Abstract
The Proterozoic Sirban Limestone Formation (SLFm) exposed in a number of inliers in Jammu (India), NW Himalaya is a potential target for hydrocarbon and ore mineral exploration. The structural complexity not only makes correlation of the SLFm with coeval hydrocarbon producing Proterozoic formations in the neighbouring Salt Range in Pakistan and elsewhere in the world extremely difficult, but also limits the understanding of the genesis of sedimentary hosted mineral deposits. The base of the SLFm inliers is not exposed anywhere in the region and the age of this sequence has been suggested to range from Palaeoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic.
Important age diagnostic palynomorphs have been repeatedly recovered from different sections of the SLFm. To place the palynomorph bearing intervals into stratigraphic order is important for correlation of these sections. However, structural complexity and the monotonous nature of the lithology limit the scope for correlation. This problem can only be resolved by geochronology and dating of the important marker horizons in the SLFm. In the absence of tuff horizons the Rhenium (Re)–Osmium (Os) geochronology data can provide a direct date. Within the SLFm an important sedimentary marker horizon (black shale bed) was selected for the Re-Os geochronology.
Re-Os isotope dating is a reliable geochronometer. However, in the present study this method yielded a Re-Os date of 607 ± 330 Ma, indicating that the Re-Os system was interrupted in response to hydrothermal fluid flow associated with the thrust tectonics in the region. Additionally, the decay of the total organic carbon (TOC) seems to have had an adverse effect on the Re–Os mobility and concentration. Since, relative abundance of Re and Os is sufficient enough to attempt Re-Os geochronology of these shale samples. The analysis of the deep drilling cores would give reliable results and provide a dependable correlation tool to place the SLFm in context of the Peri-Gondwana margin successions with proven petroleum systems.
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Hakhoo, N., Thusu, B., Bhat, G.M. et al. Rhenium (Re)–Osmium (Os) geochronology of the Proterozoic Sirban Limestone Formation, NW Himalaya. J Geol Soc India 88, 267–272 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12594-016-0489-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12594-016-0489-3