GEOLOGICAL FIELD REPORT ON SALT RANGE

BY

Zeeshan Ahmed

DEPARTMENT OF EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

BAHRIA UNIVERSITY, ISLAMABAD
2017
 LIST OF CONTENTS
Page NO

LIST OF FIGURES ……………………………... ……... ……. ……... . I

LIST OF TABLES………………………………………………………….. II

LIST OF SKETCH………………………………………………………….. III

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS…………………………………………………. IV

ABSTRACT

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION …………………………………………………... 1

1.1 Geographical setting of Salt Range……………………………………… 2

1.2 Regional geology of Salt Range…………………………………………. 4
1.3 Main fault system of NW Himalayas……………………………………. 9
1.4 Purpose of the Field……………………………………………………… 12
1.5 Equipment and Tools…………………………………………………….. 12
1.6 Project Methodology…………………………………………………….. 13

CHAPTER 2: FIELD WORK

2.1 Day 1 (Station 1)

2.1.1 Stop 1 Khewra Sandstone……………………………………………… 14
2.1.2 Stop 2 Khussak Formation…………………………………………….. 15
2.1.3 Stop 3 Jutana Dolomite………………………………………………… 17
2.1.4 Stop 4 Dandot Formation………………………………………………. 18
2.1.5 Stop 5 Warcha Sandstone……………………………………………… 20
2.2 Day 2 (Station 1)
2.2.1 Stop 1 Sakesar Limestone……………………………………………… 21
2.2.2 Stop 2 Tobra Formation………………………………………………... 25
2.2.3 Stop 3 Warcha Sandstone……………………………………………… 27
2.2.4 Stop 4 Dandot Formation………………………………………………. 28
2.2.5 Stop 5 Tobra Formation………………………………………………… 30
2.3 Day 3 (Station 1)
2.3.1Stop 1 Salt range Formation……………………………………………... 32
(Station 2)
2.3.2 Stop 2 Khewra Sandstone…………………………………………………… 33
(Station 3)
2.3.3 Stop 3 Baghanwala Formation…………………………………………… 35
2.3.4 Stop 4 Tobra Formation………………………………………………….. 37
(Station 4)
2.3.5 Stop 5 Tobra Formation………………………………………………….38
2.3.6 Stop 6 Dandot Formation………………………………………………...39
2.3.7 Stop 7 Warcha Sandstone………………………………………………..40
2.4 Day 4 (Station 1)
2.4.1 Stop 1…………………………………………………………………………...42
(Station 2)
2.4.2 Stop 2…………………………………………………………………….45
(Station 3)
2.4.3 Stop 3…………………………………………………………………….46

CHAPTER 3: ECONOMICAL IMPORTANCE OF SALT RANGE……………….. 50

CHAPTER 4: CONCLUSION ………………………………………………………. 51

REFERENCES: ……………………………………………………………………….52
 LIST OF FIGURES
Page No

Figure 1: The location of Salt Range to the south of Potwar plateau……………… 1

Figure 2: Index map of Salt Range……………………………………………………… ..2

Figure 3: To the east and west of salt range, their flowing Jhelum and Indus rivers…... ..2

Figure 4: General Geological Map of Salt Range division and Lithological Continuity……3

Figure 5: Major faults of NW Himalayas…………………………………………………..11

Figure 6: Picture showing tool of field geology…………………………………………...12

Figure 7: Cross-bedding in khewra sandstone.(32.786 ON & 72.945OE)……………………15

Figure 8: Glauconitie……………………………………………………………………… 15

Figure 9: Burrows ………………………………………………………………………….16

Figure 10: Sandstone bed (32.657O N and 72.990OE)……………………………………...16

Figure 11: Honey comb weathering (strike: N70°W & Dip: 2°NE) Camera facing N-W……18

Figure 12: Sandstone and shale of Dandot Formation. (32.676 O N and 72.973O E)………..18

Figure 13: Phosphorus nodules of Dandot Formation……………………………………..19

Figure 14: Warcha sandstone (32.677ON & 72.795OE)……………………………………..21

Figure 15: Sample showing Effervescence………………………………………………….22

Figure 16: Chert nodules show by reddish mark…………………………………………...23

Figure 17: Nummulites Fossil(coin shape)………………………………………………….23

Figure 18: Assilina fossil(eye shape)………………………………………………………..23

Figure 19: Gyrocone cephalopod in Sakesar Limestone ……………………………..…24

Figure 20: Contact between Eocene and Permian. (Strike: N65°E & Dip: 4°NW) Camera facing
along the strike (N-E)………………………………………………………………………...25

Figure 21: Warcha sandstone………………………………………………………………27

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Figure 22: Phosphorus nodules of Dandot Formation………………………………………….28

Figure 23: picture showing marl and gupsum……………………………………………33

Figure 24: Khewra sandstone ……………………………………………………………34

Figure 25: Salt pseudomorphs...……………………………………………………........36

Figure 26: Baghanwala Formation……………………………………………………….36

Figure 27: Tobra Formation Conglomerate ……………………………………………..38

Figure 28: Trough cross bedding……………………………………………………..….38

Figure 29: Joint showing in this picture …….…...………………………………….…...43

Figure 30: cross bedding in sandstone of Nagri Formation……………………………...44

Figure 31: Pink conglomerate of Nagri Formation………………………………….…...45

Figure 32: Red clay on the right and sandstone on the left ……………………………...46

Figure 33: Shale of chorgali formation…………………………………………………..47

Figure 34: Syncline fold in chorgali Formation………………………………….………48

Figure 35: Anticline fold in chorgali formation………………………………………….48

Figure 36: Fossil of chorgali Formation…...….................................................................49

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 LIST OF TABLE
Page No

Table 1: Stratigraphic column of Salt Range…………………………………………..4

Table 2: (Observation of stop 1)………………………………………………………14

Table 3: (Conclusion of stop 1)……………………………………………………….14

Table 4: (Observation of stop 2)………………………………………………………15

Table 5: (Conclusion of stop 2)……………………………………………………….16

Table 6: ( Observations of stop 3)…………………………………………………….17

Table 7: (Conclusions of Stop 3)……………………………………………………...17

Table 8: (Observation of stop 4)………………………………………………………18

Table 9: (Conclusion of stop 4)……………………………………………………….19

Table 10: (Observation of stop 5)……………………………………………………..20

Table 11: (Conclusion of stop 5)……………………………………………………...20

Table 12: (Observation of Sakesar Limestone)……………………………………….22

Table 13: (Conclusion of Day 2 stop 1)………………………………………………23

Table 14: (Observation of Tobra Formation)…………………………………………24

Table 15: (Conclusion of stop 2)……………………………………………………...25

Table 16: (Observations of Warcha sanstone)………………………………………...27

Table 17: (conclusion of stop 3)………………………………………………………27

Table 18: (Observations of Dandot formation)……………………………………….28

Table 19: (Conclusion of stop 4)……………………………………………………...28

Table 20: (Observation of Tobra Formation)………………………………………....30

Table 21: (Conclusion of stop 5)…………………………………………………..….30

Table 22: (Observation of day3 stop 1)………………………………………….……32

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Table 23: (Conclusion of stop 1)…………………………………………………….32.

Table 24: (Observation of stop 2)……………………………………………………33

Table 25: (Conclusion of stop 2)…………………………………………………….34

Table 26: (Observation of stop 3)……………………………………………………35

Table 27: (Conclusion of stop 3)……………………………………………………..35

Table 28: (Observation of stop 4)…………………………………………………….37

Table 29: (Conclusion of stop 4)……………………………………………………..37

Table 30: (Observation of stop 5)…………………………………………………….38

Table 31: (Conclusion of stop 5)……………………………………………………..39

Table 32: (Observation of stop 6)…………………………………………………….39

Table 33: (Conclusion of stop 6)……………………………………………………...40

Table 34: (Observation of stop 7)……………………………………………………..40

Table 35: (Conclusion of stop 7)……………………………………………………...41

Table 36: (Data set of joint by group 1)………………………………………………………42

Table 37: (Data set of joint by group 2)……………………………………………………….42

Table 38: (Data set of joint by group 3)……………………………………………………….42

Table 39: (Data set of joint by group 4)……………………………………………………….43

Table 40: (Observation of Nagri Foramtion)………………………………………………….43

Table 41: (Conclusion of stop 1)……………………………………………………………...44

Table 42: (Observation of stop 2)……………………………………………………………..45

Table 43: (Conclusion of stop 2)………………………………………………………………46

Table 44: (Observation of stop 3)……………………………………………………………...47

Table 45: (Conclusion of stop 3)……………………………………………………………….47

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 LIST OF SKETCH
Page No

Sketch 1…………………………………………………………………………… 26

Sketch 2…………………………………………………….................................... 29

Sketch 3…………………………………………………………………………… 31

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
In the name of Allah the most Beneficent, the most Merciful who gives us the strength to
be a part of this informative and knowledgeable field trip which was organized by the
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences Bahria University Islamabad. Thanks
to our parents for their constant support and prayer then I would like to thanks Mr. Raiees
Amjad, Mr Touseef for accompanying us to the field and sharing their knowledge. In the
end I would like to thanks all of those who made their contribution to make this field
successful especially Dr. Tahseen the Head of Department of Earth and Environmental
Sciences who made all this possible and arranged a four day (from 16 th of March 2017 till
19th of March 2017) field trip to salt range.

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 ABSTRACT
The place selected for our field trip was salt range. It is basically located in Punjab
province of Pakistan. From Geological and Paleontological prospective this area got so
much importance. It contain rocks with age from Precambrian (Salt range formation) to
recent ( Chorgali and Murree Formation). Some world famous geologists also called it as
the Museum of geology and paleontology. It was formed as a result of collision between
Indian plate and Eurasian plate. The Salt Range is part of the active foreland fold belt and
thrust belt of Himalayas of Pakistan.

Salt range is divided into three geographical distributions that are Eastern Salt Range
with the coordinate ranges from 32°30ʹ-33°N & 71°45ʹ-72°E, Western Salt Range with
the coordinate ranges from 32°30ʹ-33°N & 72°-72°45ʹE and Central Salt Range with the
coordinate ranges from 32°30ʹ-33°N & 72°45ʹ-73°30ʹE. Eastern salt range consist of
Formations like Salt range Formation, Khewra Sandstone, Khussak Formation, Jutana
Dolomite, Baghanwala Formation. Western Salt Range consists of Formation like
Mianwali Formation, Chhidru Formation, Amb Formation, Dandot Formation, Sakesar
Limstone, Warcha Sandstone. Central Salt Range consists of Sardhai Formation, Warcha
Sandstone, Wargal Limestone. Salt range structure is very disturbed with faults, folds and
erosion.

Salt Range is known for its excellent exposures and fossiliferous horizons which consist
of different fossils for example Brachiopods, Assilina, Nummulites, Trilobites and
Cephalopods. There are many unconformities also present in this Range for example the
boundary between Paleozoic and Mesozoic (P-T boundary) can be studied at excellently
exposed sections this boundary exist between Chhidru Formation and Mianwali
Formation. The unconformity also exists between Baghanwala Formation and Tobra
Formation (dis-conformity). Some structures like cross bedding, ripple marks, salt-
pseudo morphs also can be seen in this particular area.

vii
 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

The name of the Salt Range was first used by ELPHISTON in 1808. The name Salt range
is derived from the fact that the area contains huge reserves of table salt.

It is located to the south of Potwar plateau, which is bound to the north by Main
Boundary Thrust as shown in figure 1.

Figure 1.The location of Salt Range to the south of Potwar plateau.

Salt Range is south most part of Himalayas is salt range as shown in figure 1. It extends
east to west about 170 km. The main supplier of salt, gypsum and coal are Khewra,
Kalabagh and Warchha respectively (kazmi and jan, 1977). In East of Salt Range there is
flowing River Jhelum and in the West the Indus River is flowing while the Punjab plains
are in south of Salt Range. The maximum altitude of Salt Range is at Sakesar peak which
is at 1522 m from the sea level.

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1.1 GEOGRAPHIC SETTING OF SALT RANGE

Figure 2.Index map of Salt Range

The Himalayan frontal fault or the Salt Range Thrust is the southern-most thrust zone
along the foothills of Salt Range and Trans-Indus Himalayan ranges. The study area is
located in Punjab provenance and is easily reachable form the capital Islamabad through
M-2 (Motorways) the distance is about 130km from the Capital.

The Range is over 200 km long strike predominantly E-W and strata generally dipping
North-ward. It is bounded to the east by Jhelum River and to the west by Indus River as
shown in figure 3.

Figure 3. To the east and west of salt range, there flowing

Jhelum and Indus rivers.

2
Salt Range is divided into three geographical distributions:

1. Eastern Salt range: That ranges from Jhelum to Kalar kahar.

2. Central Salt range: That ranges from Kalar kahar to tilla jogian.
3. Western Salt range: That ranges from Tilla jogian to Indus River.

Figure 4: General Geological Map of Salt Range division and Lithological Continuity

It consists of many anticline and synclines folds and faults. Many mines are working in
this region. Himalayan salt is rock salt or halite from the Punjab region of Pakistan. It is
mined at the Khewra Salt Mine in Khewra, Jhelum District, Punjab, which is situated in
the foothills of the Salt Range hill system. This salt mine is world’s second largest salt
mine.

The vegetation is predominately of Acacia modesta and Capparis aphylla. Capparis is

known for its medicinal properties and ecologically helps in protecting soil from erosion.
There are other species such as wild olive trees, sheesham, zizypus (ber) etc.

The climate of the Salt Range is continental and arid, changing from tropic to subtropic.
Tropical air prevails during all seasons of the year except the cold winter months, when
the relatively cool polar air penetrates at the tail end of high-pressure systems (cyclones).
This is a cold, damp season. During summer, precipitations are connected with the
equatorial, moist, southwestern (Indian) monsoon, which reaches the limits of its
occurrence in West Punjab but brings the largest amounts of precipitation (more than 50
percent annually).

3
Agriculture is limited because of the poverty of the soil and lack of water for irrigation.
Small areas on the slopes and in the longitudinal valleys are being terraced for irrigation
using the water of lakes and springs. In the valleys dry farming prevails.

1.2 REGIONAL GEOLOGY OF SALT RANGE

One of the greatest geological provinces of the world is salt range which has almost a
complete rock succession from Pre-Cambrian to Recent except for the few ages. On the
southern margin of Himalayan collision, an active foreland fold-thrust belt is present
which is formed in response to sub-ducting of Cratonic India beneath its own
Phanerozoic sedimentary cover, in the late Cenozoic time, this fault is called salt range
thrust fault. Due to salt range thrust fault, the rocks which are present in this area were
subjected under stresses and as a result very gentle and open folds were developed. These
folds and faults represent the ductile and brittle deformation in these rocks and sediments.
The stratigraphic sequence of Phanerozoic age is exposed in salt range. It is also well
known for its P-T boundary, Pre-Cambrian, Cambrian strata sequences and abundance of
Permian, Triassic fauna i.e. vertebral fossils (khan et al.,1986).

Table 1 Stratigraphic column of Salt Range

4
5
6
7
8
 Table 1 Stratigraphic column of Salt Range

1.3 MAIN FAULT SYSTEM OF N-W HIMALAYAS

There are many fault systems in NW Himalayas most of them are thrust fault but strike
slip fault also occur the list of these are as follow

 Main Karakoram thrust (MKT)

 Main Mantle thrust (MMT)
 Main Central thrust(MCT)
 Main boundary thrust (MBT)

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 Salt range thrust(SRT)
 Trans-Indus ranges thrust(TIRT)
 Kalabagh Fault
 Jhelum Fault

Main Karakoram Thrust

MKT is the major tectonic feature in Northern Pakistan which was form by the collision
of Karakoram block and the Kohistan Island arc. Karakoram block was coming towards
Kohistan island arc from North and collided with it as shown in figure 5. Karakoram
block is basically part of Cimmerian plate which were separated from Gondwanian land
in the southern hemisphere and moved towards Eurasian plate in the northern hemisphere
it mark the contact between Eurasian plate in the north and Indian plate towards the
south. It was form during late cretaceous (lftikhar 2008).

Main Mantle Thrust

It is mark by mantle related ultramafics. It makes the boundary with Kohsitan island arc
to the north and Indian plate to the south (as shown in Figure 5) it was form as the
subduction between India plate and Kohistan island arc Indian plate was subduction
under beneath the Kohistan island arc

Main Central Thrust

Main central thrust is the intra-continental thrust that separates the higher Himalayas and
lesser Himalayas here metamorphic rate is from green schist facies up to amphibolites
facies

Main Boundary Thrust

Main boundary thrust is a hairpin shape thrust fault it is follow by Hazara-Kashmir

Syntaxis (as shown in figure 5). The Main boundary thrust zone represents southward
migration of Himalaya’s deformation from the site of main mantle thrust. MBT zone
composed of series of en-echelon or parallel thrust fault.

Salt Range Thrust

It is the youngest thrust fault in northern Pakistan it is also known as Himalayan frontal
thrust (HFT) it ranges between Jhelum River and Indus River (as shown in figure 4) it is

10
also known as Decollement Zone because dip angle of this thrust fault is approximately
horizontal when thrust move salt act as the lubricated agent as the fault is occurred in the
weak lithology that is why it has low angle certain Precambrian strata are exposed there.
Strike of SRT is predominantly is EW and dipping North-ward.

Trans Indus Range Thrust (TIRT)

Trans Indus Range Thrust is in the west side of SRT i.e to the west of Indus River (as
showing in figure 4)

Kalabagh Fault

It is the right lateral strike slip fault SRT terminate in the west against this fault Kalabagh
fault extend between Mianwali and Kalabagh.

Jhelum fault

It is an important strike slip fault. It is left lateral (sinistral strike slip fault). It extends
along Jhelum River. SRT terminates to the east by the Jhelum fault.

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 Jhelum
Fault

Kalabagh
Fault

Figure 5 Major faults of NW Himalayas

1.4 PURPOSE OF THE FIELD

The field was organized by university:

i. To identify different lithologies.

ii. To find fossils in rocks if any.
iii. To measure dip and strike with Brunton compass.
iv. To identify unconformity (hiatus) in the rocks if any.

12
 v. To understand depositional environment.
vi. To identify primary and secondary structural features.
vii. To identify bedding plane.

1.5 EQUIPMENT AND TOOL

Figure 6: Picture showing tool of field geology

There were certain equipment and tools were used by us in the field to fulfill over
objectives which includes:

i. Brunton Compass to measure dip and strike.

ii. Hand lens to identify fossils and grain size.
iii. Geological hammer for sample collection.
iv. Measuring Tape for measuring thickness.
v. Dilute HCL to test lime stone.

1.6 PROJECT METHODOLOGY

First of all we study samples from every outcrop with the help of brunton compass, acid,
Hand lens, hammer and note down these data on notebook this data helped us in finding
different lithology for every formation.

Then by summing the information of observed data, structure and tectonic we find
environment of deposition.

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 CHAPTER 2
FIELD WORK
2.1 Day 1(Station 1)
2.1.1 Stop 1:Khewra Sandstone

INTRODUCTION: It was day 1 we reached to the south of Karoli village and start
our observation from there. We observe sample after collecting it from the outcrop with

14
the help of hammer. The Grains were obvious hence we concluded that it was clastic
sedimentary rock. The grain shape and size was seen in the hand lens and it appeared to
be fine grained that shows cool and calm environment and low energy environment we
also saw sedimentary structures like cross-bedding. In the end we concluded that it is
Khewra Sandstone. There are following observation that we did we sum up our
observation in table form as:

OBSERVATIONS:

Location South of Karoli village.

Lithology Compacted sandstone.
Outcrop Clastic sedimentary rock
Fresh colour Light reddish (purplish tone)
Weathered colour Blackish red
Grain size Fine grained
Grain shape Sub rounded to rounded
Sorting Well-sorted
Bedding thickness Thick to massive bedding
Primary features Cross bedding
Secondary features Highly Fractured
Fossils No fossil was observed
Table 2 (Observation of stop 1)

CONCLUSION:

Formation Khewra Sandstone

Group Jhelum group
Depositioal Environment Lagoonal Environment
Age Cambrian
Table 3 (Conclusion of stop 1)

Cross bedding

Figure 7. Cross-bedding in Khewra Sandstone.(32.786ON & 72.945OE)

15
 Camera facing NE

2.1.2 Stop 2: Khussak Formation

INTRODUCTION: From the stop 1 (Khewra Sandstone) we move towards West and
encountered another outcrop that was still at the south of Karoli village. The outcrop was
clastic sedimentary rock. We divide our team to collect different samples with the help of
geological hammer from this stop and we collect samples and observed them with the
help of hand lens and we test fisciblity of sample and found shale we see if there are
some fossils exist and we found burrows indicating deep marine environment we also
observed different sedimentary structures and found out and ripple marks and Glauconitie
mineral in the end we concluded that it is Khussak Formation.

OBSERVATIONS:

Strike: N 25° E , Dip: 19°NW

Location South of Karoli village.

Lithology Sandstone and shale.
Outcrop Clastic sedimentary rock
Fresh colour Greenish grey.
Grain size(shale) Fine grain
Grain size(sandstone) Medium to coarse grained
Friability Sandstone is less compacted.
Fisciblity Fisciblity where shaly content is present
Fossils Burrows
Primary features Ripple marks and Glauconitie mineral
Secondary features Burrows, fracturing and tilting
Bedding plane Bedding plane exist between sandstone
and shale.
Bedding thickness Thin to medium bedding
Grain sorting(shale) Well sorting.
Grain sorting(sandstone) Moderately sorted
Table 4 (observation of stop 2)

CONCLUSION:
Fomation Khussak Formation
Depositional environment Deep Marine (Burrows and glauconitie
indication of deep marine)
Age Cambrian
Group Jhelum group
Table 5 (Conclusion of stop 2)

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 Figure 8 Glauconitie Figure 9 Burrows.

Figure 10. Sandstone bed (32.657O N and 72.990OE)

Camera facing NE

2.1.3 Stop 3: Jutana Dolomite

INTRODUCTION: After concluding that previous Formation was Khussak Formation

we move to left (still in south of Karoli village) and encountered another outcrop which
was non-clastic we collect sample with the help of geological hammer and crushed into
powder form it was showing effervescence when acid dropped on it. We also saw the
honey-comb weathering which is identifying criteria of Jutana Dolomite hence we
concluded that it is Jutana Dolomite. Clastic supply was cut off during the formation of
Jutana Dolomite and crystallization of magnesium carbonate result in this Formation.

OBSERVATIONS:

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 Strike: N70°W , Dip: 2°NE

Location Still south of Karoli village.

Lithology Dolomite
Outcrop Non clastic
Fresh colour Light yellow with pinkish tone
Weathered colour Yellowish brown
Grain size N/A
Grain shape N/A
Grain sorting N/A
Effervescence Yes, when crushed into powder form
Weathering style Honey comb weathering
Bedding thickness Massive beds.
Fossils No fossil found
Table 6 (Observations of Stop 3)

CONCLUSION:

Formation Jutana Dolomite

Depositional Environment Shallow marine
Age Cambrian
Group Jhelum group
Table 7 (Conclusions of Stop 3)

Figure 11 Honey comb weathering (strike: N70°W & Dip: 2°NE)

Camera facing N-W.

2.1.4Stop 4: Dandot Formation

INTRODUCTION:

We start our observation again when Jutana Dolomite was ended. That was clastic
sedimentary rock the grains of it was obvious we collect sample and carefully observe
them with the help of hand lens and noted down its fisciblity and concluded that it is

18
sand and shale. We also found phosphorous nodules and in the end after observing all
the aspects we concluded that it is Dandot formation.

The aspects that we observed in this Formation were:

OBSERVATIONS:

Location South of Karoli village.

Lithology Greenish grey shale and light brown to
yellowish sandstone
Weathered colour(sandstone) Greyish brown
Bedding thickness Medium to thick bedding
Features Trough cross bedding and Phosphatic
nodules are also present
Grain size(Sandstone) Medium to coarse grain
Grain shape(Sandstone) Sub rounded
Sorting in sandstone Moderately sorted
Gain size of shale Fine grain
Grain shape and sorting of shale Rounded and well sorted
Contact Abrupt contact between Dandot
Formation and Warcha Sandstone due to
Normal faulting
Table 8 (Observation of stop 4)

CONCLUSION:

Formation Dandot Formation

Age Permian
Group Nilawahan group
Diagnostic feature Trough cross bedding
Depositional Environment Deltaic to shallow marine
Table 9 (Conclusion of stop 4)

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 Sandstone

Shale

Figure 12. Sandstone and shale of Dandot Formation. (32.676O N and 72.973O E)
Camera facing NE

Figure 13. Phosphorus nodules of Dandot Formation.

2.1.5 Stop 5:Warcha Sandstone

INTRODUCTION:

It was last stop of our 1 st day the sun was setting we manage to collect samples and
finally did our observations by different field equipment and tools and found out the
lithology is sandstone because it contain sand size sediments, trough cross bedding was
observed it has normally faulted contact with Dandot formation due to salt diapirism
hence we concluded that it is Warcha Sandstone.

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OBSERVATIONS:

Strike: N39°E , Dip: 62°NW

Location South of Karoli village

Lithology Sandstone
Outcrop Clastic sedimentary rock
Fresh colour Light greyish to whitish
Weathered colour Purplish and reddish
Friability Yes
Grain size Coarse-grained.
Grain shape Sub rounded to rounded
Sorting Well sorted.
Bedding thickness Massive beds
Fossils No fossil found
Secondary features Fractures
Table 10 (Observation of stop 5)

CONCLUSIONS:

Formation Warcha sandstone

Age Permian
Depositional environment Fluvial environment
Group Nilawahan group
Table 11 (Conclusion of stop 5)

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 Figure 14. Warcha Sandstone (32.677ON & 72.795OE)
Camera facing NE

2.2 Day 2 (Station 1)

2.2.1 Stop1:Sakesar Limestone

INTRODUCTION:

We start 2nd day of our four day geological field at south of Dhalwal village. We
encountered with outcrop and collect samples from the outcrop the grains were nor
present then we did effervescence test and the sample show obvious effervescence as
shown in figure 13.

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 Effervescence

Figure 15. Sample showing Effervescence

Besides effervescence we also found chert nodules it scratched the hammer. When we
look closely to the samples with the hand lens we also found fossils of Assilina and
Numulites in the end we concluded that the Formation is Sakesar limestone.

OBSERVATION:

Strike: N45°E . Dip: 27°NW

Location South of Dhaliwal village

Lithology Limestone
Clastic/Nonclastic Non clastic
Weathered colour Cream to greyish
Fresh colour Greyish+Whitish
Grains Size N/A
Grain shape N/A
Gain sorting N/A
Primary features Chert nodules
Bedding thickness Thick to massive
Fossils Assilina, Nummulites and Cephalopod
Table 12. (Observation of Sakesar Limestone)

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 Figure 16. Chert nodules show by reddish mark
Camera facing NE

CONCLUSION:

Formation Sakesar limestone

Age Eocene
Group Cherat group
Depositional Environment Shallow marine
Table 13(Conclusion of Day 2 stop 1)

Figure 17. Nummulites Fossil(coin shape) Figure 18. Assilina fossil(eye shape)

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 Trace fossil of
Gyrocone Cephalopod

Figure 19 Trace fossil of Gyrocone cephalopod in Sakesar Limestone

2.2.2 Stop 2:Tobra Formation

INTRODUCTION: After Saksar limestone we move toward south of Dhaliwal village

toward Gandhara Nala we found sandstone and conglomerate. Conglomerate was
embedded with sand size matrix. Fresh colour was pinkish brown and weathered colour
yellowish grey. This formation has also faulted contact with Sakesar limestone. Hence we
concluded that this is Tobra Formation.

OBSERVATIONS:

Strike: N65°E , Dip: 4°NW

Location South of Dhaliwal village

Lithology Sandstone matrix embedded with
conglomeratic bed
Sorting Poorly sorted
Grain shape Sub angular
Clastic/Non-clastic Clastic sedimentary rock
Grain size Medium to coarse grained
Grain shape Angular to rounded
Sorting Poorly sorted
Features Striation, because of glaciers
Fresh colour Yellowish+Pinkish+brownish
Weathered colour Yellowish brown
Table 14 (Observation of Tobra Formation)

25
CONCLUSION:

Formation Tobra Formation

Age Permian
Group Nilawahan Group
Depositinal Environment Glacio-fluvial
Table 15 (Conclusion of stop 2)

Figure 20. Contact between Eocene and Permian. (Strike: N65°E & Dip: 4°NW)
Camera facing along the strike (N-E)

26
Sketch 1

Sketch 1

27
2.2.3 Stop 3: Warcha Sandstone

INTRODUCTION: From the stop 2 we again start our journey and encountered an
another exposed outcrop. We collect sample from it and note down its fresh colour as
well as weather colour. We observe grains in the hand lens and found that it is sandstone.
It was Warcha Sandstone.

OBSERVATIONS:

Location South of Dhalwal village

Lithology Sandstone
Clastic/Non-Clastic Clastic Sedimentary rock
Fresh colour White to greyish tone
Weathered colour Yellowish brown
Grain size Coarse grain
Sorting Well sorted
Grain shape Angular
Friability Yes
Table 16 (Observations of Warcha sanstone)

CONCLUSION:

Formation Warcha sandstone

Age Permian
Group Nilawahan
Depositional Environment Fluvial deposition
Table 17 (conclusion of stop 3)

Figure 21 . Warcha sandstone

28
2.2.4 Stop 4: Dandot Formation

OBSERVATIONS:

Location South of Dhaliwal village, Gandhara

nala section
Lithology Sandstone
Grain size Medium to coarse grained
Sorting Moderately sorted
Bedding thickness Thick to massive bedding.
Diagnostic criteria Phosphorus Nodules
Table 18. (Observations of Dandot formation)

CONCLUSION:

Formation Dandot Formation

Age Permian
Group Nilawahan
Depositional Deltaic environment
Table 19 (conclusion of stop 4)

Figure 22. Phosphorus nodules of Dandot Formation

29
Sketch 2:

Sketch 2

30
2.2.5 Stop 5: Tobra Formation

INTRODUCTION: we again encounter another Formation. Here sir told us to examine

the lithology with the help of field tool and Equipment and we concluded that it is Tobra
Formation

OBSERVATION:

Location South of Dhaliwal village

Lithology Sandstone matrix embedded with
conglomeratic bode
Sorting Poorly sorted
Grain shape Angular to rounded
Clastic/Non-clastic Clastic sedimentary rock
Grain size Medium to Coarse grained
Features Striation, because of glaciers
Fresh colour Pinkish brown
Weathered colour Yellowish grey
Table 20. (Observation of Tobra Formation)

CONCLUSION:

Formation Tobra Formation

Age Permian
Group Nilawahan Group
Depositinal environment Glacio-fluvial
Table 21 (conclusion of stop 5)

31
SKETCH 3:

Sketch 3

2.3 Day 3(Station 1)

32
2.3.1 Stop1: Salt range Formation

INTRODUCTION:

In Day 3 we start our observation in Salt range formation. Firstly we have located the
north direction and also measure dip and Strike by using brunton compass. We collect the
sample and observe them with the help of hand lens and note down its features and we
concluded that it is Gypsum, Marl and salt. But we do not observe salt because salt is
consumed due to thrusting and weathering and we also observe Gypsum forms lenses that
Indicate Intense Deformation occurred in that region.

All the features and aspect we observe in this formation were:

OBSERVATION:

Location North of ICI chemical factory

Lithology Gypsum, Marl, Salt
Member Bandar Kas Gypsum
Sahwal Marl
Billian wala salt
Fresh color Marl (Bright orange)
Gypsum( White)
Weather color Marl (reddish + orange)
Gypsum ( White/Greyish)
Grain size fine grain
Grain shape Rounded
Sorting Well sorted
Bedding thickness Thick bedding
Features Gypsum is easily scratched
With Finger Nail and form lenses
Marl show effervescence,
Smooth and Gritty
Efferevescence Yes, in marl.
Table 22: (Observation of day3 stop 1)

CONCLUSION:

Formation Salt Range Formation

Age Precambrian
Depositional Environment Evaporitic Environment
Table 23: (Conclusion of stop 1)

33
 Figure 23 picture showing marl and gypsum

Camera facing NW

2.3.2 Stop2: Khewra Sandstone

INTRODUCTION:

We start our observation again after salt range formation was ended and we again find
dip and strike of Khewara formation by using Brunton compass. When we collect the
sample and observe them with the help of hand lense and note down that it is clastic
sedimentary rock and also concluded that it is sandstone. We also found ripple marks in
that formation.

The aspects we observe in this formation were:

OBSERVATION:

Location Choa saidan shah road

Lithology Sandstone and very less shale
Fresh colour Reddish
Weather colour Blackish red
Grain size Fine
Grain shaped Rounded
Sorting Well sorted
Bedding thickness Thick to massive bedding
Features Highly fractured, ripple marks
Table 24: (Observation of stop 2)

34
CONCLUSION:

Formation Khewra Sandstone

Depositional environment Deltaic Environment
Age Cambrian
Group Jhelum
Table 25: (Conclusion of stop 2)

Figure24 Khewra Sandstone

Camera facing NW

35
2.3.3 Stop3: Baghanwala Formation.

INTRODUCTION:

We start our observation again after the Khewara sanstone was ended. Again we Measure
the dip and strike of Baghanwala Formation by using Brunton compass. We collect the
sample and observe them by using hand lens and concluded that it is sandstone and shale
and we also found salt pseudomorphs.

The aspects that we observe in this formation were:

OBSERVATION :

Strike: N 600 W Dip: 150 NW

Location Choa saidan shah road

Lithology Sandstone, shale and red clay
Fresh color Reddish greenish
Weather color Reddish
Grain size Fine grain
Grain shape Rounded
Sorting well sorted
Bedding thickness Thin to medium bedding
Features Salt pseudomorphs
Contact Unconformable contact with Tobra
Formation
Table 26: (Observation of stop 3)

CONCLUSION:

Formation Baghanwala Formation

Depositional Environment Lagoonal and Arid climate
Age Cambrian
Group Jehlum
Table 27: (Conclusion of stop 3)

36
 Figure 25 Salt Pseudomorphs

Tobra Formation

Baghanwala Formation

Figure 26. Baghanwala Formation

Camera facing NW

37
2.3.4 Stop4: Tobra Formation.

INTRODUCTION:

We start our observation again after the end of Baghanwala Formation. Again we
measure the dip and strike of That Formation by using Brunton compass. We collect the
sample and observe very carefully with the help of hand lense and note down its features
and concluded that it is conglomerate and sandstone.

The aspects we observe in this formation were:

OBSERVATION:

Location Choa saidan shah road

Lithology Conglomerate and sandy matrix
Fresh color brownish/pink
Weather color light grey
Grain size Medium to coarse grain
Grain shape Angular to rounded
Sorting Poorly sorted
Bedding thickness Medium to Thick bedding
Features Pink clasts of Nagar parkar granite
Contact Unconformable contact b/w Tobra and
Baghanwala Formation
Table 28:(Observation of stop 4)

CONCLUSION:

Formation Tobra Formation

Age Permian
Depositional Environment Glacio-fluvial Environment
Group Nilwahan
Table 29: (Conclusion of stop 4)

38
Conglomerate of
Tobra Formation

Figure 27 Tobra Formation Conglomerate

Camera facing NE

2.3.5 Stop5: Tobra Formation.

INTRODUCTION:

When we visit another area and collect the sample then we have observe the same
formation (Tobra formation) that we discussed earlier and we also observe that there is a
Gradational contact b/w Tobra Formation and Dandot Formation.

The aspects we observe in this formation were:

OBSERVATION:

Location Choa saidan shah road

Lithology Conglomerate and Sandy matrix
Fresh color Brownish
Weather color Light grey+brownish
Grain size Medium to fine grain
Grain shape Rounded
Sorting Poorly sorted
Bedding thickness Massive bedding
Contact Gradational contact with Dandot Formation
Table 30: (Observation of stop 5)

39
CONCLUSION:

Formation Tobra Formation

Age Permian
Depositional Environment Glacio-fluvial Environment
Group Nilwahan Group
Table 31: (Conclusion of stop 5)

2.3.6 Stop6: Dandot Formation.

INTRODUCTION:

When start our observation again when Tobra Formation was ended. We collect the
sample and observe carefully them with the help of hand lens and note down its features
and concluded that it is sandstone, shale and Clast. We also found phosphatic nodules and
Trough cross bedding. At the end we observing al the aspect and concluded that it is
Dandot Formation.

The aspects we observe in the formation were:

OBSERVATION:

Strike: N 600E Dip: 150 NW

Location Choa saidan shah road

Lithology Sandstone, shale and Clasts
Fresh colour Brownish
Weather colour Blackish brown
Grain size Medium grain
Grain shape Sub rounded
Bedding thickness Medium to thick Bedding.
Features Phosphatic nodules, Trough cross bedding,
laminae of shale
Contact Gradational contact b/w Tobra formation
and Dandot formation
Table 32 (Observation of stop 6)

40
CONCLUSION:

Formation Dandot Formation

Age Permian
Depositional Environment Deltaic to Shallow Marine
Group Nilwahan
Table 33 (Conclusion of stop 6)

Figure 28 Trough cross bedding in Dandot Formation

Camera facing NE

2.3.7 Stop7: Warcha Sandstone.

INTRODUCTION:

We start our observation again when Dandot Formation was ended. We collect the
sample and observe them carefully with the help of hand lens and concluded that it is
sandstone. In the end we observe all the aspects we concluded that it is Warcha
Sandstone.

The aspects we observe in this formation were:

41
OBSERVATION:

Strike: N 450 E Dip: 20 0 NW

Location Choa saidan shah road

Lithology Sandstone
Fresh color light brown
Weather color Yellowish
Grain size Very coarse grain
Grain shape Sub rounded
Sorting Poorly sorted
Bedding thickness Massive Beds
Friability Yes
Contact Gradational contact b/w Warcha sandstone
and Dandot Formation
Table 34 (Observation of stop 7)

CONCLUSION:

Formation Warcha Sandstone

Age Permian
Depositional Environment Fluvial Environment
Group Nilwahan
Table 35 (Conclusion of stop 7)

42
2.4 Day 4 (Station 1)

2.4.1: Stop 1: Nagri Formation

We start 4th and last day of our geological field at the moon village here we observe the
outcrop by collecting samples with the help of hammer and observe them in hand lens
and used dilute HCl to observe clastic or non clastic nature of rock we found that it is
clastic tock we find sandstone (coarser grain) and in the next phase we found pink
conglomerate hence we assume that it is Nagri Formation.

In the lower part surfidal weathering occurs.

Data set of joints by Group 1

Sr no Type Nature Dip Strike

1 Bedding plane 220NW N530E
2 Joint Parallel 780NW N600E
Joint Parallel 330NW N700E
Joint Parallel 790NW N550E
3 Joint (set 2) Diagonal 750SW S600E
Diagonal 570SW S950E
Diagonal 500SW S800E
Table 36 Data set of joint by group 1

Data of set of joint by group 2

SR.no Type Nature Dip Strike

1 Bedding Plane 110NW N450E
2 Joint(set 1) Perpendicular 420SW N580W
Joint(set 1) perpendicular 270SW N580W
Joint(set1) perpendicular 440SW N360W
Table 37 Data set of joint by group 2

Data of set of joint by Group 3

Sr no Type Nature Dip Strike

1 Bedding Plane 140NW N600E
2 Joint(set 1) Perpendicular 660NE N150E
Joint(set 1) Perpendicular 360NE N130W
Joint(set 1) Perpendicular 680NW N800W
Table 38 Data set of joint by group 3

Data of set of joint by Group 4

43
Serial Type Nature Dip Strike
No
1 Bedding Plance 50NW N670E
2 Joint Along Parallel 860NW N500E
3 Joint Along Parallel 590SE N620E
4 Joint Along Parallel 620SE N530E
5 Joint Along Parallel 640SE N640E
6 Joint Along Parallel 600SE N700E
7 Joint Along Parallel 600SE N700E
Table 39 Data set of joint by group 4

Figure 29 Joints showing in this picture

Camera facing N-W

Observation:

Location Moon Village

Lithology Sandstone with black, orange, brown
clasts+ conglomerate
Fresh color Grey
Weather color Greenish greyish
Grain size Coarse grain
Grain shape Angular to rounded
Sorting Poorly sorted
Bedding thickness Massive
Clasts present Angular clasts

44
Clasts color Black ,orange, brown
Primary feature Cross bedding
Secondary feature Spheroidal weathering
Conglomerate Pink conglomerate of Nagar parker granite
these are highly transported
Table 40 (Observation of Nagri Foramtion)

Conclusion

Formation Nagri Formation

Age Miocene to Pliocene
Depositional Environment Fluvial Environment
Group Siwaliks group
Table 41 (Conclusion of stop 1)

Figure 30 Cross bedding in sandstone of Nagri Foramtion

45
Conglomerate

Of Nagar Parker

rounded and
heavily transported.

Figure 31 pink conglomerate of Nagri Foramtion

(Station 2)

2.4.2 Stop 2 Murree Formation

We observe the formation in which we observe red clay when we move to the left and
observe sandstone, some conglomerate was also found in sandstone.

Observation:

Location Kalarkahar road

Lithology Massive Sandstone, red clay and intra-
formational conglomerate
Fresh color(clay) Red with purplish tone
Weather color(clay) Reddish
Fresh colour(sandstone) Grey
Weathered colour(sandstone) Greenish grey
Grain size(clay and sandstone) Fine grain and coarse
Grain shape( clay) Rounded
Grain sorting(clay and sandstone) well sorted and poorly sorted
Grain shape of sandstone Angular grain
Secondary feature Intra-formational fault
Table 42(Observation of stop 2)

46
Conclusion

Formation Murree Formation

Age Miocene
Depositional Environment River Environment
Group Rawalpindi group
Table 43(Conclusion of stop 2)

Sandstone Red clay

Figure 32 (red clay on the right and sandstone on the left)

(Station 3)

2.4.3Stop 3 Chorgali Formation

This was last stop of our 4 day of geological field here we observe a lot of sedimentary structure
like anlicline fold and syncline fold .We collect sample with the help of hammer and observe it
under the handlens and dilute HCl and found out that it is non clastic lithology of limestone
moving towards the right we also found shale of yellow color which was showing fiscilibity we
also found fossil of nummulites and assilina and concluded that it is the Chorgali Formation.

Observation

Strike N300E Dip240NW

Location Kalarkahar road

Lithology Limestone and shale
Effervescence Yes
Fresh color of limestone Brownish white
Clastic/nonclastic Nonclastic
Weather color of limestone Cream or light brown

47
Grain size None
Weather color of shale Dark grey
Fresh color of shale Yellowish brown
Bedding plane Exist between limestone and shale
Features Anticline and syncline folds
Contact With Murree Formation(Normally faulted)
Fossil Nummulites and Assilina
Index fossil Forams
Table 44(Observation of stop 3)

Conclusion

Formation Chorgali Foramtion

Age Eocene
Depositional Environment Shallow marine
Group Cherat group
Table 45 (Conclusion of stop 3)

Figure 33 shale of Chorgali Formation

Camera facing N-E

48
Figure 34 syncline fold in Chorgali Formation

Camera Facing S-W

Figure 35 anticline fold in Chorgali Foramtion

Camera facing S-W

49
Figure 36 fossil in chorgali Foramtion

50
 CHAPTER 3
ECONOMICAL IMPORTANCE OF SALT RANGE

There are some importance of salt range as follows:

 It derives its name from extensive deposits of rock salt that form one of the richest
salt fields in the world.
 It is known museum of paleontology and geology.
 In addition to the salt deposits, mined from ancient times, the Salt Range contains
coal, gypsum, and other minerals.
 Traces of petroleum are associated with limestone and sandstone deposits in the
western part of the Salt Range.
 In the salt-bearing series in the eastern part of the Salt Range, layers of
bituminous Shales are found.
 Large deposits of high-grade gypsum and anhydrite, an important calcium
mineral, are found near Jalālpur.
 There are many factories are working in salt range that are crushing the rocks of
salt range to form cement. Best way factory is one of them.
 ICI factory established its first manufacturing site for the production of Soda Ash
at Khewra.

51
 CHAPTER 4
CONCLUSION

It was a great experience of us to go to kalar-kahar for four day geological field trip.
Every new day of our field tour gave us extra knowledge about geology of Salt Range.
The weather of the Salt range was marvelous though it was middle of March and the sun
was full on shine.

We learnt a lot of things at there that we had never experienced before including how to
find depositional environment of a particular Formation, how to examine and find
lithologies, finding grain size and shape using hand lens, how to find strike and dip of the
rocks and a lot of other things that increases our knowledge in that very field.

In the end, it was one of the greatest field trip.

52
 REFERENCES

 Shah,S.E. ,1977. Stratigraphy of Pakistan, Geological Survey of Pakistan, 138p.

 Kazmi.A.H. & Jan. M.Q., 1997, Geology and Tectonics of Pakistan,Graphic

Publishers Karachi, 554p.

 Abbasi, I.A. and McElroy, R., (1991) Thrust kinematics in the Kohat Plateau,
Trans Indus RangePakistan.J.ofStruct.Geol., Vol. 13, No. 3, p.319-327.

 Baker, D.M., 1988, Balanced structural cross section of the central Salt Range and
Potwar Plateau of Pakistan; Shortening and overthrust deformation; Corvallis,
Oregon State University, M.S. thesis, 120 p.

 Gee,E.R. (1989), “Overview of the Geology and Structure of Salt Range with
observation on related areas of Northern Pakistan” , Published by Geological
Survey of America.

 Khan, M.A., Ahmed, A., Raza, H.A., and Kemal, A., (1986) Geology of
petroleum in Kohat-Potwar Depression, Pakistan. AAPG 70(4), p. 396-414.

 Lillie,J.R. and Jaume,C.S., (1988). Mechnics of Salt Range-Potwar Plateau,

Pakistan. American Geophysical Union, Tectonics, Vol.7, No.1.

53