Sedimentological and Geochemical Charectesization of Manaveli and Cuddalore Formations, Puducherry Basin, India

Abstract

Sedimentological and Geochemical Charectesization  of Manaveli and Cuddalore Formations, Puducherry Basin, India

Shyam N. Mude, Shyam Yawale and Vishal Choudhari

Department of Geology, Fergusson College (Autonomous), Pune- 411004, India

Email: shyam.mude@fergusson.edu; shyammude25@yahoo.co.in

Abstract: The lithostratigraphically rocks of Puducherry basin (Sub-basin of Cauvery Basin) have been classified as Valudavur, Mettuveli, Karasur, Manaveli, Cuddalore formations in ascending order of deposition. The sedimentological and geochemical studies of sediments from Manavali (Paleocene) and Cuddalore (Mio-Pliocene) formations were carried out to understand grain size variation and distribution of major oxides and trace elements. 

The sieve analysis was used to study grain size variation and on the basis of grain sizes various geo-statistical parameters were calculated to understand depositional environment. The discriminant function analysis of the sediments from the Cuddalore Formation infers that mostly the sedimentation was occurred in fluvio-deltaic environment with incursions of shallow marine environment whereas bivariate plots suggests that the deposition was occurred in riverine to deltaic environment.

The major element geochemistry of the Manaveli and Cuddalore formations have been carried out to understand the provenance, paleoclimate and source area weathering conditions. The values of CIA (Chemical Index of Alteration), CIW (Chemical Index of Weathering), ICV (Index of Compositional Variability) and PIA (Plagioclase Index of Alteration) of the sediments infer high weathering was occurred in source area of sediments for Manaveli and Cuddalore formations.  The ratio (Al₂O₃+K₂O+Na₂O)/SiO₂ indicate semi-humid climatic conditions during deposition of Cuddalore Formation whereas Manaveli Formation was deposited in semi-arid climatic conditions. The discriminant function diagram (A-CN-K Plot), suggest Quartzose sedimentary provenance for Cuddalore and Mafic igneous provenance for Manaveli Formation.  

Keywords:  Grain Size, Geochemistry, Manaveli, Cuddalore, Puducherry Basin