Earth, Atmosphere & Environment Sciences
Title : | Origin of volcanic agglomerate around Ulindakonda, Gadwal schist Belt, Andhra Pradesh, India: Petrographic, geochemical and geochronological perspective |
Area of research : | Earth, Atmosphere & Environment Sciences |
Principal Investigator : | Dr. sajin Kumar Ks, University Of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala |
Timeline Start Year : | 2023 |
Timeline End Year : | 2026 |
Contact info : | sajinks@gmail.com |
Details
Executive Summary : | The Gadwal schist belt in Andhra Pradesh is a region with mafic, felsic, and intermediate volcanics and associated Tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite (TTG) rocks. A prominent lithologic unit, the volcanic agglomerate in the Ulindakonda area, is one of the prominent units. The agglomerate consists of rounded and elliptical polymict clasts of granodiorite, mafic, and ultramafic rocks. Recent drilling investigations suggest that the actual extent of the agglomerate is possibly larger than previously mapped, possibly representing a giant Archean caldera eruption within the schist belt. The timing of this eruption and the geodynamic conditions that led to it are not properly understood. Calderas, volcanic structures integral to greenstone belts, can be classified into continental rift calderas, hotspot oceanic island calderas, and submarine arc calderas. Understanding the nature and mode of formation of these calderas can constrain the Archean geodynamic evolution of this important Archean Gadwal greenstone schist belt. The Archean Calderas host several important mineral deposits, such as the famous sub-aqueous caldera in Canada. Mineral economics plays a crucial role in a nation's development. A study aiming to unravel the geodynamic setting and timing of this agglomerate will shed light on important mineral assemblages, especially economic ones, and explore the relation of the agglomerate in terms of a meteorite impact event. |
Co-PI: | Dr. Anil Kumar Y, University Of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala-695034 |
Total Budget (INR): | 29,99,960 |
Organizations involved