Lava stratigraphy of Deccan basalt lava flows in Ajanta Ghat section of Aurangabad district of Marathwada region
Author(s): Prashant Uttamrao Terker
Abstract: The Deccan Volcanic Province, one of the largest continental flood basalt regions on Earth, exhibits complex lava stratigraphy that varies significantly across different regions. This study focuses on the lava stratigraphy of the Ajanta Ghat section in Aurangabad district, located within the underexplored Marathwada region of Maharashtra. Detailed field mapping, stratigraphic profiling, and petrographic analysis were conducted to document and classify the basalt flows. A total of eleven distinct lava flows were identified, exhibiting both simple and compound flow types. Massive flows with columnar jointing dominated the lower sequences, while vesicular, amygdaloidal, and red bole-bearing compound flows were more common in the upper levels. Petrographic observations confirmed the tholeiitic nature of the basalts, comprising plagioclase, augite, olivine, and secondary alteration minerals. The study highlights the episodic nature of eruptions and post-volcanic weathering, contributing to the understanding of local and regional volcanic history. These findings not only fill a critical gap in the stratigraphic framework of interior Deccan regions but also have implications for groundwater studies and geoconservation near heritage sites like the Ajanta Caves.
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How to cite this article:
Prashant Uttamrao Terker. Lava stratigraphy of Deccan basalt lava flows in Ajanta Ghat section of Aurangabad district of Marathwada region. Int J Geogr Geol Environ 2024;6(2):83-89.
