FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to acknowledge my sincere gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the Department

of Geology, University of Delhi for making this course even more interesting by

providing us the practical knowledge to all that we learn in classrooms. Since this was

supposed to be our last field trip of graduation, I was much enthusiastic and eager to test

my theoretical knowledge on field and hopefully my expectations didn’t go wrong.

I would like to thank our respectable professors, Dr. Shashank Shekhar and Dr. Ravi

P. Singh for their lucid and easygoing explanations, and valuable inputs. They helped

me improvise and polished my geological practices and field knowledge.

Our field was planned to study the hydrogeology of the Chandigarh and adjoining areas

and structural mapping on Mandi – Manali Highway and Dharamshala – McLeodganj

areas and lesser Himalayas.

Date of commencement of field trip- 10 th December, 2015.

End of field trip – 16th December, 2015.

That was a great and a memorable experience.

FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

INDEX
 Introduction

 Objective of field report

 Field equipment

 Field Procedure

 Geological settings

 Field observations

 Terminology and Geological Features

 Petrology

 Conclusion

 References
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

About 4.72 % of the total area of the U.T. is under water bodies. This includes Sukhna
wetland (1.6%) and seasonal rivulets (3.12%), like Sukhna Choe, Patiala-ki-Rao, N Choe
and Choe Nallah.
The Sukhna Lake is an important characteristic feature of Chandigarh. It was declared a
wetland of national importance in 1988. The pondage capacity of the lake has reduced from
10.74 mcm to 4.2 mcm since the time of its construction due to inflow of sand & silt from
42.07 sq km of upper catchment area. Soil conservation works have been taken up in the
catchment (by construction of silt retention dams across various rivulets and plantation of
trees & grasses) to reduce inflow of silt. Desilting of lake has also been taken up as a major
activity with public participation.
On the southeast corner of the lake a three-span spillway with crest at 349.91 m has been
provided. At the time of its construction the pondage capacity was 10.74 MCM (million
cubic meters) with 2.28 sq km of spread area. It has reduced to 4.2 MCM and the water-
spread area at 353.87 m has reduced to 1.52 sq km due to siltation (CPCC, 1998).
The total catchment area of the lake is 42.07 sq km of which 29.08 sq km falls in the Union
Territory of Chandigarh, 10.22 sq km falls in the state of Haryana and 2.77 sq km falls in
the state of Punjab. Of the areas falling in Chandigarh, 25.42 sq km is hilly area (Shivalik
hills) prone to erosion and about 3.68 sq km is under agricultural use. The catchment is
drained by two seasonal rivulets, namely Kansal and Nepli which originate in Haryana and
are fed by a number of tributaries and sub-tributaries. The 25.42 sq km of the hilly
catchment area with the U.T. Government forms a major part of the catchment and is
divided into ranges and beats for better administration and control as per details given in
Figure 4.11. The Kansal Range covers a total of 9.6 sq km of area, while 15.8 sq km falls
under the Nepli Range. The maximum area falls under Khuda Ali Sher Beat (Kansal
Range), whereas the minimum falls under Piplanwala Beat (Nepli Range).
Heavy sedimentation in the lake has been a major cause of concern ever since its creation.
All the seasonal rivulets and their tributaries originate in the steep slopes of the Shivalik
hills, which are ecologically fragile and unstable. The entire area is in the shape of rugged
terrain, its face incised with gullies and numerous seasonal streams. The soil is sandy,
embedded with pockets of clay, which is highly susceptible to erosion by run off water
action. The degree of slope being steep and with precipitous slopes the occurrence of
landslips in the upper area of the catchment is very common. The maximum rainfall (about
80%) is received during the months of July-August. The raindrop impact, turbulent flow
of run off, exposed soil, etc. are some of the prominent factors responsible for massive soil
erosion and hill denudation (soil particles coming in contact with rainwater, get detached
from the land mass under the raindrop impact and are carried by the run off to be deposited
in the bed of the lake).
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

During the period 1967-1987, the course of Sukhna and Kansal nadis have changed
considerably. Further, to check the influx of silt, the course of Kansal nadi was diverted
towards Sukhna nadi in 1972 where it merges with it and ultimately feeds the lake. Seasonal
variation in water spread of the lake (pre and post monsoon) has also been studied (Table
4.5). Sukhna wetland has also been classified on the basis of turbidity using pre and post -
monsoon data of 1986/1987 and 1992/ 1993. It has been observed that during post -
monsoon season it has low turbidity whereas in pre-monsoon it has moderate turbidity.

MANDI

Mandi district is a densely populated and centrally located district of Himachal Pradesh.
The district is entirely hilly, except a few isolated patches of small and fertile valleys. The
district, with its headquarter at Mandi town, lies between 31°13’ and 32° 05’ north latitudes
and 76°37’ and 77°25’ east longitudes and is covered by Survey of India degreesheet no
53A, 53E and 52D. The district is bounded by Kangra district on the northwest, Kullu
district on the east, Shimla and Solan districts on the south and southwest respectively,
Bilaspur and Hamirpur districts on the southwest.
Mandi district presents an intricate mosaic of mountain ranges, hills and valleys. It is
primarily a hilly district with altitudes ranging from 550 m near Sandhol where the Beas
river leaves the district, to about 3960 m amsl near Kullu border. There is a general increase
in elevation from west to east and from south to north. Master slope is southwesterly. The
south western part consists of Siwalik ranges having scarped slopes. There are few small
intermontane valleys; prominent among them is the Balh valley, located in the lesser
Himalayan ranges, having an average altitude of about 790 m amsl and have a general slope
towards NNE. The valley floor is undulating and is marked by low hillocks and terraces
fringing the hills and intervening low alluvial plain. The Beas and Satluj rivers form the
major drainage system in the district. The river Beas and its tributaries, drain about 70% of
the district area in the northern part, whereas the area in the south is drained by the river
Satluj. Suketi khad and its tributaries, chiefly drain Balh valley. The Suketi khad maintains
a perennial flow, because of effluent seepage from groundwater. There are three important
lakes in the district, namely Rewalsar, Prasher and Kamrunag.
The rock formations occupying the district range from pre-Cambrian to Quaternary period.
Hard formations, form hilly and mountainous terrain and mainly comprises of igneous and
metamorphic rocks, belonging to the Jutogh, Shali/ Largi and Shimla group and occupy
the major part of the area in the northern, central and eastern part. Granites and gneisses
are intruded in the meta-sediments of Shali/Largi and Shimla group. In the western and
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

southern parts sediments comprising of sandstone, shale, siltstone, conglomerate etc of

Dharamshala/Sabathu group and Siwalik group of Tertiary age are observed. Alluvium,
terrace deposits, fluvial deposits of Quaternary period occur in the intermontane valleys,
viz., Balh valley, Sarkaghat valley etc., and constitute an important unit from ground water
point of view.

DHARAMSHALA
Dharamshala is a city and a municipal corporation in Kangra district in
the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. The suburbs include McLeodGanj, Bhagsunath.
The Hydrogeological frame work of the area is essentially controlled by the geological
setting, distribution of rainfall, snow fall, which facilitates circulation and movement of
water through inter-connected primary and secondary porosity of the rocks constituting the
aquifers. Based on the geological diversities and relative ground water potentialities of
different geological formations, the district can broadly be divided into two
Hydrogeological units.
Fissured formations comprise hard rocks belonging to Jutogh, Shali limestones, Chails,
Chandpurs, Kangra-Darla volcanic, Subathus, Dharamsala and Siwaliks. These formations
consist of schist, quartzite, slates, phyllites, limestones, granites, gneisses, sandstones,
conglomerates and shales. These rocks are generally massive and consolidated, devoid of
primary porosity and permeability’s. Secondary porosity and permeability has developed
due to the tectonic activities along the fractured joints and fault zones. Weathered zone
rarely form an aquifer because of less thickness of the weathered mantle. In this hard rock
terrain ground water occurs either, along structurally week zones, viz. fracture zones,
faults, joints or along the contacts of different formations. Springs located along the thrust
zone in Dharamsala areas are having a discharge of more than 40 lps, indicative of their
high potentialities
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

OBJECTIVE OF FIELD REPORT

Our main objectives of the 5 days long field trip were: -

o Identification of the geomorphic units.

o Identification of the geological features.
o Study the geological and tectonic history of the area.
o Measuring dip and strike and improvising skills.
o Trying to understand different rock types on field and notice
their features and depositional environment
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

FIELD EQUIPMENTS

BRUNTON COMPASS: A Brunton compass, also known

as the Brunton Pocket Transit, is a type of precision
compass. It was designed by Canadian Geologist
D.W.Brunton. It is used for field mapping of geological
structures and measuring dip and strike or in general to find
orientation of a geological structure. It provides a precise
sighting clinometer and hand level capacity.

HAMMER: A heavy hard steel

geological hammer with one blunt
side to crush and hence break the
preferably having a rubber grip.

HANDLENS: It is used for magnifying the textural

feature of the rock sample when held closely between
the eye and the sample towards the source of light.

SATCHEL: A cloth bag for carrying samples and field

equipment with special pockets provided.

FIELD DIARY: It is used to note-down the data and observations including sketches,
readings, etc. obtained in the field work.
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

FIELD PROCEDURE
Measuring Strike

 We find a nice smooth surface of the inclined plane. If we are unable to find so,
then a notebook or a clip board may be put on the inclined surface so as to represent
the overall incline surface.

 Adjusting the position, we put the flat side of the Brunton on our planar
structure and rotate it until the tube bubble is perfectly leveled.

 A line is marked parallel to the edge of the Brunton on the surface. This line is the
strike line of the surface.

 To measure the direction, we keep the straight edge of the compass on the line
drawn and level the bubble perfectly in the bull’s eye. This reading gives the
strike of the bedding plane.

Measuring Dip Amount

 After determining the strike, we rotate the plane of the compass by 90 0.

 Using the lever on the underside of the Brunton, we level the tube bubble of the
clinometer level.

 We read the dip directly from the scale in the compass. This gives the dip of the
structure.

Measuring Dip Direction

 Place the compass in such a way that the sighting arm will point in the
direction of the dipping bed.

 Now make the compass horizontal by using bull’s eye leveling bubble.

 Notice the value corresponding to the freely moving north side of the pointer.
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

GEOLOGICAL SETTING
The Himalaya can be divided into four geographic belts, from south to north: sub-
Himalaya, Lower/Lesser Himalaya, Higher/Greater Himalaya and Tethyan Himalaya.
These belts are comprised of Paleoproterozoic to Cenozoic rocks, with the latter occurring
mainly in the sub-Himalaya. The prominent alongstrike structures of the Himalaya are the
Main Central Thrust, the Main Boundary Thrust, and the Himalayan Frontal Thrust; these
structures bound the southern margin of the Higher Himalaya, Lesser Himalaya, and the
sub-Himalaya, respectively. The study area is marked by the presence of the Pinjaur dun
and is divided into four major geomorphic units: (i) sub- Himalayan mountains, (ii)
intermontane valley (Pinjaur dun), (iii) outermost Siwalik hills, and (iv) Indo -Gangetic
plains. The boundaries between the major geomorphic units define the mountain fronts in
the area. As demarcated in there are three mountain fronts: MF1A and MF1B associated
with the Himalayan Frontal Thrust, MF2 associated with the Sirsa Fault along the northern
margin of the outermost Siwalik Hills, and MF3 associated with the Barsar thrust along the
southern margin of the sub-Himalayan mountains. The sub-Himalayan mountains consist
of Late Eocene to Late Miocene rocks, whereas the outermost Siwalik hills are composed
of Late Pliocene to Early Pleistocene rocks. The intermontane valley located between the
sub-Himalayan mountains in the NE and the outermost Siwalik hills in the SW are
comprised of Late Pleistocene to Holocene sediments overlying the Miocene –Early
Pleistocene succession of rocks. The exposures of the Indo-Gangetic plains consist of Late
Quaternary to Recent sediments. Apart from the Himalayan Frontal Thrust that separates
the outermost Siwalik hills from the Indo-Gangetic plains and the Barsar thrust that
separates the sub-Himalayan mountains from the intermontane valley several other
structures dissect the intermontane valley. These are the Jaital thrust, Batinan fault, Pinjaur
thrust, Jhajara thrust, Pinjaur Garden fault, and Sirsa fault Previous studies have shown that
the Himalayan Frontal Thrust and the Pinjaur Garden fault are active. Many structures have
been identified earlier within the outermost Siwalik hills A balanced cross -section across
the outermost Siwalik hills of the present study area has identified two anticlinal structures
(namely the Tandi anticline and Masol anticline) and a syncline (the Tandi syncline)
between them. The presence of four surfaces in the study area suggests episodic uplift.
Nakata (1972) recognized these four surfaces and, on the basis of their relative degree of
incision, suggested their ages in the following descending order: Kalka surface, Pinjaur
surface, Jhajulla surface and a younger terrace.
Active tectonics and neotectonic activity have led to the formation of four surfaces in the
Pinjaur dun. In addition, an important drainage divide separating the Sirsa and Jhajara
drainage networks also developed in the intermontane valley. Surface profile analysis
helped in deciphering the growth history of the fault bend fold structures of the outermost
Siwalik hills. The effects of tectonic activity on the proximal part of the Indo-Gangetic
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

The Lesser Himalayas: Himachal

The units of the Lesser Himalaya override the Tertiary Belt along the Murree Thrust
respectively the Main Boundary Thrust. Fossils are very rare and the tectonics are rather
complicated. Therefore there is much dispute regarding the age of the beds, their
stratigraphic order, and the demarcation of structural units.

1. The Parautochthonous Unit

Stratigraphy :
It is a characteristic of the Himalaya that no crystalline basement is exposed beneath
the sedimentaries, a fact which seems to be related with the decollement.

The sequence of lithounits is listed in ascending order:

Simla Slates (Attock-, Hazara-, Dogra Slates, Dampta Group, etc.): Grey, green, dark
argillites, siltstones, sandstones, greywackes; (>1000 m) monotonous trough deposits
with flyschoid features Local carbonate intercalations known as Langrial, Naldera,
Kakarhatti. Chandpur: Green, grey phyllites, quartzites, basic tuffs Orthoquartzites,
sandstones, conglomerates, slates of red, white, green, and grey colour (500 -1000 m);
current-bedding, ripple marks, clay gall breccias etc; haematite beds and basic volcanics
are associated NE Naini Tal and in W-Nepal. Jaunsar: Grey, green slates with sporadic
sandstone layers may replace the Chandpurs and Nagthats. Blaini Red, green, grey
slates, sandstones, quartzites, pink, grey dolomites, haematite beds (several hundred
meters), cross-bedding, intraformational breccias; grey, green pebbly mudstones,
boulder beds are associated with the above beds in Hazara (Tanakki) and Simla - Naini
Tal. (Krol Belt). Though contested their glacial origin is proved by striated and facetted
boulders. Infra Krol (several hundred meters): Black, grey slates, phyllites, sporadic
arenites; an euxinic, deeper facies which may replace the Blaini or may be
intertonguing. Riri Slates: Banded slates representing a facies between Infra Krol and
Blaini. Krol-Shali (<2000 m): Grey, blue dolomites (limestones); black slates (Shali
SI.) and varicoloured beds (Krol B, Lower Shali Lms.) may be intercalated indicating
close connection with the underlying formations (Infra Krol, Blaini). Shali (Sirban,
Baxa) characterised by stromatolites, arenaceous and reworked layers, represents a
shallower facies than Krol; however, there are. Tal (<1500m): Lowe r Tal (flyschoid):
Green, grey, dark shales, greywackes, sandstones, pebbly mudstones, phosphorites at
the base. The contact with the underlying carbonates is unconformable and indicates a
gap (at least in Nepal). Uppe r Tal: Thick-bedded quartzites, white to dark, interbedded
with shale and breccia. Ill-preserved fossils (partly endemic) point to Jurassic-
Cretaceous age, whereas VALDIYA (1975) suggests Permian age. Subathu (50 m):
Grey shales, blue nummulitic limestones and quartzites (Paleocene - Eocene). Dagshai
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

(Several hundred meters): Green-grey sandstones alternating with purple and green
shales (Lower Miocene).

2. The Simla- und Rukum Nappes

Stratigraphy :
In principle it corresponds to that of la) but shows individual features: Simla Slates are
prominent, whereas Chandpur and Nagthat are reduced to tens of meters or are
developed mjaunsar facies. The Blainis contain boulder beds at Simla. Shali is 200 to
500 m only (Nepal) or is missing (Simla). The Tal is well-developed in Nepal and may
overlie directly on Simla Slates. It is succeeded by fossiferous Subathu and Dagshai.
Generally the alteration is much stronger than in the Parautochthonous Unit and may
reach the grade observed in the Chail Nappes.

Structure Structurally the nappe is a squeezed, rootless thrust sheet dragged to the S at
the base of higher nappes.

3. The Chail Nappes

Simla Slates are exposed in a few cases, but most sections start with Chail, which
corresponds to Chandpur. Synonyms are Tanol, Bawar, Berinag lower part of Nawakot
Gr Series of Kunchha , Daling, Shumar Fn. Bomdila , Outline of the Geology of the
Himalaya 107 etc; green, grey, silvery phyllites, sericite schists, psammite schists,
orthoquartzites, metaarkoses, schistose conglomerates, basic and acid metavolcanics.
This clastic, predominantly shallow-water formation, up to several thousands of meters
thick, shows rapid lateral facies changes (coarse to fine elastics). The character is
mainly of a molasse, regionally also of flysch. Intrusive granites became gneisses by
the greenschist metamorphism of the whole complex (Mansehra, Pir Panjal, Kishtwar,
Dhauladhar, Lansdowne, Ramgarh, Dailekh, Shumar granites etc.). The intrusive age
of the Dhauladhar granites has been dated 500 ± 100 m. y. other acid magmatites gave
1840 ± 70 m. y.
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

Terminologies & Geologic Features

STRIKE: The trend of a bed measured on a horizontal surface or the direction of a line or
the direction of a lie formed by the intersection of bedding and horizontal plane.

DIP: Dip is the angle between the planar structure and the horizontal plane.

FAULT: A fractured surface along which the rocks on the either side have moved past
each other is called fault.
 Normal fault: A normal fault is one in which the hanging wall appears to have moved
downward relative to the footwall. Normal faults indicate lengthening of earth’s
crust and have high angle dip.
 Reverse fault: It is the one in which hanging wall appears to have moved upward
relative to footwall. They are high angle faults and show shortening of earth’s crust.
Thrust a low angled reverse fault.

 FOLD: A bend in a layer of rock (best seen in stratified formation.

 AXIAL PLANE: The axial plane of a fold is the plane or surface that divides the
fold as symmetrically as possible. The axial plane may be vertical, horizontal, or
inclined at any intermediate angle depending upon orientation of fold limbs and
crest.
 BED: A bed is the smallest division of a geologic formation or stratigraphic rock
series marked by well-defined divisional plane (bedding planes) separating it
from layers above and below.
 FAULT GOUGE: It is an unconsolidated rock formed by tectonic forces with a
very small grain size. It has no cohesion unless cementation takes place at a later
stage. It is formed by tectonic movement along a localized zone of deformation,
called a fault zone in a rock.
 FRACTURE: Fracture is any local separation or discontinuity plane in a geologic
formation that divides rocks into two or more pieces.

 JOINT: A fractured surface along or across which the movement is present.

0 0
 DIP AMOUNT: Inclination measured in vertical plane from 0 to 90 .

 LITHOLOGY: The lithology of a stratigraphic unit is the description of its

FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

physical characteristics visible at outcrop such as texture, grain size, presence of

sedimentary structures and composition

 WEATHERING: Weathering is the breaking down of rocks, soil and minerals

as well as artificial materials through contact with the Earth's atmosphere, biota
and waters.

 DIP DIRECTION: The dip direction is the azimuth of the direction the dip as
projected to the horizontal (like the trend of a linear feature in trend and plunge
measurements), which is 90° off the strike angle. For example, a bed dipping 30°
to the South, would have an East-West strike (and would be written 090°/30° S
using strike and dip), but would be written as 30/180 using the dip and dip
direction method.

 SLATY CLEAVAGE: It is defined as having 0.01 mm or less of space occurring

between layers. Slaty cleavage often occurs after diagenesis and is the first
cleavage feature to form after deformation begins.

 CRENULATION CLEAVAGE: It contains microlithons that were folded by a

previous foliation. Folding occurs when there are multiple phases of deformation,
the latter one causes symmetric or asymmetric micro folds that deform previous
foliations.

 BOUDINAGE: These are structure formed by extension, where a rigid tabular

body is stretched and deformed amidst less competent surroundings. These
competent bed begins to break up forming sausage shaped structures called
boudins.
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

CONCLUSION

This trip has changed my view and prospects towards geology by

increasing my intellect and changing attitude with which I see structures
and rocks. I came to know about the various process which affects our
nearby areas and geology.

I got to know that every process happening on the earth have some reason
and a broad concept behind it.

I enjoyed as well as learnt many extra things beyond academic

importance. Most importantly i learnt the value of good guidance and a
good team spirit.

Talking about the journey, it was cozy as well as adventurous. Apart from
my studies, my perception towards outcrop has changed totally. Now
from being a mere tourist I would see myself as GEO-TOURIST.”

Thank you!

Regards
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

REFERENCES
 GEOLOGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES OF HIMACHAL PRADESH
Miscellaneous Publication No. 30 : Part – XVII (Second Revised Edition).

 Himachal Pradesh: Geographic Personality and Tourism Resourses Potential

 GROUND WATER INFORMATION BOOKLET

 MANDI DISTRICT, HIMACHAL PRADESH

 DYNAMIC GROUND WATER RESOURCES OF PUNJAB STATE

 Punjab State Council for Science & Technology, Chandigarh (State Host
Institution) in collaboration with The Energy & Resources Institute (TERI), New
Delhi (National Host Institution) The Department of Environment, Un ion
Territory of Chandigarh Chandigarh Pollution Control Committee

 Ground water year book haryana state for the year 2014 -2015

 Ground water year book punjab and chandigarh (ut) 2014 -2015

 The Pinjaur dun (intermontane longitudinal valley) and associated active

mountain fronts, NW Himalaya: Tectonic geomorphology and morphotectonic
evolution. By Vimal K Singh and S.K. Tondon
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

plains are interpreted from the remarkable river deflections that are aligned linearly over
tens of kilometers in a zone about 10 km south of the HFT.

Map showing the regional geology of the area. The boxmarks the present study area (after
Powers et al.,1998); Siwalik (Middle Miocene to Lower Pleistocene),Dharamshala (Late
Eocene to Middle Miocene), Subathu (Late Paleocene to Middle Eocene). MCT — Main
Central Thrust, MBT —Main Boundary Thrust, HFT — Himalayan Frontal Thrust. (B)
Map of the area showing regional geomorphic setting of the area (image is taken from
Google Earth); box shows the study area. Major structural elements such as recesses and
the salient are also shown in the map.Note that the studyarea lies on themargin of the Nahan
salient. a—Chandigarh, b—Pinjaur, c—Kalka, d—Baddi, e—Ropar (Rupnagar), f—
Kurali, g—Nahan, h—Paonta Sahib,1— Sutlej River exit, 2—GhaggarRiver exit, 3—
Markanda River exit, 4—Yamuna River exit. (C)Map showing structures andmountain
fronts present in the study area. JLT—Jaital thrust; BNF— Batinan Fault; PT — Pinjaur
thrust; JT — Jhajara thrust; PGF — Pinjaur Garden fault; ST — Surajpur fault; HFT —
Himalayan Frontal Thrust; GTF — Ghaggar Tear fault.

Based on these integrated structural and tectonic geomorphological approaches, a

morphotectonics evolutionary model of the dun has been proposed. This model highlights
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

the role of uplift and growth history of the fault bend fold structures of the outermost
Siwalik hills on (i) the depositional landforms and drainage development of the Pinjaur
dun, and (ii) valley development of the outermost Siwalik hills. Importantly, this study
postulates the formation of an incipient mountain front that is evolving ahead of the HFT
and the outermost Siwalik hills in the Indo-Gangetic plains.

KAUSHYLA DAM
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

INTRODUCTION
Our field trip to Chandigarh, Mandi and Dharamshala-McLeodganj was mainly focused on
studying the geology of these areas. In Chandigarh, we mainly studied about the
hydrogeology of the region and we also acquired some knowledge of the surrounding
Siwalik hills. In Mandi and Dharamshala, we came across lesser Himalayas and studied
about Topographic, Geomorphic and structural Features of the lesser Himalayas of Mandi
and Dharamshala Region.

CHANDIGARH REGION
The Union Territory of Chandigarh is located in the foothills of the Shivalik hill ranges in
the north, which form a part of the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. It is occupied by Kandi
(Bhabhar) in the north east and Sirowal (Tarai) and alluvial plains in the remaining part.
The subsurface formation comprises beds of boulders, pebbles, gravel, sand, silt, clays and
some kankar.
The area is drained by two seasonal rivulets viz. Sukhna Choe in the east and Patiala-Ki-
Rao Choe in the west. The central part forms a surface water divide and has two minor
streams. The stream passing through the central part is called N-Choe and the other is Choe
Nala which initiates at Sector 29 .
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

Geological Traverses and Observations

DAY-1
 Site-1
Day- Friday
Date- 11.12.2015
Time-09:55 AM.
Location- CGWB Regional Office, Chandigarh.

1. We visited the north western regional office of CGWB, on the first day of the field.
2. We were welcomed by Mr. Singh and other CGWB Officers with a warm gesture and
positive attitude.
3. We were briefed about the general geology and hydrogeology of the area along with
the states of Punjab and Haryana. Special Emphasis is laid on paleo river system and
signification of morphotectonics in groundwater flow.
4. We were enthusiastically motived to pursue research in the field of - Role of
Morpho-tectonics in Hydrogeology.

 Site-2
Day- Friday
Date- 11.12.2015
Time- 11:45 AM.
Location- Pinjore Garden, Panchkula District.
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

1. The Pinjore Garden has been created on the banks of a river from the Ghaggar System.
2. We were instructed to explore the vicinity of the garden to unveil the geology of the
area. We were provided with the toposheet of the area as well.
3. We tried and figured out that the terraces on which garden is build are natural and are
SE of the garden. On moving about 500 meters away from the garden we saw huge
section of sediments which contained thick mud, rounded pebbles and boulders,
indicating possibly of fluvial origin.
4. The general direction of the river that deposited these terraces is NNW- SSE, as seen
by the orientation of Terraces.
5. We failed to find any possible feature which could suggest presence of fault in that area.
6. There is a huge gorge in that area, and we saw a dam almost 2.5 kms away.

 Site-3
Day- Friday
Date- 11.12.2015
Time- 2:01 PM.
Location- Kaushalya Dam
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

1. It is an embankment, earth fill dam that has been constructed on kaushalya, a tributary
of Ghaggar system.
2. The width of the dam is 700 meters and the height is 34 meters.
3. It is located at Pinjore, in the foothills of Morni and is expected to check flash floods
during monsoons and also supply 25MGD of raw water to the Panchkula City.
4. The general structure of the river dam is core at the centre, piling in the middle and
lining in the outermost layer.
5. The river flows from NNE to SSW

 Site-4
Day- Friday
Date- 11.12.2015
Time- 05:25 PM.
Location- Sukhna Lake

1. Sukhna lake in the Chandigarh is a reservior on the foothills of the Siwalik hills.
2. This 3 km2 rainfed lake was created in 1958 by damming the Sukhna Choe, a seasonal
stream comimg down from the Siwalik Hills.
3. It is an artificial lake bounded by Siwalik foot hills in the north, which also provides
natural runoff to the lake and forms major watershed for the lake.
4. At the southern end it is bounded by an artificially created embankments that blocks
the lake water and thus gives rise to Sukhna reservoir.
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

5. The maximum depth of the lake is 4.7 m and a minimum depth of 2.4 metres.
6. It is a disconnected system, and there is no interaction between the lake water and
groundwater. The groundwater table lies deep below the lake.
7. The lake is facing serious issues like weed overgrowth, catchment adequacy, and silting
that are significantly shrinking its size and depth. The pores at the bottom are blocked
and so the lake is not contributing to the groundwater system.
8. The silt retention dams keep hold of the silt, as well as, help in ground water recharge
and support vegetation.

9. Following the lake boundary, we observe a topographic break.

10. On the southeast corner of the lake a three-span spillway with crest at 349.91 m has
been built.
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

DAY-2
 Site-5
Day- Sunday Strike- 3250 N
Date- 13.12.2015 Dip amount- 270
Time- 11:05 AM.
Location- Aut, Kullu-Manali Highway

1. We could see well exposed beds with varying colors and proportions.
2. Metabasalts are present, Limestone and granite may be hidden.
3. The rocks are brutally fractured, which is typical of a faulted region. These fractures
are a good sink for water, and which also results in weathering.

4. There is a repetition and omission of strata which clearly indicates the presence of fault.
5. The blackish green layer is possibly mylonite, an indication of a fault.
6. The rocks show alterations indicative of pelitic rocks being metamorphosed. The
alterations are between Q-F domains (light colored) and mica domains (dark colored)
which is the result of gradational contact and redistribution of minerals.
7. Foliations are clearly visible and they dip inwards.
8. The rock showed 2 plane of fractures.
9. Landslide signature like tree trunk also can be seen.
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

 Site-6
Day- Sunday Strike- 1550 N
Date- 13.12.2015 Dip amount- 640
Time- 01:31 PM
Location- Duadda Nala, Near Larji Hydrothermal Project, NH-21

1. There are two types of Regional folds namely micro folds and outcrop scale folds.
2. Puckers are a type of microfolds in Phyllites.
3. Phyllites are confirmed due to the presence of shiny luster on the surface of the rock,
typical of phyllites.

4. The rocks show crenulations. All the regional folds show macrofolds.
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

 Site-7
Day- Sunday
Date- 13.12.2015
Time- 02:45 PM.
Location- Rains

1. We are on the foliation plane.

2. There are visible prominent joint which are imprints of last stage of deformation.

3. Quartz veins are also visible.

4. S0 is the initial bedding plane, which is parallel to the cleavage planes of the recumbent
folding. The cleavage planes are S1.
5. Due to further folding, S2 developed perpendicular to S1.
6. This fold underwent another folding event which resulted in S 3 which is perpendicular
to both S1 and S2. In total, 3 folding event could have occurred here.
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

7. 3 sets of joints and 3 different foliation planes are also seen. The foliation planes are:
S1 STRIKE  135 0 N
DIP 360
S2 STRIKE  335 0 N
DIP 800 N
S3 STRIKE  155 0 N
DIP 25 0

 Site-8
Day- Sunday Strike- 1800 N
Date- 13.12.2015 Dip amount- 280
Time- 03:51 PM.
Location- Near Pandoh Dam

1. We are moving alongside river, the river terraces composed of sand and boulders are
seen.
2. On moving further along the road, there is an outcrop of fold, which is supposed to be
reclined fold, which eventually has given rise to foliations.
3. On the limb of reclined fold, there are other folds which are identified as Ptygmatic
fold.
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

4. Boudinage is also present.

5. The trend and plunge of hinge line of the reclined fold
Trend  60 0 N
Plunge 73 0
6. The rock is foliated and it gives the impression of being phylloarenite. However, the
following are observed under microscopy.

 Site-9
Day- Sunday
Date- 13.12.2015
Time- 05:25 PM.
Location- D P F Tarahan, Mandi
Latitude- N 31040’25” Longitude- E 770 04’24”
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

1. The exposure is probably metabasics.

2. There are 2 types of lithologies.
3. One is melanocratic and foliated while the other is possibly dioritic texture. The contact
is sharp.

4. Under microscope the following is observed.

Dolerite to Dioritic composition, consisting of plagioclase, pyroxines muscovite and

garnet.
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

DAY-3
 Site-10
Day- Monday Strike- 280
Date- 14.12.2015 Dip amount- 400
Time- 10:05 AM.
Location- Drang, Bhatok

1. This site was encountered as we travelled from Mandi to Dharamshala.

2. There is a stream flowing, which is possibly a base flow stream. This conclusion was
arrived since it is flowing even in the month of December. It could be a tributary of
Beas.
3. The water is highly saline because of the presence of rock salt in that area.
4. The river channel is big which says that it get totally filled up in the monsoon.

5. We also visited Drang Salt Mine which was not operational.

6. Zeolites were found in the neighboring area of salt mine.
7. Rock surrounding the area are meta sediments, with crude foliation and are iron rich.
8. These are possibly lithified sands, slightly metamorphosed, mica sheen slightly visible.
9. The lithology indicates that we are moving from MBT towars MCT.
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

 Site-11
Day- Monday
Date- 14.12.2015
Time- 01:25 PM.
Location- Baijnath

1. We are moving parellel to MBT at this location.

2. The lithology is alternate sandstone-claystone beds. It is probably a part of Shiwalik or
Subatu Formation.
3. The rocks are crudely foliated.

4. These layer are thin and peel out easily.

5. The major large scale structure is thick and dipping differently. Another outcrop shows
a fleaky structure coming out.
6. These show that the thin planes were exfoliation planes. It has developed due to
weathering and are best seen in limestones.
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

DAY-4
 Site-12
Day- Tuesday Strike- 280
Date- 15.12.2015 Dip amount- 400
Time- 10:09 AM.
Location- Bhagsu Nag Waterfall, McLeod Ganj
Latitude-32014’44’’N Longitude-76019’48’’
1. The lithology is mainly phyllite associated with some slate.
2. Many small seepages can be seen there.
3. There is waterfall in which water is contributed by some streams or seepages not by
the ice melt and it is a part of river that is being controlled tectonically.
4. It possibly formed due to upliftment of the top block.

5. We can find lineaments along the

way to the waterfall.
6. As we move away from waterfall,
lithology changes from phyllite to
dolomite where elephant skin
weathering can be seen.
7. Some faults & cheveron folds also
can be seen near Bhagsunag temple.
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

Activty Assigned
Our group was given a 100 m stretch from a temple near the waterfall. Our observations
are as follows.

 The rock type in this stretch was phyllite.

 We saw a large scale chevron fold.
Attitude of the left limb:- Strike- 145 0 N and Dip-27 0 NE
Attitude of the right limb:- Strike- 140 0 N and Dip-23 0 NE
 Along the axial plane, intense weathering had taken place which lead to us initially
interpreting this as a random change in the orientation. But, the differently dipping
limb extended all along the left side from that point.
 Since axial plane is the weakest plane, water seeped into it easily and caused
weathering.

Axial plane

Left limb
Right limb

CHEVRON FOLD
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

PETROLOGY
LOCATION: DPF Tarahan, Mandi (on highway near the Poison Ivy shrubs

CPL PPL

GENERAL:

 GRAIN SIZE: Medium Grained

 Texture: Relict Ophitic Structure
 Shows interlocking texture of medium size with dominant basic components. This
suggests that the original rock is a dolerite/diorite of hyperbyssal origin.

MINERALS PRESENT:

 Plagioclase: CPL – multiple twinning

 Pyroxenes: Possibly Hypersthene (showing 2 sets of cleavage at right angles)
 Muscovite: PPL – colourless, 1 set of cleavage.
CPL – High order Interference colour.

ACCESSORY MINERALS PRESENT:

 Opaque Minerals: dark in both PPL and CPL

DESCRIPTION: the sample shows feebly metamorphosed grains. There are signs of
chemical alteration and uralitisation (change of igneous pyroxene to an amphibole)
CONCLUSION: Rock is a metabasite of Dolerite/Diorite.
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

LOCATION: Pandoh

CPL PPL

GENERAL:

 GRAIN SIZE: Fine Grained

 TEXTURE: Pre-Kinematic growth of Garnet grains.
 From fieldobservation, the sample was speculated to be of sedimentary origin.

MINERALS PRESENT:

 GARNET: Isotropic
 BIOTITE: PPL – shows strong pleochroism from yellow to brown.
 QUARTZ: PPL – colourless, cleavage absent, no pleochroism
CPL – 1st order interference colour, wavy extinction
 FELDSPAR: PPL – colourless
CPL – 1 st order interference colour, shows extinction.

ACCESSORY MINERALS:

 OPAQUE MINERALS: dark in PPL and CPL

DESCRIPTION: sample is metamorphosed and sheared. Pre-kinematic growth of garnet

indicates application of directive stress.
CONCLUSION: Rock sample is a meta-sedimentary rock.
FIELD REPORT ON GEOLOGY OF CHANDIGARH, MANDI AND DHARAMSHALA- MCLEODGANJ

LOCATION: Bhagsu Nag Waterfall, McLeodganj

PPL CPL

GENERAL:

 GRAIN SIZE: Medium grained

 TEXTURE: Pre-kinematic growth of garnet grains.
 From field observation, the sample was speculated to be of sedimentary origin.

MINERLAS PRESENT:

 GARNET: Isotropic, euhedral, contains inclusions.

 MUSCOVITE: PPL – colourless, 1 set of cleavage.
CPL – high order interference colour.
 QUARTZ: PPL – colourless, non-pleochroic.
CPL – Wavy extinction.
 FELDSPAR: PPL – colourless.
CPL – 1 st order interference colour.

ACCESSORY MINERALS:

 OPAQUE MINERALS: dark in both PPL and CPL

DESCRIPTION: rock sample shows schistosity. Pre-kinematic growth of garnet grains

indicates presenece of directive stress. Shadow zone can be seen with presence of quartz
and feldspar grains.
CONCLUSION: Rock sample is a Garnet-Mica-Quartzo-Feldspathic Schist.