Geochemistry of Panjal Traps from Zanskar Region: Implications for petrogenesis and geochemical variabilities

Abstract

The Panjal Trap represents one of the largest outcrops of early Permian Period (~290Ma) volcanism associated with the separation of Cimmeria from Gondwana and opening of the Neothethys Ocean. In the Indian sector, these rocks are exposed in the Northern Himalayas along the Pir Panjal and Zanskar mountain ranges. While existing studies have provided detailed geological understanding of these volcanisms, few studies examine the geochemical variations associated with them. This thesis undertakes a geochemical study of the Panjal Traps from the less explored south-eastern Zanskar region to investigate regional variations in composition, petrogenesis and tectonics.