Arab J Geosci (2017) 10:514
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-017-3277-5
ORIGINAL PAPER
Petrography, provenance, diaganesis and depositional
environment of Murree Formation in Jhelum Valley, Sub
Himalayas, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan
Muhammad Zaheer 1 & Muhammad Sabir Khan 1 & Muhammad Saleem Mughal 1 &
Noman Abbasi 1
Received: 16 January 2017 / Accepted: 2 November 2017
# Saudi Society for Geosciences 2017
Abstract The clastic sediments of the Murree Formation of
Miocene age are exposed in Jhelum valley areas of Azad
Jammu and Kashmir Pakistan. Field observations revealed
the cyclic deposition in the Murree Formation. The sandstone,
siltstone, and shale constitute a single cycle within the forma-
tion. This single unit is divided into five different lithofacies
which constitute the Bouma sequence in the Murree
Formation. The Murree Formation shows faulted contacts
with Panjal Formation and Nagri Formation in the study area.
The modal mineralogy data obtained from the petrography of
sandstone indicates that sandstone is litharenite and lithic
greywacke. The mineralogical and textural data suggests that
sandstone is compositionally mature and poorly to moderately
sorted. The dominantly angular to sub angular quartz grains
show nearness of the source area. Fractured and sutured quartz
grain reveals tectonodiagentic changes that occurred in
Murree Formation. The sandstone experienced diagenetic
changes. The pressure solution and cementation reduced the
primary porosity of sandstone. However, alteration of feldspar
and fractures in grains have produced secondary porosity. The
X-ray diffraction (XRD) of the shale samples indicates that
shale of the Murree Formation is argillaceous and dominated
by illite clay mineral. The illite crystallinity values indicate
very low grade metamorphism of Murree Formation in core
of Hazara Kashmir Syntaxis. The petrographic data suggests
that the provenance of sandstone is recycled orogen. Quartz is
of igneous and metamorphic origin. Feldspar (albite and mi-
crocline) composition suggests its derivation from acidic
* Muhammad Zaheer
zaheer.awan185@gmail.com
1
Institute of Geology, University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir,
Muzaffarabad 13100, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan
igneous rocks. The rock fragments of volcanics, slate, phyllite,
and schist suggest igneous and metamorphic provenance. The
petrographic data suggests that at the time of deposition of
Murree Formation, igneous and low grade metamorphic rocks
were exposed. However, presence of some clasts of carbon-
ates indicates that sedimentary rocks were also exposed in the
source region. The quartz content and clay minerals in the
shale revealed that source region was igneous and metamor-
phic rocks. Cyclic deposition, lithofacies, and various sedi-
mentary structures like cross bedding, ripple marks, and cal-
cite concretions suggest that deposition of Murree Formation
occurred in fluviatile environment by meandering river sys-
tem having decreasing turbidity current.
Keywords Petrography . Provenance . Diagenesis .
Depositional environment
Introduction
The study area lies in Sub Himalayas, Jhelum valley which is
the part of northwest Himalayas (Fig. 1). The rocks exposed
are clastic sediments of the Murree Formation of Miocene age.
The area under investigation includes Chinari to Batangi
(CB), Saran to Chikar (CR), Saran to Chakothi (S and CK),
Naili to Lamnian (L), and Chinari to Gormandy (G) sections
(Fig. 2). The study area covers toposheets nos. 43F/12 and
43F/16 of Geological Survey of Pakistan. The area is bounded
by latitude N34°05′ to N34°15′ and longitude E73°40′ to
E73°54′ (Fig. 2). The study area is about 30 km SE of
Muzaffarabad city and easily approachable through Jhelum
valley road which joined the Muzaffarabad and Chakothi.
The study area signifies the clastic sedimentary sequence of
north western margin of the Indian plate. The geology of
Muzaffarabad and adjacent areas is studied by different
514 Page 2 of 22 Arab J Geosci (2017) 10:514

Fig. 1 Tectonic map of Northern Pakistan. Where MFT = main frontal thrust, MBT = main boundary thrust, MCT = main central thrust, and JT =
Jhelum thrust. Compiled after Rana and Kazmi (1982)

workers like Wadia (1928, 1931, 1934), Calkins et al. (1975), 1991), Bossart et al. (1988), Bossart and Ottiger (1989),
Shakoor (1976), Ashraf and Chaudhry (1985), Greco (1986, Critelli and Garzanti (1994), and Khan et al. (1994).
Arab J Geosci (2017) 10:514
Fig. 2 Route and traverse map of the study area
Wadia (1928) demonstrated the geology of Poonch State
(Kashmir). Wadia (1931) described the tectonics and orog-
eny of north-west Himalayas and their rocks. Wadia (1934)
also described the Cambrian-Triassic sequence of north-
west Kashmir. Calkins et al. (1975) described the geology
of the southern Himalayas in Hazara, Pakistan, and adjacent
areas. The investigated area lies in the southern foothills of
the Himalayas between the Jhelum river on the east and
Indus river on the west. They described that the geological
formations of Precambrian to Quaternary age are exposed
in the area. Shakoor (1976) described the geology of
Muzaffarabad and Nauseri area Azad Kashmir with
comments on the engineering behavior of rocks exposed.
Ashraf and Chaudhry (1985) described the petrology of
Murree Formation of Poonch district, Azad Kashmir.
They described the petrographic analysis of sandstone and
shale. They classified the formation into upper and lower
Murree Formation on the basis of grain size in the field. The
petrographic investigation showed that these were almost
similar in mineralogy and have same provenance. Greco
(1986) carried out the geological investigation of Rashian
area. Bossart et al. (1988) described the stratigraphic and
structural features of Hazara Kashmir Syntaxis (HKS) in
southern Himalayas, Pakistan. Bossart and Ottiger (1989)
described the rocks of Murree Formation in Northern
Pakistan. They carried out a detailed sedimentological and
micropaleontological survey of 8-km-long profile of
Murree Formation in the apex region of HKS in Northern
Pakistan. From these surveys, they concluded that these
Page 3 of 22 514
rocks were deposited in a very shallow marine tidally influ-
enced environment. They stated that the rocks of Murree
Formation lie conformably on Paleocene rocks in area be-
tween Balakot and Muzaffarabad, whereas in yadgar
section of Muzaffarabad area, Murree Formation lies
unconformably on Eocene rocks of Kuldana Formation.
Greco (1991) described the stratigraphy, metamorphism,
and tectonic history of HKS. Critelli and Garzanti (1994)
described the provenance of the lower Tertiary Murree red
beds in the Northern part of the HKS. On the basis of pet-
rographic study, they suggested the collision orogen prov-
enance for the sandstone of quartzolithic composition.
Khan et al. (1994) described the geotechnical properties of
Miocene shale of Murree Formation of Muzaffarabad, Azad
Kashmir. Previous work related to engineering aspects on
Murree Formation and associated rocks of adjacent area has
been found. No detailed petrographic work of Murree
Formation has yet been taken in the study area. The purpose
of this study is to carry out detailed petrological and petro-
graphic investigation of sandstone and shale of Murree
Formation in Jhelum Valley, Azad Kashmir.
Tectonic and geological setting
The study area represents the north western margin of Indian
plate and forms the core of the HKS (Fig. 1), which lies in Sub
Himalayas. The Indian plate was drifted away from
Gondwanaland in Middle/Late Jurassic and Early
Cretaceous. The northward drift of Indian plate resulted in
514 Page 4 of 22 Arab J Geosci (2017) 10:514

Table 1 Stratigraphic sequence of Muzaffarabad and surrounding areas. Modified after Munir and Mirza (2007); Basharat (2012)

Formation Age Lithology Exposed areas

Quaternary Holocene Stream bed deposits andalluvium. Gojra, Chatter, Chellah, Saran,
Hattian and Chinari areas.
Siwalik Group Pliocene/ Pleistocene Sandstone, shale andclaystone.. Chikar towards Bagh area.
Kamlial Formation Late Miocene Sandstone, shale, claystone and Kumar Bandi and Garhi Dopatta areas.
minor intreformational conglomerate.
Murree Formation Early Miocene Sandstone, shale and siltstone. Muzaffarabad Nauseri section, Saran,
Chinari, Lamnian and Batangi areas.
Unconformity
KuldanaFormation Early Varigated shale, siltstone and calcareous sandstone. Yadgar section of Muzaffarabad area.
to Middle Eocene
Chorgali Formation Early Eocene Pale to light gray thinly bedded limestone and Yadgar, Neelum valley section.
dark brown to black shale.
Margalla Early Eocene Dark gray to black, fine to medium grained, nodular, Yadgar, Neelum valley road section.
Hill Limestone highly fossiliferous, highly tenacious, jointed and
fractured limestone with subordinate marl and shale.
Patala Formation Late Paleocene Creemish to dark brown splintery shale and subordinate Yadgar, Neelum valley section.
fine to medium grained, nodular limestone.
Lockhart Limestone Early Dark gray to black, fine to medium grained, nodular, highly Yadgar section.
to middle Paleocene fossiliferous limestone with medium to high tenacity.
Hangu Formation Early Paleocene Light gray, medium to coarse grained, ferruginous, Yadgar section.
oolitic and pisolitic sandstone, siltstone and fireclay.
Unconformity
Panjal Formation Carboniferrous to Basaltic lava flows, sills, dykes, agglomerates Nauseri, Lamnian, Rashian and
Permian and carbonates. Batangi areas.
Unconformity
Abbotabad Cambrian Light to dark gray, fine grained, highly fractured, jointed, sheared, Muzaffarabad areas.
Formation cherty and stromatolitic dolomite, and dolomitic limestone.
Mansehra Cambrian Granites and Granitic Gneisses, Nauseri, Chham and Rashian areas.
Type (Rashian and Chham Granite Gneiss).
Granitic
Intrusion
Tanol Formation Precambrian Quartzite and metasammites, metapellites, Nauseri and Chham areas.
with minor metaconglomerates and marbles.
Hazara Formation Precambrian Slates, phyllite and shaleswith minor limestonesand Gojra, Chatter and Lohar Gali areas.
graphitic layers.

Fig. 3 Geological map of Saran to Chikar, Saran to Chakothi, Naili to Lamnian, Chinari to Batangi, and Gormandy sections of the study area
Arab J Geosci (2017) 10:514
closure of Mesozoic Tethys ocean. The Indian and Eurasian
plate collided and Himalayas were formed (Najman et al.
2002; Calkins et al.1975).
Gansser (1964) characterized the Himalayan system (from
south to north) into Sub Himalayas, Lesser Himalayas, and
Higher Himalayas. The Sub Himalayas are composed of a
narrow strip of folded Neogene molasse sediments of
Rawalpindi Group and Siwaliks (Greco 1991). South of the
Himalayan Frontal Thrust, the folded Neogene sediments are
covered by the Indo-Gangetic alluvium. Northward the Sub
Himalayan rocks are bounded by Main Boundary Thrust
(MBT) (Fig. 1). The area of Lesser Himalayas is bounded
on the north and south by Main Central Thrust (MCT) and
MBT, respectively (Fig. 1). The Lesser Himalayas are
comprosed of Precambrian meta-sediments of Hazara
Formation and Tonal Formation in the area. The Late
Paleozoic Panjal Volcanics and associated meta-sediments al-
so constitute the Lesser Himalayas (Greco 1991). The rocks of
the Higher Himalayas are thrust southward onto Lesser
Himalayan rocks along the MCT (Greco1991). The rocks of
the Higher Himalayas are exposed to the north of the project
area (Fig. 1). Its basal part is composed of Precambrian
Fig. 4 Sample location map of Saran to Chikar, Saran to Chakothi, Naili to Lamnian, Chinari to Batangi, and Gormandy sections of the study area
Page 5 of 22 514
gneisses. The Himalayan orogeny resulted in widespread re-
gional metamorphism of the rocks deposited on northern pas-
sive continental margin of the Indian plate. The metamorphic
rocks are pelitic schists, marbles, paragneisses, orthogneisses,
amphibolites, and migmatites (Burg et al. 1987). The
mtasediments were also intruded by Tertiary granites. The
Trans Himadri Fault (Valdiya 1989) marks the northern
boundary of the High Himalayas and its central crystalline
complex while its southern boundary is MCT. The Tethyian
sediment rocks extend from Trans himadri fault to Main
Mantle Thrust (MMT). The Nanga Parbat Syntaxis (NPS)
and HKS lie in north-western Himalayas.
HKS is a complex tectonic region and includes the Lesser
and Sub Himalayan rocks (Bossart and Ottiger 1989). HKS is
demarcated by thrust faults, MBT and Panjal thrusts, which
are folded around its apex (Fig. 1). Precambrian to Neogene
sedimentary, volcanic and metamorphic rocks are exposed in
the syntaxial zone and its vicinity (Bossart et al. 1988; Greco
1991). The core of HKS comprises rocks of the Abbottabad
Formation, Paleocene Eocene rocks, and Murree Formation.
The metamorphic rocks of Salkhala, Hazara, Tanol, and Panjal
formations are wrapped around its periphery (Calkins et al.
514 Page 6 of 22 Arab J Geosci (2017) 10:514

Fig. 5 Modal mineralogical Q Q

classification diagram of arenite a
a
sandstone of Murree Formation.
Where Q = quartz, F = feldspar,
and L = lithics. Field boundaries c
b c b
are after Pettijohn et al. (1973). a
Quartz arenite. b Subarkose. c
Sublitharenite. d Arkosic arenite.
e Litharenite

d e d e

F L F L
a Chinari to Batangi section b Saran to Chakothi section

Q Q
a a

b c
b c

d e d e

F L F L
c Saran to Chikar section d Naili to Lamnian section

1975). The metamorphic rocks are also intruded by the
Manshera type granites. The rocks of the Murree Formation
exposed in the core of HKS extend eastward into Jhelum
valley. The rocks in the Jhelum valley, Muzaffarabad area,
are ranging from Precambrian to Recent. The geological suc-
cession with description of each rock unit is given in Table 1.
Materials and methods
Himalayan molasse were derived due to Himalayan orogeny
resulted from continent to continent collision of Indian and
Eurasian plates. These molasse were deposited in Himalayan
foreland basin in an inverted sequence. The oldest molasse
deposits, the Murree Formation (Fig. 3), is exposed in the
study area. The rocks are sandstone, siltstone, and shale. The
dip and strike data were collected for preparation of geological
map (Fig. 3) of the study area. The Murree Formation shows
faulted contact with Nagri Formation in Chikar area (Fig. 3).
In Batangi and Lamnian areas, contact of the formation with
Panjal Formation is also faulted (Fig. 3).
Samples were collected from all the sections for study and
are shown on sample location map (Fig. 4). A total of 40
samples were taken from all the sections. For a detailed inves-
tigation, Chinari to Batangi (CB) section was selected.
Twenty-three (23) samples of this section (Fig. 4) were inves-
tigated for petrographic study. Sandstone is classified on basis
of percentage of matrix followed by Blat and Tracey (1996).
The sandstone containing matrix less than 5% is arenite while
more than 5% matrix is greywacke. The 19 samples of sand-
stone fall in the field of arenite (Fig. 5a) and four (4) samples
in the field of greywacke (Fig. 6a). Visual modal percentage of
mineralogical compositions and normalized mineralogical
compositions of sandstone are given in Tables 2 and 6, respec-
tively. Arenite sandstones are further classified on basis of
quartz, feldspar, and lithic (QFL) fragments (Pettijohn
et al.1973). According to this classification, 19 samples fall
in litharenite field (Fig. 5a) and four lie in lithic greywacke
field (Fig. 6a). Provenance of this sample according to QFL
provenance discrimination diagram of Dickenson et al. (1983)
is recycled orogen (Fig. 7a). From Saran to Chakothi (S and
CK) section, a total of seven samples (Fig. 4) were selected for
Arab J Geosci (2017) 10:514 Page 7 of 22 514

Fig. 6 Modal mineralogical Q

classification diagram of Q a
greywacke sandstone of Murree a
Formation. Where Q = quartz,
F = feldspar, and L = lithics. Field
boundaries are after Pettijohn
et al. (1973). a Quartzwacke. b
Feldspathic greywacke. c Lithic
greywacke

b c
b c

F L F L
a Chinari to Batangi section b Saran to Chakothi section

Q Q
a a

b c c
b

F L L
F
c Saran to Chikar section d Naili to Lamnian and Gormandy section

petrographic study. Modal mineralogical compositions and
normalized mineralogical compositions are given in Tables 3
and 7. The classification diagram indicates that one sample
falls in the arenite field (Fig. 5b) and six fall in greywacke
field (Fig. 6b). The sandstone is classified to litharenite
(Fig. 5b) and lithic greywacke (Fig. 6b). The sandstone prov-
enance according to QFL provenance discrimination diagram
of Dickenson et al. (1983) is recycled orogen (Fig. 7b). A total
of four samples were selected from Saran to Chikar (CR)
section (Fig. 4) for petrographic study. Modal mineralogical
compositions and normalized mineralogical compositions are
given in Tables 4 and 8. The classification diagram indicates
that two samples fall in the arenite field (Fig. 5c) and two fall
in greywacke field (Fig. 6c). The sandstone is classified to
litharenite (Fig. 5c) and lithic greywacke (Fig. 6c). The sand-
stone provenance according to QFL provenance discrimina-
tion diagram of Dickenson et al. (1983) is recycled orogen
(Fig. 7c). A total of six samples (L3/1, L6/1, L9/1, G0/2,
G0/3, and G2/1) were taken from Naili to Lamnian (L) and
Chinari to Gormandy (G) sections (Fig. 4) for petrographic
study. Modal mineralogical compositions and normalized
mineralogical compositions are given in Tables 5, 6, 7, 8 and
9. The classification diagram indicates that two samples fall in
the arenite field (Fig. 5d) and four fall in greywacke field
(Fig. 6d). The sandstone is classified to litharenite (Fig. 5d)
and lithic greywacke (Fig. 6d). The sandstone provenance
according to QFL provenance discrimination diagram of
Dickenson et al. (1983) is recycled orogen (Fig. 7d).
The methodology includes the field mapping, collection
of fresh and representative rock samples, and laboratory
tests. Multiple field visits were carried out for geological
mapping and collection of rock samples. The topographic
sheet nos. 43F/12 and F/16 of Geological Survey of
Pakistan, geological hammer, brenton compass, Global
Positioning System (GPS), hand lens, measuring tape, and
camera were used during field work. For petrography of
Murree Formation sandstone, thin sections were studied
under petrographic microscope. Visual estimation method
was used for calculation of percentage of each mineral pres-
ent in thin section. The shale of the Murree Formation was
514 Page 8 of 22 Arab J Geosci (2017) 10:514

Table 2 Modal mineralogical composition of Murree Formation sandstone of Chinari to Batangi (CB) section

Sample No. Qt Qm Qp Ft P.F A.F Mt M B Mtx Ca.C O.M R.F I.RF S.RF M.RF Ch Trm Ep Hb T

CB 0/2a 39 36 3 9 3 6 5 3 2 2 14 3 28 9 6 13 – – – – 100
CB 0/2b 42 39 3 7 3 4 6 4 2 4 12 2 27 10 5 12 – – – – 100
CB 5/1 43 41 2 5 2 3 5 3 2 2 11 3 29 10 7 12 1 – 1 – 100
CB 7/1 45 44 1 4 1 3 4 3 1 3 12 2 28 9 6 13 1 Tr – 1 100
CB 8/1 47 45 2 5 2 3 3 2 1 2 10 2 30 11 5 14 Tr – 1 Tr 100
CB 10/1 41 40 1 4 1 3 5 3 2 3 7 2 28 10 5 13 Tr Tr Tr – 100
CB 11/1 45 43 2 6 4 2 2 1 1 6 9 4 27 10 7 13 1 Tr – Tr 100
CB 14/1 43 42 1 4 1 3 4 3 1 4 10 3 32 10 7 15 – – – – 100
CB 16/1 44 42 2 6 2 4 5 3 2 3 11 2 29 9 7 13 – – – – 100
CB 18/1 46 45 1 8 3 5 3 2 1 2 12 3 25 8 5 12 1 Tr – – 100
CB 23/1 38 36 2 9 6 3 4 3 1 7 9 4 29 10 6 13 1 1 – – 100
CB 24/1 44 42 2 10 4 6 3 2 1 2 10 2 28 9 5 14 Tr – – 1 100
CB 33/1 41 40 1 9 4 5 4 2 2 3 8 3 31 8 10 13 Tr – 1 Tr 100
CB 43/1 39 38 1 12 4 8 4 1 3 2 11 2 29 12 7 10 1 Tr – – 100
CB 45/1 38 37 1 10 4 6 5 2 3 4 12 2 28 13 6 9 1 – Tr – 100
CB 47/1 39 38 1 10 3 7 6 2 4 4 10 2 27 11 7 9 1 Tr 1 – 100
CB 49/1 38 36 2 8 3 5 3 2 1 4 11 1 33 13 11 9 1 Tr 1 – 100
CB 51/1 40 39 1 9 4 5 4 1 3 3 9 2 29 12 10 7 3 – 1 – 100
CB 55/1 39 38 1 7 5 2 4 1 3 7 11 3 28 13 8 7 1 – – Tr 100
CB 57/1 42 41 1 6 4 2 3 2 1 8 9 2 29 11 8 10 – – – 1 100
CB 61/1 43 41 2 9 3 6 3 1 2 2 9 1 33 14 8 11 Tr – Tr – 100
CB 62/1 40 39 1 10 4 6 4 1 3 2 10 2 30 13 7 10 2 Tr – – 100
CB 64/1 41 40 1 8 3 5 7 2 5 3 7 2 32 11 8 13 – Tr Tr – 100

Qt total quartz, Qm monocrystalline quartz, Qp polycrystalline quartz, Ft total feldspar, P.F plagioclase feldspar, A.F alkali feldspar, Mt. total mica, M
muscovite, B biotite, Mtx matrix, Ca.C calcite cement, O.M opaque minerals, RF rock fragments, I.RF igneous rock fragment, S.RF sedimentary rock
fragment, M.RF metamorphic rock fragment, Ch chlorite, Trm tourmaline, Ep epidote, Hb hornblende, Tr trace, T total

investigated for mineralogy by XRD analysis. The XRD
analysis was conducted with XPERT PRO model. The re-
sulted data from XRD analysis were compared with Joint
Committee on Powder Diffraction Standard (JCPDS 1974)
data to identify mineralogy of Murree Formation shale. To
find out crystallinity of Murree Formation, shale crystallin-
ity of illite minerals was calculated by using Kubler Index
(KI) (Arkai et al. 2003).
Results and discussions
The lithofacies, petrography and provenance, XRD analysis,
diagenesis, and depositional environment of Murree
Formation are discussed below:
Lithofacies of Murree Formation
Lithologically, the Murree Formation comprises sandstone,
siltstone, and shale. The sandstone, siltstone, and shale con-
stituted a single unit in the formation. The base of the unit is
marked by the sandstone. The sandstone exhibits basal struc-
tures like load casts (Fig. 8a), flute marks, and grooves. The
conglomerates and breccia also occur at the base of the sand-
stone. The rock fragments of different lithology also occurred
in the sandstone. Close to MBT in the area, the sandstone
shows conglomerates of Panjal volcanics, quartzite, marble,
and dolomite. The sandstone displays graded bedding (de-
creasing grain size from base towards top, Fig. 8b). The sand-
stone body is characterized by cross bedding and ripple marks
(Fig. 8c). The color of the sandstone body is also variable. It is
generally gray to grayish green, dark gray, brick red, and ma-
roon at places. The top of the sandstone is marked by the fine
grained particles. The thickness of the beds and lamella is also
variable in the sandstone body. The thickness varies from
2 mm to 3 cm. The siltstone is deposited over the sandstone
body. The siltstone is characterized by worm burrows
(Fig. 8d), calcite concretions, slump structures, convolute bed-
ding (Fig. 8e), and lenticular bedding (Fig. 8f). The color of
the siltstone is usually reddish brown to maroon. It also ex-
hibits the intraclast of sandstone and shale. The top of the
siltstone is marked by the finer particles and abundance of
Arab J Geosci (2017) 10:514 Page 9 of 22 514

Q Q

Recycled Orogen
Recycled Orogen

Dissected Arc
Dissected Arc

Transitional Arc Undissected Arc

Transitional Arc Undissected Arc

F L F L
a Chinari to Batangi section b Saran to Chakothi section

Q Q

Recycled Recycled
Orogen Orogen

Dissected Arc
Dissected Arc

Transitional Arc
Undissected Arc Transitional Arc
Undissected Arc

F L F L
c Saran to Chikar section d Naili to Lamnian and Gormandy section
Fig. 7 Provenance discrimination diagram of Murree Formation. Fields are after Dickenson et al. (1983). Where Q = quartz, F = feldspar, and L = lithics

calcite concretions. The siltstone is followed by the shale and studied, which divide this fining upward sequence into five
claystone. The shale shows calcite concretions and calcite divisions. Field observations are compared with the obser-
nodules. These are in the form of long cylindrical tubes in vations of Bossart and Ottiger (1989) and Bouma (1962). In
the shale. The color of the shale is reddish brown, maroon, studied cycle of Murree Formation, five facies are identified
and brownish. However, locally, it may vary from light green which constitute the Bouma sequence. Total thickness of
to yellowish brown. the measured cycle is 13 m, which is divided into five dif-
This unit is repeated in a regular fashion in the formation. ferent lithofacies (Fig. 9).
That unit is also divided into five main facies which consti- The facies identified in the measured section from bottom
tute the Bouma cycle. The measured section is composed of to top in a standard cycle of Murree Formation are mentioned
many fining upward cycles. The sedimentology of Murree as follows:
Formation in the core of the Hazara Kashmir Syntaxis in the
southern Himalayan region of Hazara and Azad Kashmir i. Type A: Medium and cross bedded sandstone
was carried out by Bossart and Ottiger (1989). They iden- ii. Type B: Plane parallel laminated sandstone
tified six main facies in a standard cycle of Murree iii. Type C: Wavy or convolute laminated sandstone
Formation. Bouma sequence (Bouma 1962) was also iv. Type D: Laminated siltstone facie
514 Page 10 of 22 Arab J Geosci (2017) 10:514

Table 3 Modal mineralogical composition Saran to Chakothi (S and v. Type E: Shale facie
CK) section sandstone of Murree Formation

Mineralogical Sample no. The description of each facies is as follows:

compositions
S S S CK CK CK CK i. Type A: Medium grained cross bedded sandstone
1/1 3/1 5/1 1/1 3/1 4/1 9/1

Qt 42 44 41 39 37 41 39 The facie comprises maroonish to grayish, medium

Qm 40 43 40 38 36 39 38 grained sandstone beds (Fig. 9). Thickness of the facie is
Qp 2 1 1 1 1 2 1
6 m. Bedding plane thickness ranges from 1 to 25 cm. The
Ft 4 5 5 7 5 3 6
P.F 1 3 3 5 2 2 4 sandstone displays a graded bedding and cross bedding. At
A.F 3 2 2 2 3 1 2 the base of the sandstone bed erosional structures, load
Mt 5 3 4 4 3 4 3 casts are observed.
M 2 2 2 3 1 3 2
B 3 1 2 1 2 1 1
Mtx 3 6 7 9 12 7 8 ii. Type B: Plane parallel laminated sandstone
Ca.c 12 9 10 11 13 10 11
O.M 2 3 3 3 3 3 2
R.F 31 28 29 26 27 30 29 The facie consists of fine grained parallel laminated sand-
I.RF 11 12 13 12 9 13 10 stones (Fig. 9). Thickness of the facie is 1.5 m. Thickness of
S.RF 7 9 8 6 12 10 7 lamina is 0.3 to 0.7 cm.
M.RF 13 7 9 8 6 7 12
Ch Tr – Tr Tr – – 1
Trm Tr 1 Tr Tr Tr 1 – iii. Type C: Wavy or convolute laminated sandstone
Ep 1 1 1 1 Tr 1 1
T 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
The characteristic features of this facie are the wavy or
convolute lamination (Fig. 9), and its thickness is 1.3 m.
Bioturbations are common.

Table 4 Modal mineralogical composition Saran to Chikar (CR) sec-

tion sandstone of Murree Formation Table 5 Modal mineralogical composition of Naili to Lamnian (L) and
Chinari to Gormandy (G) section sandstone of Murree Formation
Mineralogical compositions Sample no.
Mineralogical compositions Sample no.
CR 1/1 CR 2/2 CR 7/1 CR 10/1
L 3/1 L 6/1 L 9/1 G 0/2 G 0/3 G 2/1
Qt 43 42 40 38
Qm 41 40 38 37 Qt 47 48 42 41 44 39
Qp 2 2 2 1 Qm 44 46 41 39 42 37
Ft 4 3 3 4 Qp 3 2 1 2 2 2
P.F 1 1 2 3 Ft 7 5 6 4 6 5
A.F 3 2 1 1 P.F 3 1 4 3 4 3
Mt 4 3 4 4 A.F 4 4 2 1 2 2
M 1 1 3 2 Mt 5 6 5 5 4 3
B 3 2 1 2 M 2 3 3 3 2 2
Mtx 3 4 7 8 B 3 3 2 2 2 1
Ca.c 12 12 13 11 Mtx 3 2 6 10 6 9
O.M 3 2 2 1 Ca.c 8 10 8 10 12 13
R.F 29 33 30 32 O.M 2 2 3 2 2 2
I.RF 13 14 8 12 R.F 27 26 28 27 26 28
S.RF 6 10 10 7 I.RF 10 11 12 9 8 10
M.RF 10 9 12 13 S.RF 4 7 6 6 6 6
Ch 1 – – 1 M.RF 13 8 10 12 13 12
Trm Tr Tr Tr – Ch – Tr – – 1 1
Ep 1 1 1 1 Trm Tr 1 1 1 – –
Hb – Tr Tr – Ep Tr Tr 1 – 1 Tr
T 100 100 100 100 T 100 100 100 100 100 100
Arab J Geosci (2017) 10:514 Page 11 of 22 514

Table 6 Normalized mineralogical composition of Murree Formation sandstone of Chinari to Batangi (CB) section

Quartz, feldspar, and rock fragments (%) Accessory minerals (%)

Sample no. Quartz Feldspar Rock fragments Total Chlorite Tourmaline Epidote Hornblende
CB 0/2a 51 12 37 100 – – – –
CB 0/2b 55 9 36 100 – – – –
CB 5/1 56 6 38 100 1 – 1 –
CB 7/1 58 5 37 100 1 Tr – 1
CB 8/1 57 6 37 100 Tr – 1 Tr
CB 10/1 56 5 39 100 Tr Tr Tr –
CB 11/1 58 7 35 100 1 Tr – Tr
CB 14/1 54 5 41 100 – – – –
CB 16/1 56 7 37 100 – – – –
CB 18/1 58 10 32 100 1 Tr – –
CB 23/1 50 12 38 100 1 1 – –
CB 24/1 54 12 34 100 Tr – – 1
CB 33/1 51 11 38 100 Tr – 1 Tr
CB 43/1 49 15 36 100 1 Tr – –
CB 45/1 50 13 37 100 1 – Tr –
CB 47/1 51 11 38 100 1 Tr 1 –
CB 49/1 48 10 42 100 1 Tr 1 –
CB 51/1 51 12 37 100 3 – 1 –
CB 55/1 53 9 38 100 1 – – Tr
CB 57/1 55 7 38 100 – – – 1
CB 61/1 50 11 39 100 Tr – Tr –
CB 62/1 50 12 38 100 2 Tr – –
CB 64/1 51 10 39 100 – Tr Tr –

Table 7 Normalized mineralogical composition of Saran to Chakothi (S and CK) section sandstone of Murree Formation

Quartz, feldspar, and rock fragments (%) Accessory minerals (%)

Sample no. Quartz Feldspar Rock fragments Total Chlorite Tourmaline Epidote Hornblende
S 1/1 54 6 40 100 Tr Tr 1 –
S 3/1 57 7 36 100 – 1 1 –
S 5/1 54 7 39 100 Tr Tr 1 –
CK 1/1 54 10 36 100 Tr Tr 1 –
CK 3/1 53 8 39 100 – Tr Tr –
CK 4/1 55 4 41 100 – 1 1 –
CK 9/1 52 9 39 100 1 – 1 –

Table 8 Normalized mineralogical composition of Saran to Chikar (CR) section sandstone of Murree Formation

Quartz, Feldspar, and rock fragments (%) Accessory minerals (%)

Sample no. Quartz Feldspar Rock fragments Total Chlorite Tourmaline Epidote Hornblende
CR 1/1 57 5 38 100 1 Tr 1 –
CR 2/2 54 4 42 100 – Tr 1 Tr
CR 7/1 55 4 41 100 – Tr 1 Tr
CR 10/1 51 6 43 100 1 – 1 –
514 Page 12 of 22 Arab J Geosci (2017) 10:514

Table 9 Normalized mineralogical composition of Naili to Lamnian (L) and Chinari to Gormandy (G) section sandstone of Murree Formation

Quartz, feldspar, and rock fragments (%) Accessory minerals (%)

Sample no. Quartz Feldspar Rock fragments Total Chlorite Tourmaline Epidote Hornblende
L 3/1 58 9 33 100 – Tr Tr –
L 6/1 61 6 33 100 Tr 1 Tr –
L 9/1 55 8 37 100 – 1 1 –
G 0/2 57 5 38 100 – 1 – –
G 0/3 58 8 34 100 1 – 1 –
G 2/1 54 7 39 100 1 – Tr –

iv. TypeD: Laminated siltstone facie v. Type E: Shale facie

This facie consists of fine grained siltstone of maroon color The top of the cycle is composed of reddish to maroon
(Fig. 9). Thickness of the facie is 1.2 m. Sedimentary struc- colored shale (Fig. 9). The thickness of the facie is 3 m.
tures are very rare. Parallel lamination is visible. Calcite con- Shale exhibits calcite concretions.
cretions are also visible.

Fig. 8 Sedimentary structures

observed in various sections of
Murree Formation
Arab J Geosci (2017) 10:514 Page 13 of 22 514

fluviatile and turbidite deposits (Bossart and Ottiger 1989).

b a
e d c and here due to high turbidity currents coarser particles are
Fig. 9 Field photograph showing different lithofacies in a measured
cycle of Murree Formation of Chinari to Batangi section. Where a =
medium and graded bedded sandstone, b = plane parallel laminated
sandstone, c = wavy laminated sandstone, d = laminated siltstone, and
e = shale
The spectrum of facies that is observed in the Murree
Formation standard cycle is similar to that observed in many
The cyclic sedimentation of these rocks seems to be best
interpreted as the product of meandering tidal channels in a
continuously subsiding foreland basin, where the turbidity
currents are decreasing. Type A facies are interpreted as chan-
nel fill deposits, which is distinguished by shale flake breccia,
load casts, and flute marks at their base. With decreasing
channel size, the mud content increases. Large-scale cross
bedding produced by ripples and are common at point bars
deposited by meandering rivers as channel deposits. Due to
lateral accretion of these channel deposits, cross bedding is
developed.
Type B also represents high turbidity currents and sand is
deposited on point bars and is laminated. Type C represents
lower flow regime, and here, due to low turbidity currents,
wavy or convolute laminated sandstone are deposited. Types
D and E represent that they are deposited from suspension on
flood plains where the flow velocity decreased due to low
turbidity currents. The area between the channels was proba-
bly only flooded by storms which forced waters above the

Monocrystalline and
Limonite Well-rounded polycrystalline quartz
Sub rounded quartz quartz

Sub angular
quartz

a (Sample No. CB 61/1) b (Sample No. CR 2/2) c (Sample No. CB 11/1)

Sutured contact Calcite filled fracture

Quartz

Zircon Concavo-convex contact

d (Sample No. CB 64/1) e (Sample No. G 0/2) f (Sample No. CB 61/1)

Highly fractured
Apatite
quartz

Planer Contact

Point Contact

g h (Sample No. G 0/2) i (Sample No. CB 23/1)

Fig. 10 Photomicrograph showing: a = sub angular and sub-rounded concavo-convex contact and calcite filled fracture, g = planer and point
quartz, b = well rounded quartz and limonite, c = mono and contact, h = highly fractured quartz and zircon, and i = apatite inclusion in
polycrystalline quartz, d = sutured contact, zircon inclusions in quartz quartz, (Cross Nicols)
grains, e = stretched and strained quartz, deformed muscovite, f =
514 Page 14 of 22
Zircon
Zircon
Epidote
a (Sample No. CB 5/1) b (Sample No. CB 23/1)
Microcline
Silica cement
d (Sample No. CB 64/1) e (Sample No. CB 24/1)
Volcanic clast (Basalt)
Altered
muscovite
Carbonate clast
g (Sample No. CB 62/1) h (Sample No. CB 64/1)
Fig. 11 Photomicrograph showing: a = zircon inclusion in quartz,
b =zircon and epidote inclusions, c = plagioclase and alkali feldspar,
d = microcline feldspar, e = perthite and silica cement, f = alteration of
maximum high tide position. In many cycles, the upper most
parts appear to have been eroded by meandering channels,
which give rise to the deposits forming the base of the follow-
ing cycle.
Petrography and provenance of Murree Formation
The thin section study was carried out to investigate the tex-
ture and mineral composition of the sandstone. The represen-
tative rock samples were taken from each rock unit to classify
the sandstone and to determine the provenance.
On basis of petrographic study, sandstone of Murree
Formation is classified as Litharenite and Lithic greywacke
(Figs. 5 and 6). Petrographic investigation of Murree
Formation sandstone indicates abundant quartz followed by
rock fragments and feldspar. The presence of angular to sub
angular quartz grains (Fig. 10a) reflects that the source area
was closed to depositional site. The presence of few rounded
quartz (Fig. 10b) reveals that it traveled long distance of trans-
portation or represents multiple cycle of erosion and deposi-
tion. Both monocrystalline and polycrystalline quartz
(Fig. 10c) are present from which monocrystalline quartz
Arab J Geosci (2017) 10:514
Plagioclase Alkali feldspar
(Albite) (Orthoclase)
c (Sample No. CB 64/1)
Perthite
Alteration of
plagioclase
f (Sample No. CB 24/1)
Strained quartz
Slates
Sandstone
i (Sample No. CB 64/1)
plagioclase, g = volcanic clast (basalt), h = altered muscovite, slate, and
carbonate clast, and i = strained quartz and sandstone clast (Cross Nicols)
grains are dominant. The presence of monocrystalline quartz
in abundance and displaying unit extinction shows their deri-
vation from igneous source rocks. Polycrystalline quartz with
sutured contact (Fig. 10d) and presence of stretched and
strained quartz (Fig. 10e) reveals that they are derived from
metamorphic source rocks. Grain contacts are mostly
concavo-convex (Fig. 10f) with minor amount of sutured,
point, and planer contact (Fig. 10d, g). Presence of sutured
grain contact and fractured quartz grains (Fig. 10h) indicates
tectonodiagenetic changes during burial. Mineral apatite
(Fig. 10i), zircon, and epidote (Fig. 11a, b) occur as inclusions
in quartz grain. Fluid inclusions in quartz grain are indicative
of hydrothermal solution precipitations. Feldspar in Murree
Formation sandstone is characterized by small amount of pla-
gioclase and alkali feldspar (Fig. 11c–e). The presence of pla-
gioclase and alkali feldspar reflects acidic igneous source,
respectively. Mineral sericite indicates alteration of feldspar
(Fig. 11f). Rock fragments (igneous, sedimentary, and meta-
morphic) are more than feldspar grains. Igneous rock frag-
ments are mainly of volcanic rocks (Fig. 11g). These frag-
ments increase upward in the section measured. The volcanic
clasts are dominantly basaltic in composition. The basaltic
Arab J Geosci (2017) 10:514
Phyllite
Mica schist
Calcite filled veins in quartz
a (Sample No. CR 7/1) b (Sample No. S 1/1)
Quartzite Marble
Calcite cement
d (Sample No. CB 24/1) e (Sample No. S 1/1)
Alignment of
muscovite
Biotite
g (Sample No. S 5/1) h (Sample No. G 0/3)
Fig. 12 Photomicrograph showing: a = phyllite clast and calcite filled
veins in quartz, b = mica schist, c = graphitic schist, d = quartzite and
calcite cement, e = marbleclast, f = pumpellyite, g = alignment of
fragments indicate that at the time of deposition of Murree
sandstone, basaltic rocks were eroded and deposited in former
sandstone. The basaltic clasts are of Panjal volcanics and vol-
canics in the Kohistan island arc. Sedimentary rock fragments
include carbonates (limestone and dolomite) (Fig. 11h) and
siliceous (siltstone and sandstone) (Fig. 11i) fragments. The
carbonate influx in this sandstone represents the weathering
and erosion of pre-existing carbonate formations.
Metamorphic fragments are dominant at the base of all studied
section. Metamorphic fragments include slate (Fig. 11h),
phyllite (Fig. 12a), schist (Fig. 12b, c), quartzite (Fig. 12d),
marble, and pumpellyite (Fig. 12e, f) from which slate,
phyllite, and schist are more dominant. The metamorphic rock
fragments in the sandstone indicate that during deposition of
Murree formation, low-grade metamorphics were exposed in
the source region. In study area along the MBT, clasts of
Panjal volcanics, quartzite, and carbonates are observed in
sandstone of Murree Formation. These evidences indicate that
the sediments forming Murree Formation were derived from
metamorphic rocks, volcanic, and sedimentary rocks. Minor
quantity of both muscovite and biotite (Fig. 12g, h) are
Page 15 of 22 514
Graphitic schist
c (Sample No. CB 24/1)
Pumpellyite
f (Sample No. CB 10/1)
Pyrite
Magnetite
Hornblende
i (Sample No. CB 55/1)
muscovite, h = pyrite and biotite (Cross Nicols), and i = magnetite and
hornblende (plane polarized light)
observed in studied thin sections of Murree Formation. They
are deformed and show alignment of flakes. Micas indicate
that they were derived from metamorphic source rocks.
Accessory minerals hornblende (Fig. 12i), chlorite, epidote,
and tourmaline (Fig. 13a–e) are observed in few thin sections.
Their presence gives information about provenance. Heavy
mineral such as tourmaline indicates igneous source rocks
while epidote indicates metamorphic source rocks.
Provenance of studied sandstone of Murree Formation accord-
ing to QFL provenance discrimination diagram of Dickenson
et al. (1983) is recycled orogen (Fig. 7). The majority of
angular to sub angular quartz grains suggest that the
source area is close to the depositional site. However,
few rounded and stretched quartz grains (Fig. 13f) are
the indicators of far and metamorphic source. The feld-
spar, generally albite and microcline, shows that the gran-
ite and granite gneiss rocks were exposed at the time of
the deposition of Murree Formation. The rock fragments
are of slates, phyllite, and volcanic rocks which indicate
that these rocks are exposed in lesser and higher
Himalayas in Kashmir. The presence of these rock
514 Page 16 of 22 Arab J Geosci (2017) 10:514

Chlorite
Chlorite
Epidote

a (Sample No. CB 47/1) b (Sample No. CB 47/1) c (Sample No. CB 16/1)

Rounded quartz

Tourmaline
Tourmaline

Stretched
quartz

d (Sample No. CB 5/1) e (Sample No. CB 5/1) f (Sample No. CB 45/1)

Quartz grain Biotite altered to

Hematite cement
replaced by muscovite
calcite

g (Sample No. L 3/1) h (Sample No. CB 24/1) i (Sample No. CB 0/2 b)

Fig. 13 Photomicrograph showing: a = chlorite (Cross Nicols), b = rounded and stretched quartz (Cross Nicols), g = hematite cement (plane
chlorite (plane polarized light), c = epidote (Cross Nicols), d = polarized light), h = quartz grain replaced by calcite (Cross Nicols), and
tourmaline (Cross Nicols), e = Tourmaline (plane polarized light), f = i = biotite altered to muscovite (Cross Nicols)

fragments suggests that the sediments were derived from
the Northern part of Kashmir.
X-ray diffraction analysis
X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique is used for the identifica-
tion of shale mineralogy of Murree Formation. The result
obtained in the form of diffractogram of each sample with
relevant intensity and 2 theta position of each peak of the
diffractogram. To identify these peaks, current d-spacing is
compared with the standard list of d-spacing given by joint
committee on powder diffraction standard (JCPDS 1974). In
this way, different clay and non-clay minerals are identified in
each sample. The percentage of clay minerals, quartz, and
carbonates are calculated from the intensity data of each sam-
ple given in table of resulted XRD data and plotted on ternary
diagram (Fig. 15) to classify shale whether it is argillaceous,
arenaceous, or calcareous.
The XRD analysis of each sample and their mineralogical
variation are discussed below.
Sample no. CB 11/1
The XRD analysis of this sample indicates quartz, illite, chlo-
rite-montmorillonite, calcite, goethite, chlorite, aragonite, sid-
erite, muscovite, mica-montmorillonite, kaolinite, and dolo-
mite minerals (Fig. 14a, Table 10). Mineralogically, it contains
50% clays, 23% quartz, and 27% carbonates (Fig. 15).
Sample no. CB 51/1
From the XRD analysis of this sample illite, quartz, smectite-
montmorillonite, vermiculite, aragonite, siderite, dolomite,
mica-montmorillonite, and calcite are identified (Fig. 14b,
Table 11). Mineralogically, it contains 68% clays, 17% quartz,
and 15% carbonates (Fig. 15).
Sample no. L 11/2
The XRD analysis of this sample reflects the orthoclase, illite,
smectite-montmorillonite, hematite, aragonite, quartz, calcite,
siderite, mica-montmorillonite, and dolomite minerals
Arab J Geosci (2017) 10:514 Page 17 of 22 514

montmorillonite
Illite

Illite
Smectite
Chlorite montmorillonite

Mica montmorillonite
Mica montmorillonite
Calcite

Goethite Chlorite

Vermiculite
Aragonite
Quartz
Dolomite
Muscovite
Aragonite

Quartz

Dolomite
Aragonite
Quartz

Dolomite
Quartz

Quartz

Kaolinite

Calcite
Quartz
Quartz
Siderite

Quartz
Calcite
Calcite

Sderite
Quartz

Illite
Illite

a Sample No. CB 11/1 b Sample No. CB 51/1

Smectite montmorillonite
Illite

Quartz
Chlorite montmorillonite

Chlorite montmorillonite
Mica montmorillonite

Calcite
Orthoclase

Lepidocrocite
Calcite

Vermiculite
Aragonite

Calcite

Dolomite

Muscovite
Hematite

Calcite
Quartz
Quartz

Dolomite
Goethite
Quartz

Quartz
Siderite
Calcite

Quartz

Calcite
Siderite

Calcite
Pyrite
Illite

c Sample No. L 11/2 d Sample No. CR 8/2

Fig. 14 X-Ray diffractograms of shale of various sections of Murree Formation. Where a, b Chinari to Batangi section, c Naili to Lamnian section, and d
Saran to Chikar section

(Fig. 14c, Table 12). Mineralogically, it contains 66% clays, aluminum silicates. The presence of illite clay mineral sug-
13% quartz, and 21% carbonates (Fig. 15). gests illitization of micas. Chlorite clay mineral indicates that
it was derived from mica alteration. The mineral kaolinite is an
Sample no. CR 8/2 alteration product of feldspar. Quartz in the shale indicates that
it was derived from acidic rocks and quartzo-feldspathic
The minerals identified from the XRD analysis of this sample schist. Carbonate mineral calcite, aragonite, and siderite indi-
are chlorite-montmorillonite, illite, quartz, calcite, pyrite, ver- cate precipitation of calcium-rich fluids in pore spaces of
miculite, goethite, muscovite, lepidocrocite, and dolomite Murree shale. This is supported by the presence of calcite
(Fig. 14d, Table 13). Mineralogically, it contains 10% clays, concretions and nodules in the shale. Some of the carbonates
56% quartz, and 34% carbonates (Fig. 15). are also derived as detritus. The dolomite indicates the calcite
Bulk mineralogy of shale of the Murree Formation was replacement during diagenesis. The presence of muscovite
examined. XRD analysis of Murree Formation shale of stud- suggests that the source was acidic igneous and metamorphic
ied sections was carried out (Tables 10, 11, 12, 13). The anal- rocks. The pyrite in shale was formed during deposition of
ysis revealed clay and non-clay minerals. Clay minerals are clays and sand in the basin. Lepidocrocite and goethite were
illite, chlorite, montmorillonite, kaolinite, vermiculite, and derived from weathering of primary iron minerals in the shale.
mixed layer clays (mica-montmorillonite, chlorite-montmoril- The ternary classification diagram (Fig. 15) of mineralogy of
lonite). Non clay minerals are quartz, calcite, aragonite, dolo- Murree Formation shale indicates that shale is mostly argilla-
mite, goethite, muscovite, orthoclase, albite, hematite, pyrite, ceous (clay rich) except sample no. CR 8/2 which is
siderite, gypsum, and lepidocrocite. Clay minerals are formed arenacious. Crystallinity of clay mineral illite BKubler index^
by the weathering of pre-existing minerals containing (KI) values (Tables 14 and 15) indicates epizone and
514 Page 18 of 22 Arab J Geosci (2017) 10:514

Table 10 Showing mineralogical composition of Murree Formation shale (CB 11/1)

Peak no. Position 2 (theta) Observed relative intensity FWHM [°2Th.] Observed-spacing Standard-spacing Mineral identified

1 19.8 6.8 0.3149 4.47 4.48 Illite

2 20.9 15.05 0.1181 4.24 4.26 Quartz
3 25.34 4.37 0.6298 3.51 3.53 Chlorite-montmorillonite
4 26.70 100 0.1378 3.33 3.33 Illite
5 29.48 41.75 0.1574 3.029 3.035 Calcite
6 33.19 5.34 0.2362 2.69 2.69 Goethite
7 34.89 5.34 0.4723 2.571 2.576 Chlorite Thuringite
8 36.11 6.31 0.1574 2.487 2.481 Aragonite
9 36.60 7.28 0.1574 2.454 2.458 Quartz
10 39.53 14.08 0.1574 2.279 2.282 Quartz
11 42.53 6.31 0.2362 2.12 2.13 Siderite
12 43.57 7.28 0.1574 2.090 2.095 Calcite
13 45.78 3.4 0.6298 1.981 1.999 Muscovite
14 47.65 8.25 0.2362 1.908 1.902 Mica-montmorillonite
15 48.65 6.8 0.2362 1.871 1.875 Calcite
16 50.20 11.65 0.0787 1.817 1.817 Quartz
17 57.61 3.88 0.4723 1.599 1.589 Kaolinite
18 60 9.71 0.1181 1.541 1.541 Quartz
19 68.3 4.37 0.96 1.371 1.389 Dolomite

anchizone metamorphism in Murree Formation that is very
low to low grade metamorphism occurred at shallow depth.
The very low grade metamorphism is also reported by Bossart
et al. (1988). It is also supported by petrography of sandstone
in which pumpellyite (Fig. 12f) is observed. The clay minerals
indicate that the detritus of the Murree Formation was derived
from the igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Diagenesis of Murree Formation
Diagenetic changes that are observed in petrography of
Murree Formation sandstone include compaction and
CL
CB 51/1
L 11/2
CB 11/2
CR 8/1
Q C
Fig. 15 Ternary classification diagram of mineralogy of Murree
Formation shale. Where: CL = clays, Q = quartz, C = carbonates
pressure solution, silica, calcite and hematite cementation.
Compaction resulted in local fracturing of quartz grains
(Fig. 10h) and bending of mica grains (Fig. 10e). The
cemented rocks when subjected to overload and tectonic
pressure produce sutured planes called stylolites (Tucker
1988). The sutured contacts of quartz grains (Fig. 10d) were
formed as a result of pressure solution. The silica cementa-
tion (Fig. 11e) in the sandstone indicates that the silica was
derived from chemical weathering of feldspar. The silica is
also derived from the dissolution and replacement of quartz
by calcite (Fig. 13h) during diagenesis. The sandstone grains
are bounded by chiefly calcite (Fig. 12d) and hematite ce-
ments (Fig. 13g). The presence of calcite veins (Fig. 12a)
indicates late diagenesis event. Replacement of quartz by
calcite reveals about chemical process of diagenesis that
takes place in medium of water due to change in pH (a
measure of the hydrogen ion) and Eh (redox potential) of
water. Hematite occurs as thin coating around grains. It also
develops within cleavage planes. Iron is leached out from
biotite and occurs along cleavage planes (Fig. 13i). This
indicated that iron was also released from the minerals dur-
ing diagenetic processes and deposited as cementing materi-
al. The iron cement imparted reddish to brownish color to
sandstone. The other cementing material is pyrite (Fig. 12h)
and limonite (Fig. 10b). The pyrite may come from erosion
of hydrothermal veins. The studied thin section of Murree
Formation sandstone shows that the grains are mostly angu-
lar to sub rounded and are poorly to moderately sorted. It is
texturally immature to mature sandstone. Sandstone maturity
also reflects the depositional processes. Immature sediments
are formed where current activity is low while persistent
current activity results in mature sediments (Tucker 1988).
Arab J Geosci (2017) 10:514 Page 19 of 22 514

Table 11 Showing mineralogical composition of Murree Formation shale (CB 51/1)

Peak no. Position 2 Observed FWHM Observed- Standard- Mineral

(theta) relative [°2Th.] spacing spacing identified
intensity

1 19.9 5.81 0.3149 4.45 4.48 Illite

2 20.9 15.48 0.1181 4.24 4.26 Quartz
3 26.7 100 0.1574 3.33 3.33 Illite
4 29.5 76.13 0.1378 3.02 3.02 Smectite-montmorillonite
5 34.8 5.81 0.6298 2.57 2.57 Vermiculite
6 36.1 9.68 0.1968 2.48 2.48 Aragonite
7 39.5 19.35 0.1574 2.27 2.28 Quartz
8 42.5 6.45 0.2362 2.12 2.13 Siderite
9 43.3 9.03 0.2362 2.08 2.01 Dolomite
10 45.6 2.58 0.9446 1.98 1.97 Aragonite
11 47.6 9.03 0.3149 1.906 1.902 Mica-montmorillonite
12 48.6 8.39 0.2362 1.87 1.87 Calcite
13 50.2 7.74 0.2362 1.815 1.817 Quartz
14 60 8.39 0.2362 1.54 1.54 Quartz
15 68.2 6.45 0.768 1.37 1.38 Dolomite

The sandstone of Murree Formation indicates that dur-
ing its deposition, current activity was low to persistent.
The sandstone is compositionally mature because they
contain much quartz with little feldspar and matrix. It
indicates that during transportation, intense weathering
occurred that resulted in low feldspar content. The pri-
mary porosity of the sandstone is reduced by cementing
material. However, fractured quartz grains and feldspar
grain alteration indicate the secondary porosity of
sandstone.

Table 12 Showing mineralogical composition of Murree Formation shale (L 11/2)

Peak no. Position 2 Observed relative FWHM Observed- Standard- Mineral

(theta) intensity [°2Th.] spacing spacing identified

1 20.9 17.8 0.0886 4.23 4.22 Orthoclase

2 26.7 100 0.059 3.33 3.33 Illite
3 29.5 39.77 0.1574 3.02 3.02 Smectite-
montmorillonite
4 33.2 4.17 0.2362 2.69 2.69 Hematite
5 36.1 6.06 0.1181 2.48 2.48 Aragonite
6 36.9 9.47 0.1574 2.45 2.45 Quartz
7 39.6 13.64 0.1574 2.27 2.28 Calcite
8 42.5 4.92 0.2362 2.12 2.13 Siderite
9 43.3 6.06 0.1181 2.08 2.09 Calcite
10 45.9 4.17 0.4723 1.97 1.96 Siderite
11 47.7 5.68 0.1968 1.903 1.902 Mica-montmorillonite
12 48.6 6.82 0.2362 1.87 1.87 Calcite
13 50.2 12.12 0.1574 1.815 1.817 Quartz
14 54.9 4.17 0.9446 1.66 1.69 Hematite
15 57.6 3.03 0.3149 1.59 1.58 Kaolinite
16 60.1 6.82 0.2362 1.53 1.54 Quartz
17 68.3 5.3 0.384 1.37 1.38 Dolomite
514 Page 20 of 22 Arab J Geosci (2017) 10:514

Table 13 Showing mineralogical composition of Murree Formation shale (CR 8/2)

Peak no. Position 2 Observed FWHM Observed- Standard- Mineral

(theta) relative [°2Th.] spacing spacing identified
intensity

1 12.4 4.67 0.9446 7.09 7.08 Chlorite-montmorillonite

2 19.8 4.93 0.4723 4.47 4.48 Illite
3 20.8 13.54 0.1378 4.25 4.26 Quartz
4 25.2 5.98 0.4723 3.52 3.53 Chlorite-montmorillonite
5 26.6 100 0.4723 3.34 3.34 Quartz
6 29.4 45.54 0.187 3.03 3.03 Calcite
7 33 4.23 0.4723 2.70 2.70 Pyrite
8 34.8 6.12 0.4723 2.57 2.57 Vermiculite
9 36.5 8.09 0.2362 2.45 2.45 Goethite
10 39.4 11.03 0.1771 2.28 2.28 Calcite
11 43.2 6.48 0.2362 2.09 2.09 Calcite
12 45.4 3.85 0.9446 1.99 1.99 Muscovite
13 48.5 8.46 0.2362 1.87 1.87 Calcite
14 50.1 11.31 0.1181 1.819 1.817 Quartz
15 60.7 1.81 1.8893 1.52 1.52 Lepidocrocite
16 68.2 5.79 0.576 1.37 1.38 Dolomite

Depositional environment of Murree Formation
The cyclic deposition of Murree Formation, their lithofacies,
and characteristics sedimentary structures are the best evi-
dence to interpret their environment of deposition. The cyclic
deposition is characteristics of point bar succession of fluvia-
tile environment caused by meandering streams and rivers. In
meandering river, different channels and sub environments
occur (Tucker 1988). Turbidity currents can also occur in the
meandering river. As a result of the turbidity currents, Murree
Formation shows Bouma sequence in the study area. The
clastic sediments forming Murree Formation were transported
by meandering rivers in the foreland basin. The coarser parti-
cles and sand were deposited at river channel as channel bar
and point bar deposits where the turbidity currents are higher.
The river banks erosion caused lateral migration of rivers
flowing in the foreland basin. The point bars were character-
ized by the large-scale cross bedding and ripple marks as
observed in the sandstone of the formation. The erosive base
of sandstone of the formation suggests lateral accretion of
point bars. The sand, silt, and clays were also deposited on
flood plains during floods in rivers. During floods at flood
plains, turbidity currents are slower and as a results finer
grained suspended particles of silt and clays were deposited.
In this way, fining upward cycle produced by meandering
rivers in the basin was repeated many times during deposition
of Murree Formation. The cyclic unit starts with coarser sand-
stone at base. The basal sandstone is marked by conglomer-
ates, basal structures and large-scale cross bedding. The grain
size decreases towards top. Sandstone passes to fine grained
siltstone and shale. In fine grained siltstone and shale, carbon-
ate concretions are more common. The initial high rate of
rising Himalayas supplied more sediments to foreland basins.
Uplifting in Himalayas also caused southward migration of
the thrust sheets. The thrust sheets stacking caused subsidence
of the basin. The accumulation of sediments in the basin also
caused basin subsidence. This resulted in huge pile of sedi-
mentation in the form of Murree Formation in foreland basin.
Table 15 Showing Kubler index (KI) and zone of metamorphism in
selected shale samples of Murree Formation

Sample no. Kubler Index (KI) (Δ°2 ) Zone of metamorphism

Table 14 Range of Kubler index (KI) values to indicate zone of meta-
morphism (After Kubler 1967, 1968, 1984) CB 11–1 0.23 Epizone
CB 15–2 0.24 Epizone
Range of Kubler Index (Δ°2 ) Zone of metamorphism
CB 45–2 0.20 Epizone
Less than 0.25 Epizone CB 51–1 0.24 Epizone
0.25–0.42 Anchizone CK 2–1 0.26 Anchi zone
Greater than 0.42 Diagenetic zone L 1–1 0.25 Anchi zone
Arab J Geosci (2017) 10:514
Conclusions
Conclusions drawn from the field observations, petrographic
studies of sandstone, and X-ray diffraction analysis of shale of
the Murree Formation are summarized as below:
1. Miocene rocks of Murree Formation in Sub Himalayas
of Jhelum Valley (study area) are exposed.
2. These are Himalayan molasse and are deposited in
Himalayan foreland basin.
3. The lithology of study area reveals that cyclic deposition
occurs in Murree Formation.
4. Identified lithofacies in Murree Formation constitute
Bouma sequence.
5. In study area, the contacts of Murree Formation are
faulted with Panjal and Nagri formations.
6. Near the contact with Panjal Formation, large clasts of
quartzite, volcanic, and carbonates are found in sand-
stone of Murree Formation.
7. Sandstone of Murree Formation are litharenite and lithic
greywacke.
8. Quartz is mainly angular to sub angular which shows
nearness of the source area.
9. Fractured and sutured quartz grains indicate
tectonodiagenetic changes that occurred in Murree
Formation during burial.
10. Feldspar is mainly albite, microcline and orthoclase
composition which indicates that acidic igneous rocks
were exposed in the source area.
11. Rock fragments are dominantly of volcanics and meta-
sediments and their abundance indicates that these are
derived from volcanic and meta-sedimentary rocks
which are well exposed to the north of study area in
lesser and higher Himalayas.
12. XRD analysis of Murree Formation shale shows that
they are dominantly argillaceous. The clay mineralogy
also indicates that igneous and metamorphic rocks were
exposed in the source region.
13. Kubler Index values of shale (0.20–0.26 Δ°2 ) indicate
that very low to low grade metamorphism occurs in
Murree Formation.
14. Provenance of Murree Formation sandstone indicated
from modal mineralogical composition is recycled
orogen.
15. Cyclic deposition of sandstone, shale, siltstone along
with lithofacies and sedimentary structures like cross
bedding, ripple marks, worm barrows, and calcite con-
cretions indicate that deposition of Murree Formation
occurred in fluviatile environment of meandering river
system by decreasing turbidity currents.
Acknowledgements All the praises and thanks to the Almighty Allah,
who enable me for that kind of research work. I am thankful to institute of
Page 21 of 22 514
geology, University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad for pro-
viding an environment for research and also providing laboratory facility
for thin section analysis. I feel highly privileged in taking opportunity to
express my deepest gratitude and sincerest thanks to Professor Dr.
Muhammad Sabir Khan for his kind help, proper guidance, valuable sug-
gestions and inspiration throughout the research work. I am also thankful to
honorable Mr. Saleem Mughal (Lecturer) for their affectionate attitude,
constant help, advises, cooperation and sincerest support during the re-
search work. I am very thankful to Geo Science Advance Research
Laboratories Islamabad and Department of Chemistry Quaid-I-Azam
University Islamabad of their timely contribution for the preparation of thin
sections and XRD analysis. I am also thankful to all my friends especially
Mr. Noman Abbasi for their cooperation during my research work. I am
also thankful to my parents and my whole family members whose invalu-
able prayers and encouraging attitude kept my spirit alive to work hard for
the knowledge and integrity which enable me to reach that milestone. May
Allah bless all these people with all of his blessings (Ameen).
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