as Mandleshwar formation, Kalisindh
formation, Kankariya-Pirukheri formation, indore formation, Bargonda disposition and
equivalent are given in Table No. 10.

The Deccan Trap in the area occupied by quadrangle 46I (MP part) consist of 21 basaltic flows between elevation of
340 to 613 in above m.s.l. The exposed thickness of this lava flow is about 273 m.

These lava flows are both ‘Aa’ and compound pahoehoe type which contain megacryst unit of the top. The study of
this pile of tholeiitic basalt (46I) reveal the presence of four megacryst horizons identified at an elevation of 340,
440, 500 and 613 m. These horizons predominantly consist of plagioclase feldspar ranging in size from 1 to 5 cm.
with an average size 3.5 cm. These megacryst units are used in grouping the basaltic flows within the area occupied
by quadrangle sheet 46! and correlation in the adjoining area in 46J in south, 46M in east and also assigning
stratigraphic status and their specific nomenclature on regional basis. These groups in the area are designated as
Mandleghwar, Kalisindh, and Kankariya-Pirukheri of Indore formations. These formations are correlated with the
adjoining area of quadrangle of 46M and 46N on the basis of megacryst horizons

The Deccan Trap in the area occupied by quadrangle 46J comprised of a sequence of thirty seven basaltic flows of
Deccan trap with cumulative thickness of 530 m between altitudes 220 in to 750 m. The flows represented a
sequence of cyclic eruption with fine to medium grained. Sparsely to moderately porphyritic highly porphyritic, with
Aa and compound pahoehoe flows having mega-porphyritic units at the top. The mega-porphyritic units consisting
of mega-phenocrysts of feldspar ranging in size from 1 to 5 cm which are identified at an elevation of 220 m, 550 m,
610 m and 750 rn above m.s.l. respectively. On the basis of occurrence of these megacryst units the pile of 37 flows
of quadrangle 46J are divided into six groups designated as Mandleshwar Kalisindh, Kankariya-Pirukheri. Indore,
Bargonda and Singarchori formations. These formations are correlated with the adjoining area of quadrangle 46I in
the north and 46N in the east. On the basis of megacryst units and other diagnostic and salient elements and their
equivalent formation in the area is shown in (Table No. 5)

The Deccan Trap in the area occupied by quadrangle 46M forms western part of the Malwa plateau with of
Vindhyan in the north. These lava flows commonly termed as ‘Malwa Traps’ are correlated with the ‘Middle
Deccan Trap’ group of Upper Cretaceous- Lower Eocene age. It consists of 17 lava flows between elevations of 440
m to 550 m above m.s.1. The exposed thickness of these lava sheets is about 110 m. The lava flows in the area are
simple ‘Aa’ except middle sequence in the south—western part which shows pahoehoe characters. The lava
sequence consisting of 17 flows has been divided into 3 groups on the basis of the megacryst horizons identified at
440 and 550 m above in m.s.l. These megacryst horizons comprised of phenocryst of feldspar ranging in size from 1
to 5 cm with an average size of about 3.5 in. These marker horizons in addition to the other salient and diagnostic
elements are used in grouping the lava flows in various formations and correlating these formations with the lava
sheets of adjoining area on similar characters in 46M in east and 46N in south and assigning specific stratigraphic

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status and nomenclature to these formations on regional basis. These 17 lava flows are grouped into four formations
which are correlated and designated as Kalisindh formation, Kankariya-Pirukheri formation, Indore Formation and
Singrachori Formation while regional continuity and alike marker horizons and other diagnostic character of similar
nature with adjoining formations (Table No. 10).

The area of quadrangle 46N is occupied by Deccan Trap basaltic flow which consists of a sequence of forty six
basaltic flows with a cumulative thickness of 555 m is exposed in the area between altitude 275 m and 830 m above
m.s.l. The flows represent a sequence of cyclic eruptions and consist of aphyric to phyric and to mega— porphyritic
flows towards the top, among these lava flows about 60% of the total flows exhibit ‘Aa’ characters and rest are
compound pahoehoe and simple type of flows. The thickness of ‘Aa’ flows varies from 14 m to 18 m. In general
while that of the pahoehoe units varies from 2 to 5 m. These flows consist of five horizons of megacryst identified at
an elevation of 275 m, 440, 520 m, 610 m, 690 m, and 830 m above m.s.l. This megacryst unit containing feldspar
varies from 1 to 5 cm and average size is 2.25 cm. These levels are correlatable with mega horizons of 48M in north
and 46J in the west and have significantly contributed in grouping forty six flows into six formations, each having
distinct physical and petrologlcal characters with mega-porphyritic flow which is comparatively more evolved and
exposed marking the end phase of the cyclic eruptions. These formations have been named and designated as
Mandleshwar. Choral. Dhar, Indore and Bargonda.

The study of various primary structure of basaltic lava flows such as inclination of pipe amygdule, primary flow
gradient, and orientation of flow vesicles. change of flow character and thinning of lava sheets indicate the north—
westerly gradient of lava flow in the area of 46I easterly and westerly gradient of older and younger flows in area of
46J; north-easterly and north—westerly gradient in the area of 46M and westerly and south—westerly gradient in
the area occupied by 46N. It also reveals that source of cyclic eruption of lava flows of older formation lies
somewhere in west—south—west in 46J whereas that of lava flows of younger formation in the east and south of
Mhow in 46N.

In the area studied, a large number of dykes and dyke swarms of basaltic and doleritic composition have been
recorded. The highest intensity of dykes is noticed in oldest. Mandleshwar formation. The intensity gradually
decreases in number in increasing antiquity in the younger formation towards top and as such no dyke has been
recorded from Bargonda and Singarchori formation. The general trends of these dykes are ENE—WSW to E—W
parallel to the trend of Narmada lineament. This apparent parallelism may have some relation with the WNW-ENE
lineament tectonics. Some dykes having trend in N—S to NNW— SSE and NE—SE direction exhibit discordant
relation with Narmada lineament. The length of dykes varies from 100 m to 20 km and width from 50 cm to 15 cm.
It has not been possible to discriminate post— trappean dykes from feeders on the basis of available data.

These are actually feeder dykes through which periodic eruptions of tholeiitic basalt took place resulting in
‘formation of a 731 in thick pile of lava flows representing six discrete flow events in the area. These flows have
been grouped into six major episodes on the basis of diagnostic flow characteristics and occurrence of marker
horizons in the form of megacryst. As many as seven intertrappean fossiliferous sedimentary horizons have been
recognized within the basal parts. These demonstrate episodic nature of volcanic activity, long periods of quiescence
and resilience of both. Khan et. al (1994-95). Plate No.I (Table No.5)

Summary And Conclusions:-

The geological studies of parts of Ratlam, Mandsuar, Jhabua, Dhar, Khargone, Indore, Ujjain and Shajapur districts
of western parts of Madhya Pradesh occupied by quadrangle sheets 46I, 46J, 46M and 46N was carried out with
special reference to Deccan trap basaltic lava flows, their megacryst horizons to build the lithostratigraphy on the
basis of association of megacryst horizons for regional correlation with the assistance of available geological maps,
and other literature supplemented by satellite imageries TM & MSS data.

The Deccan basaltic lava flows have occupied a large - area which consist of a sequence of twenty-one flows in
geological quadrangle sheet 46I, thirty seven in 46J, seventeen in 46M and forty six in 46N with cumulative
thickness of 73 m is exposed between the elevation of 142 in to 830 m. These-flows represent a sequence of cyclic
eruptions with fine to medium grained, aphyric to sparsely/moderately phyric and mega- porphyritic towards top.

About two third of the total flows exhibit ‘Aa’ characters and rest are compound pahoehoe and simple pahoehoe
type of flows. The thickness of ‘Aa’ flows varies from 15 to 20m in general while that of pahoehoe units varies from

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2 to 5 m. These flows consist of megacryst unit ‘containing feldspar and their size varies from 1 to 5 cm and average
size is 1.25 cm. These megacryst horizons are identified in the area at different elevations in quadrangle 461, 46J,
46M a 46N and on the basis of these horizons various flows have been grouped into formation which has been given
specific nomenclature and stratigraphic status.

The Deccan Trap in the area occupied by quadrangle 46I (MP part)
It consist ot’ 21 basaltic flows between elevations of 340 to 613 m above, m.s.l. The exposed thickness of these
lava flow is about 273m. These lava flows are both ‘Aa’ and compound pahoehoe type which contain rnegacryst
unit of the top. The study of this pile of tholeiitic basalt (461) reveal presence of four megacryst horizons identified
at an elevation of 340, 440, 500 and 613 in. These horizons predominantly consist of plagioclase feldspar ranging in
size from 1 to 5 cm with an average size of 3.5 cm. These megacryst units are used in grouping the basaltic flows
within the area occupied by quadrangle sheet 461 and correlation in the adjoining area in 46J, 46M in east and also
assigning stratigraphic status and their specific nomenclature on regional basis.

These groups in the area are designated as Mandleshwar, Kalisindh, Kankariya—Pirukheri and Indore formations.
These formations are correlated with the adjoining area of quadrangle 46J, 46M and 46N on the basis of megacryst
horizons (Table No. 5).

The Deccan Trap In the area occupied by quadrangle 46J comprised of a sequence of thirty seven basaltic flows of
Deccan Trap with cumulative thickness of 530 m between altitudes 220 in to 750 m. The flows represent a sequence
of cyclic ‘eruption with fine to medium grained, sparse to moderately, highly porphyritic, with Aa and compound
pahoehoe flows having mega-porphyritic units at the top. The mega-porphyritic units consisting of mega-
phenocrysts of feldspar ranging in size from 1 to 5 cm which are identified at an elevation of 220 m, 430 in, 550 in,
610 in and 750 in above m.s.l. res1~ectively. On the basis of occurrence of these megacryst units the pile of 37
flows of quadrangle 46J are divided into six groups designated as Mandleshwar, Kalisindh, Kankariya:Pirukheri,
Indore, Bargonda and Singarchori Formations. These formations are correlated with the adjoining area of
quadrangle 461 in the north and 46N in the east, on the - basis of megacryst units and other diagnostic and salient
elements and their equivalent formation in the area is shown in Table No 4.

The Deccan Trap in the area occupied by quadrangle 46M forms western part of the Malwa plateau and Vindhyan
in north, These lava flows commonly termed as ‘Malwa Traps’ are correlated with the ‘Middle Deccan Trap’ group
of Upper Cretaceous – Lower Eocene age. It consists of 17 lava flows between elevations of 440 to 550 m above
rn.s.l. The exposed thickness of these lava sheets is about 110 m. The lava flows in the area are of simple ‘Aa’ type
except middle sequence in the south-western part which shows a pahoehoe characters. The lava sequence consisting
of 17 flows has been divided into 3 groups on the basis of the megacryst horizons identified at 440, 460 and 525 m
above m.s.l. These megacryst horizons comprised of phenocryst of feldspar ranging in size from 1 - 5 cm with an
average size of about 3.5m. These marker horizons in addition to the salient and diagnostic elements are used in
grouping the lava flows in various formations and correlating these formations with the lava sheets of adjoining area
on similar characters in 46I in east and 46N in south and assigning ‘specific stratigraphic status and nomenclature to
these formations on regional basis. These 17 lava flows are grouped into three formations which are correlated and
designated as Kalisindh Formation, Kankariya-Pirukheri Formation, Indore Formation and Singarchori Formation
while regional continuity and alike marker - horizons ‘.and other diagnostic character ,of similar nature with
adjoining formations

The area of’ quadrangle 46N is occupied by Deccan Trap basaltic flow which consists of a sequence of forty six
basaltic flows with a cumulative thickness of 555 in is - exposed in the area between altitude 275 in and 830 in
above m.s.l. The flows represent a sequence of cyclic eruptions and consist of aphyric to phyric and mega-
porphyritic flows towards the top. Among these lava flows 60% of the total flows exhibit ‘Aa’ characters and rest
are compound and simple pahoehoe type of flows. The thickness of ‘Aa’ flows varies from 14 in to 18 in general
while that of the pahoehoe units varies from 2 to 5 in. These flows consist of five horizons of megacryst identified at
elevations of 275 in, 440 in, 520 in, 610 in, 690 m and 690 m above in m. s .1. These megacryst unit containing
feldspar vary in size from - 1 to 5 cm and average size is 2.25 cm. These levels are correlatable with megacryst
bearing horizons of 46M in north and 46J in the west and have significantly contributed in grouping forty six flows
into six formations, each having distinct physical and petrological characters with mega-porphyritic flow horozons
which is comparatively more evolved and exposed marking the end phase of the cyclic eruptions. These formations
have-been- named and designated as Mandleshwar, Choral, Dhar, Indore and Bargonda are correlatable,

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respectively. With the adjoining areas Sonkach, Oewas and Reinkot group of flows presented in Degree Sheet 55B,
and Pirukheri, Indore and Singarchori in the west (46J) and Mahi, Nagda and Narwas formation in north (46M). The
youngest flow formations of the area are named after the highest Singarchori peak.

The area studied embodies large number of dykes and dykes and dykes swarms of basaltic in and doleritic
composition. The abundance of these dykes is recorded in oldest Mandleshwar formation exposed in Narmada
valley. The intensity of these dykes gradually decreases in increasing antiquity in the younger formation towards
top. The trend of these (tykes varies from ENE-WSW to E—W parallel to Narmada lineament. This apparent
parallelism may have some relation with the Narmada lineament tectonics. Some of the dykes in the area have got
N-S to NNW-SSE and NE-SW direction showing discordant relation with Narmada lineament. These are actually
feeders dykes through which periodic eruptions of tholeiitic basalt took place resulting a thick pile of lava sheets
representing six discrete flow events in the area on the basis of diagnostic association of marker horizon of
megacryst. The pile of lava flows has been grouped in to six major episodes of volcanic activity which is
represented by Mandleshwar formation, Kalisindh-Choral formation, Kankariya-Pirukheri Dhar formation, Indore
formation, Bargonda formation and Singarchori formation.

The study of primary structures of basaltic lava flows such as orientation of flow vesicles, inclination of pipe
amygdules, primary flow gradient, change of flow characters and thinning of lava sheets etc. of various formations
in the area reveal the northwesterly gradient of lava flows in the area of Deccan basalt occupied by quadrangle 461,
easterly and westerly gradient of older and younger flows in the area occupied by quadrangle 46J; north-easterly and
north—westerly gradient in the area occupied by 46M and westerly and southwesterly gradient in the area occupied
by quadrangle 46N. It also suggests that source of cyclic eruption of lava flows of older formations lies somewhere
in west-south-west in 46J whereas that of lava flows of younger formations in the east and south of MHOW in 46N.
These sources fall in ENE-WSW to E-W trending lineament and there appears to be some relation with cyclic
eruption of lava with Narmada lineament in the area.

References:-
1. Khan A.A. and Bajerjee, S.N.( 1985) Geomorphological and geological studies of Quaternary sediments in
collaboration with project CRUMANSONATA in parts of the Narmada basin, Sehore, Dewas and Hoshangabad
districts unpub. Geol. Surv. Ind. Progress Report
2. Kaila, K.L (1988) Mapping the thickness of Deccan Trap flows from DSS studies and inferences about a hidden
Mesozoic basin in Narmada-Tapti Region. Proc. workshop on Deccan Flood Basalts, December 1988. Geol.
Surv. India. pp. 81-177.
3. Khan, A.A. (1993-94). Geological, Geomorphological and Neotectonic Evaluation of parts of East Nimar
District Madhya Pradesh with the Aid of Air photos of Remote Sensing Geol. Surv. Ind. Progress Report
4. Khan A.A; & Joshi O.P. (1994-95) Geology Lithostratigraphy And Correlation of Basaltic Lava Flows of Parts
of Western Madhay Pradesh With Special Reference To Megacryst Bearing Horizons. Geol. Surv. Ind. Progress
Report.

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