Paleoclimatic and Environmental Interpretation using Clay Mineralogy and Surface Textural Analysis of Quartz Grains from Miocene deposits of Tapar, Kutch, Gujarat

Abstract

The Tapar area situated in Kutch district of Gujarat is exposed of the miocene deposit. Extensive work has been done on Kutch basin on paleontological aspects but very less on sedimentological aspect. Clay assemblages is a great tool to understand the paleoclimate and environment of deposition. The study of the clay assemblages in the area show a higher amount of kaolinite and very less amount of dickite assemblages with negligible amount of Vermiculite and clinochlore indicating a tropical climate. Quartz being highly resistive mineral can withstand normal chemical weathering and physical weathering. Surface textural study of quartz grains indicates towards fluvial condition