EASTERN INDIAN

SHIELD

SINGHBHUM CRATON

SITABHRA DE
12612011
 PRECAMBRIAN

STRATIGRAPHY
Singhbhum craton was formed in Archean age.
Geothermal gradient was very high.

Lithospheric plates were viscous and there were

viscous drag of plates.
Sagging

Subduction takes place

Subduction of one plate under another formed
different geological settings and that leads to
formation of different types of cratons and mobile
belts with various geological evidences.
 Continents
Cratons Mobile Belts
(Proterozoic)
Granite-
Granulite
Greenstone
Gneiss terrain
Terrain
(Archean)
(Archean)

Composed of highly deformed , Narrow Rift Basins, form along

metamorphic rocks with major margin of Cratonis block. Listric
tectonic activities. Granite- faults, Folded sedimentary beds
Greenstone terrain present.
(Sediments+volcanic rocks) present
along the periphery of Granulite-
Gneiss terrain(recrystallized).
Example: In the Indian Subcontinent Singhbhum Craton present at the
eastern part. It has Granite-greenstone terrain at the Southern Part
and Granulite-Gneiss terrain at the Northern part. Between these two
there is Singhbhum Orogenic Belt that is a mobile belt.
 AFB-Aravalli fold Belt
DFB-Delhi Fold Belt
EGMB-Eastern Ghat
Mobile Belt
SMB-Satpura Mobile
Belt
NSL-Narmada Son
Lineament
CIS-Central Indian
Suture
BPMP-Bhabani
Palghat Mobile Belt
IB-Indravati Basin
ChB-Chattisgarh
Basin
GB-Godavari Basin
MR-Mahanadi Rift
CuB- Cuddapah Basin
VB-Vindhyan Basin
CG-Closepet Granite

Generalised tectonic map of India : Precambrian cratons , mobile belts

and lineaments
SINGHBHUM CRATON
Major 3 tectonic domains-
1. Southern Granite-Greenstone
C
terrain of Singhbhum-
R North Orissa Sector :
A Metamorphic rocks of
T greenschist to amphibolite
O facies, closely associated with
N syn to post tectonic granite,
Archean crustal evolution
from 3.5 Ga to 0.9Ga.
2. Northern Granulite-Gneiss
Terrain of Chotonagpur
Gneissic Complex:
Metamorphic rocks of higher
amphbolite to granulite
facies, closely associated with
anatectic granite (hybrid rock
at higher P/T condtn.) ,
younger crustal evolution.
Gondowana Basins are
presented.
3. Singhbhum Orogenic Belt or
 Singhbhum Terrain
1.Older Metamorphic 2.Older Metamorphic
Group(OMG): Tonalitic
Characteristic Granite(OMTG):
Metamorphism to amphibolite Characteristic
facies. Formed by tonalitic magma
Rock type: Quartzite, Mica- which is more basic than
granitic magma.
Schist, Calc-gneiss. Have gneissosity and rock
3 phases of deformations: F1 & undergoes 2 phases of
F2 isoclinal and F3 is tranverse to deformations.
Initially Saha(1986) by
them.
Sm/Nd dating found age
Higher content of Ni, Be, Ru, 3.75Ga but it corrected by
Th, Cr indicates its origin from Moorberg (1997) by Pb/Pb
enriched mantle(4 Ga) by partial dating and it was 3.4Ga.
fusion and hot spot activity. Older metamorphism that
leads to OMG & OMTG
Sedimentation takes place
terminated with the intrusion
from 4 to 3.5 Ga and suffers Singhbhum Granite.
numbers of metamorphism and
belongs to oldest orogene in
 Formation of OMG and OMTG
OMTG was initiated with formation of primodal
sedimentary basin.
Lower densed primodial crustal blocks were floating over
denser mafic-ultramafic crust.
Due to higher geothermal gradiant lithospheric plates
were ductile in character and suffered viscous drag
controlled by upper mantle convection.
Viscous drag at extension zones ultimately forms sagging
zone within crustal block which later transformed to
primitive sedimentary basins called OMG sediments.
In the sagging zone at later stage partial melting of
primitive continental crust and mafic-ultramafic crust
form Tonalitic Magma which intrudes in folded and
metamorphosed OMG.
This Tonalitic magma formed OMTG.
 3.Singhbhum Granite
Phase I and phase II are in Type A and Phase III is in Type B due
to difference in geochemical character.

TYPE -
A
OMTG terminated with the intrusion of Phase I and Phase II
granite of post tectonic Singhbhum Granite type A.
Folded gneissic banding within OMTG truncated by foliation of
singhbhum granite A indicates OMG and OMTG deformed and
metamorphosed before emplacement of Singhbhum granite.
It was established and dated 3.3 Ga by Pb/Pb & Sm/Nd dating.
All together 12 granitic units intruded and they were divided
on the basis of mutual intrusive relation, ages, truncation of
magmatic foliation and banding of one unit by other.
All the units have primary foliation and rhythmic banding.
On the basis of petrography and REE data these 12 units are
classified into 3 successive and closely related phases of
emplacement.
 For major and trace elements and REE, Phase I and
Phase II belong to distinct population and therefore
combined into type A.
Shows gentle slope for REE with slightly depleted
HREE and less Eu anomaly.
Phase I: K poor Phase II: Granodiorite
granodiorite-trondhjemite. grading into adamellite.
TYPE - B
Intruded after Type A.
Dated 3.1 Ga.
Time gap of 0.3 Ga between span of Type A and Type
B.
Includes substantial areas of Singhbhum Granite.
Shows LREE fractionation with flat HREE and moderate
Eu anomaly.
 4.Iron Ore Group(IOG)
Characteristic: Formation:

After Singhbhum Granite A

episode, a profound
unconformity occurs with
initiation of sedimentary basin
which accommodated iron-ore
group (IOG).
IOG associated with volcanics
and sediments.
Entire sequence deposited in
an ensialic basin.
Litho units of iron ore are
Banded hematite jasper,
Banded Hematite Quartzite,
Banded Magnetite Jasper etc.
All these are type of banded
iron formation and formed by
chemical precipitation of
sediments of Archean
Greenstone Belt.
Iron ore basin comprises these
 Iron Ore group sequence
Presently with IOG we get quartzite, phyllites,
schists, ortho-para amphibolites, different types
of acidic, basic and intermediate volcanics, some
ultra mafics, conglomerates etc.
Sometimes Mn ore is also associated with IOG.
Most generalised sequence of IOG is
Upper Shales

Iron ore bodies associated with

BIF
Lower Shales (Phyllites)
(Tufficious Sediments)
Basal conglomerate + Quartzite
+ Local Dolomites
Iron ore belts of eastern Indian Shield:
3 iron ore belts in
Singhbhum terrain:
1. Jamda-Koira Belt
2. Gorumohisani-
Badampahar Belt
3. Pallahara-Daitari-
Tomka Belt
Apparently isolated
these 3 IOB were
possibly
interconnected during
Archean time.
South of Tomka belt we
get Sukinda mafic
ultramafic complex
containing Chromites.
 Tectonic Evolution of IOG:

IOG of rocks having general N-S

trend and those extensional fractures
turned to normal fault which at last
forms the iron-ore basin where both
volcanics and sediments were
deposited and inter layered.
Subjected to multiple deformations.
F1 isoclinal fold having axial plane
trend NNE-SSW and formed due to
regional compressive stress from
almost east west direction. Axis is
horizontal to sub-horizontal.
F1 was refolded to form isoclinal F2
folds which are co-planer and in
places co-axial also. Fold axis
plunges towards N-E. In Noamundi
Basin eastern Limb is overturned.
During 3rd deformation regional
compressive stress was reverse and
transverse w.r.t F1 and F2.Regional
compression was form NE-SW and so
the axial trend became NW-SE.
 IOG was over lain by Singhbhum Granite Type B.
4.Kolhan Sediments:
After SBG Type B there was profound unconformity till 2.4Ga
untill Kolhan sediments are being emplaced.
This Basin was formed between SBG and IOB ,just below of
Chakradharpur Granite.
The sedimentary environment of deposition was
characteristically ortho-quartzite and carbonate association.
Sedimentation was at continental self area under shallow
marine environment.
Here huge amount of limestone found along with minor shale
and sand stone.
3 formations:
Jetia Shale
Jhinkpari limestone
Mungra Sandstone
After this 3 mobile belts developed Surrounding the
Singhbhum terrain. These are Proterozoic Mobile Belts.
Proterozoic Mobile Belts
3 mobile belts those are also known as
Singhbhum orogenic Belt are found in
this region:
A. Dalma Mobile Belt/Singhbhum Mobile belt
B. Jagannathhpur-Malangtoli Mobile belt
C. Dhanjori-Simlipal Mobile Belt
. Age of sedimentation and volcanic
activity restricted on 2.3-2.4 Ga.
. Dalma mobile belt is largest among these
three.
. Major depositions are by sediments and
volcanics.
 A. Dalma Mobile Belt

Sonapet
Anticline
Bankati
Syncline

Rock
Type:
Around 160 km long having E-W trend.
Basaltic volcanics are common; ranging from komatiite to
tholeiitic basalt.
Consist of low grade metamorphosed sediments
represented by schist, quartzite and phyllite and local
limestone and dolomites.
Sedimentary rocks are associated with concordant mafic
Tectonic
Character:
Suffered 3 phases of deformation.
F1 & F2 (plunging) axial plane follows almost E-W trend (N
dipping) and they are isoclinal in nature.
F3 cross folds and superposed over F1 & F2; open fold and
have transverse axis.
Anticlinal structure near Sonapet and synclinal structure near
Bankati are product of F3.
Sedimentary
Environment:
Formed over the basement of SBG-B.
Sediments from both North and South side indicates
deep and shallow water marine facies. Carbonaceous
phyllite with profound sulphite mineral indicates deep
marine facies where as cross bedded sandstone near
Ghatshila and Gangpur indicates shallow marine
character.
The central region contains huge amount of meta
pellites like phyllites with sulphide; minor interband of
quartzite indicate reletively deep marine facies and
 Singhbhum Grp. Of Sediments
Contains evidence of higher grade
metamorphism; garnet, staurolite etc minerals
present; mostly metamorphosed pssamopelites.
Saha(1994) grouped them into 2 major
formations:
Dhalbhum Formation

Chaibasa Formation

Previously Dhalbhum sediments were told newer

but now it is established that both are of same
time.
 C. Dhanjori-Simlipal Mobile Belt
Consist of Dhanjori basin &
Simlipal basin.
Simlipal basin:
Mainly quartzites and volcanics;
present in an alternate concentric
ring fashion.
At the central part: Amjori shield
gabbro and dolerite; contains
pyrite & other sulfide minerals.

Mayurbhaj granite:
Auge et.al by Sm/Nd dated its age 3.1Ga; Similar to
SBG-B.
Act as basement of these two basins.
Low grade quartzite, phyllite and other low grade
meta sedimentary rocks.
 Dhanjori Basin:
Lower part composed of Komatiitic lava; contains
spinifex texture and pillow lava indicates submarine
volcanic activity.
At upper part we get potash tholeiitic basalt along
with Ch-Act schist.
Shows polyphase deformations. Typical M and W
shaped folds are present; F1 & F2 isoclinal. F3 open
fold with widely varying axial plane.
At the northern part it is truncated to STZ.
Environmental Aspects:
Simlipal basin tectonically passive; Sedimentation at
stable platform forming ortho quartzites associated
with volcanics.
Dhanjori Basin- Relatively deep marine basin and more
active during volcanic activities and sedimentation.
 B. Jagannathpur Malangtoli Mobile Belt
Occurs at W-SW part of singhbhum Craton south
of Noamundi basin.
Sediments and volcanics are intercalated but
amount of sediments not significant as those of
Dhanjori Basin. Tholeiitic basalts are interbanded
with phyllite.
 Different Granitic Bodies
Singhbhum Granite encircled with some smaller granitic body of same age.
Probably they were supposed to be together with Singhbhum Granite at
first and then separated around 3.3Ga.
 6.Soda Granite :

Deformation and metamorphism of Singhbhum

orogenic belt ended with intrusion of alkali feldspar
rich granite simultaneously emplaced by STZ.
Age is around 1.6-1.1 Ga.
STZ formed during this time. First stage of shearing
movement along STZ took place around 1.5 Ga.
Geochemical studies shows it is product of partial
melting of crustal source having a meta-sedimentary
component. Fractionation of plag. Played an important
role in petro genesis.
Before emplacement of Soda granite and Arkasani
granophyre, at the eastern part of Singhbhum craton,
there were some intrusion of (5.)Gabbro, norite and
Anorthosite aged 2.3 to 2.2 Ga.
 Singhbhum Thrust Zone (STZ)
General E-W trend. But at the eastern and western part , trend has
changed a little.
Western part shows bifurcation surrounding Chakradharpur Granitic body.
From east it starts from Bohoragora, then goes through Mosabani, Surda,
Rakhamines, Jadugora, Turamdih swapping towards west near Saraikella
and goes towards Chakradharpur.
Major suture zone possibly indicates subduction zone along which
Southern Sinbhbhum granitic body subduct under Chotonagpur gneissic
complex as well as Singhbhum orogenic belt.
Under thrusting started around 1.6 Ga.
All along the thrust zone we find Cu mineralisation.
 6.Newer Dolerites:
Mafic pluton; as a whole
called Newer Dolerite Dikes
follows two conjugate
fractures system in
Singhbhum craton having
trend NNE-SSW and NW-SE.
Conjugate fracture formed
due to continious
impitchment of Singhbhum
plate under Chotonagpur
Plate.
Fractures are more
pronunced in more active
Singhbhum plate due to N-S
regional compressive
strength acting between
these two cratons.
Composition varies from
Gabbro to Dolerite to
Pyroxenite.
 Overall Stratigraphy
Gondowanas
Newer dolerites (1.6- 0.9) Ga
Soda Granite (1.6 Ga)
Gabbro-Norite-Anorthosite ( 2.3-2.2 Ga)
Singhbhum orogenic Belt (2.4-2.3) Ga
Kolhan Sediments ( 2.4 Ga) (??)
SBG-B (3.1 Ga)
IOG (3.3-3.1)Ga
SBG-A (3.3 Ga)
OMTG (3.4 Ga)
OMG (4-3.4) Ga
Basement Unknown
 CHOTONAGPUR GNEISSIS COMPLEX
Characteristics:
It is a relatively stable part of Eastern Indian Shield mainly comprises
of a large extent of granulite-gneiss terrain.
Suffered higher grade metamorphism; granulite facies rocks(e.g.
Charnockite) are occurred as small enclaves within vast sea of
gneissic terrain.
Rock components:
Gneisses are widely varying in composition, texture and structure
E.g. migmatites, biotite, porphyroblastic gneiss, alkali feldsper rich
granite, applite etc.
Shear Zones:
At the Southern zone Tamar-Porapahar shear zone is present
having ESE-WNW trend. This shear zone is almost parallel to STZ. It
is also known as South Purulia Shear Zone.
At the northern part North-Purulia shear zone is present.
Age:
Generalised age is 1.1-0.9 Ga determined by K/Ar & Rb/Sr isotope.
But this ages are indicative for the last phase of granitic intrusion.
Migmatites are the oldest rock here 2.6-2.1 Ga.
 Generalised Stratigraphy

Gondwana Sediments
Basic intrusion of Gabbro Dolerite + post tectonic
alkali feldsper rich granite + pegmatite (0.765-
0.635 Ga)
Tectonic granite + Grano Diorite + Alkali feldspar
rich massive granite (Rich in Biotite) + Pegmatites
(0.9Ga)
Granite-Gneiss-Migmatite-Amphibolite-Pelitic Schist
(2.6-2.1) Ga
Basement rock (2.6 Ga) (Charnockite, Khondalite)

Chronostratigraphyally Chotonagpur Terrain is compared

with Eastern Ghat mobile belts which also have these high
grade metamorphic rocks. Probably it is extended further
North to form Shillong plateau
 Economic Resources:
This Eastern Indian Shield is the major economically rich
zone in India.
Active iron ore mining takes place in IOG group of rocks.
(e.g.-Noamundi mines)
Dhanjori rocks are the mother rocks for Gold, Copper,
Molybdenum, Uranium deposits.
Amjori pyrite is a large sulphide deposit.
Simlipal basic-ultra basic rock shows good values of
platinum group sediments.
STZ is characterised by polymetallic mineralisation of
deferent phases; e.g.- Apatite-Magnetite mineralisation,
Uranium mineralisation, Cu-Ni-Gold-Zn mineralisation along
with various sulphides in the thrust zone.
In Chotonagpur terrain, mica deposits are associated with
pegmatite in Bihar mica belt. Major mining areas are- Giridi,
Kodarma, Hajaribag etc.
in Ranchi plateau around Lohardaga, where bauxite found
Diagrammatic cross section across Singhbhum craton
 TECTONIC MODELS
Different models are proposed by
different geologists:
1. Intraplate Subduction:
Proposed by Sarkar & Saha
(1983).
Stages of evolutions are-
1. Formation of oceans around
craton where sediments of
north Singhbhum orogeny
deposited. (2.2Ga)
2. Northward subduction of
Singhbhum craton below
CGC folding and
metamorphism.
3. Tensional phases of Dhanjori-
Dalma volcanism and
emplacement of gabbro and
anorthosites.
4. Again subduction and partial
melting of cratonic plates to
produce granite and
2. Ensialic Orogeny:
Proposed by Gupta &
Basu (2000)
Rift related volcanism on
the craton with
concurrent devlopment of
sedimentary basins.
Compression followed by
sinking of subcrustal
lithosphere leading to
ensialic orogeny.
No geochronological
evidences of older
Archean rocks in CGC.
Singhbhum craton and
CGC are together in a
single continuous land
mass.
3.Collision of
microplates:
Proposed by A.N.
Sarkar(1988)
3 cycles of micro
plate collisions.
1. Evolution of Dalma
lavas as ophiolites
2. Rotation of plates;
folding and
shearing
3. Obduction of Cont.
lithosphere.
(Does not account for
difference in Ages)
 References
Geology of India by M.Ramakrishnan and
R.Vaidyanathan(2008)
Making of india by K.S.valdiya.
Bhattacharya et. al.,Evolution of Proterozoic Rift
margin Sediments-north Singhbhum Mobile belt-
Orissa,india.(2008)
Meert et. al. , Precrambian Crustal Evolution of
peninsular India: A 3.0 Billion year odyssey.(2010)
Mazumder et. al. , Proterozoic Sedimentation and
Volcanism in the Singhbhum crustral
province,India (2005)
Thank You