Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A Hybrid Multistage Model of Evolution of the Western Ghats at the Passive Western Continental Margin of India

  • Published:
Journal of the Geological Society of India

Abstract

The Western Ghats (WG) is one of the Great Escarpments of the world that developed and persisted for the last ~60 Ma at the passive Western Continental Margin of India (WCMI). Like many such escarpments, the origin and persistence of the WG cannot be explained by a single mechanism, either lithosphere-asthenosphere or surficial processes, and hence, these are debated. Here I suggest a unified multistage model for the evolution of WG based on the available geophysical and geological data, and link its origin and persistence through possible underplating and detachmentcontrolled mid-crustal ductile flow with the characteristics of the Deccan plateau and the offshore region. The implications of the model for lithosphere-asthenosphere dynamics of the Deccan plateau and Stable Continental Region (SCR) seismicity are discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Agrawal, P.K. and Pandey, O.P. (2004) Unusual lithospheric structure and evolutionary pattern of the cratonic segments of the South Indian shield. Earth Planets Space, v.56, pp.139–158.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ajay, K.K., Chaubey, A.K., Krishna, K.S., Rao, D.G. and Sar, D. (2010) Seaward dipping reflectors along the SW continental margin of India: Evidence for volcanic passive margins. Jour. Earth System Sci., v.119, pp.803–813.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alexander, P.O. (1981) Age and duration of Deccan volcanism. In: K. V. Subbarao and R. N. Sukheswala (Eds.), Deccan Volcanism. Mem. Geol. Soc. India, no.3, pp.244–258.

    Google Scholar 

  • Arora, K., Tiwari, V.M., Singh, B., Mishra, D.C. and Grevemeyer, I. (2012) Three-dimensional lithosphere structure of the western continental margin of India constrained from gravity modelling: implication for tectonic evolution. Geophysic. Jour. Internat., v.190, pp.131–150.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Avraham, Z.B. and Bunce, E.T. (1977) Geological study of the Chagos-Laccadive Ridge, Indian ocean. Jour. Geophysic. Res., v.82, pp.1295–1305.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bao, X., David, W.E. and Guest, B. (2014) Plateau uplift in western Canada caused by lithospheric delamination along a craton edge. Nature Geosci., v.7, pp.830–833.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beane, J.E., Turner, C.A., Hooper, P.R., Subbarao, K.V. and Walsh, J.N. (1986) Stratigraphy, composition and form of the Deccan basalts, western Ghats, India, Bull. Volcanology, v.48, pp.61–83.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Besse, J. and Courtilott, V. (1989) Palaeogeographic maps of the continents bordering the Indian ocean since the early Jurassic. Jour. Geophys. Res., v.93, pp.11719–11808.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bhattacharya, S.N. (1974) The crust mantle structure of the Indian peninsula from surface wave dispersion. Geophys. Jour. Res., v.36, pp.273–283.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bird, P. (1984) Laramide crustal thickening event in the Rocky Mountains foreland and the Great Plains. Tectonics, v.3, pp.741–758.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Block, L. and Royden, L. H. (1990) Core complex geometries and regional scale flow in the lower crust. Tectonics, v.9, pp.557–567.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Borah, K., Rai, S.S., Gupta, S., Prakasam, K.S., Kumar, S. and Sivaram, K. (2014) Preserved and modified mid-Archaean crustal blocks in Dharwar craton: seismological evidence. Precambrian Res., v.246, pp.16–34.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bott, M.H.P. (1971) Evolution of young continental magmas and formation of shelf basins. Tectonophysics, v.11, pp.319–327.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bott, M.H.P. (1999) Modelling local crustal isostasy caused by ductile flow in the lower crust. Jour. Geophys. Res., v.104, pp.20349–20359.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buck, W. R. (1986) Small-scale convection induced by passive rifting: the cause of uplift of rift shoulder. Earth Planet. Sci., Lett., v.77, pp.362–372.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Campanile, D., Nambiar, C.G., Bishop, P. and Widdowson, M. (2007) Sedimentation record in the Konkan-Keral basIn: implications for the evaluation of the Western ghats and the western Indian passive margin. Basin Res., v.20(1), pp.3–22.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chand, S. and Subramanyam, C. (2003) Rifting between India and Madagascar–mechanism and isostasy. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., v.210, pp.317–332.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chaubey, A.K., Gopal Rao, D., Srinivas, K., Ramprasad, T., Ramana, V. and Subrahmanyam, V. (2002) Analysis of multichannel seismic reflection, gravity and magnetic data along a regional profile across the centralwestern continental margin of India. Marine Geol., v.182, pp.303–323.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chetty, T.R.K. (2006) Contrasting deformational systems and associated seismic patterns in Precambrian peninsular India. Curr. Sci., v.90(7), pp.942–961.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clark, M. K., Bush, J. W. M. and Royden, L. H. (2005) Dynamic topography produced by lower crustal flow against geological strength heterogeneities bordering Tibetan plateau. Geophysic. Jour. Internat., v.162, pp.575–590.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Clift, P. D., Clark, M. K. and Royden, L. H. (2003) An erosional record of Tibetan plateau uplift and monsoon strengthening in the Asian marginal seas. Geophys. Res., (Abstract), v.5, pp.043000.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cochran, J.R. (1983) Effects of finite extension times on the development of sedimentary basins. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., v.66, pp.289–302.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cochran, J.R. (1990) Himalayan uplift, sea level and the record of Bengal Fan sedimentation at OPD Leg 166 sites. Proc. Ocean Drill. Progr. Sci. Results. v.116, pp.377–396.

    Google Scholar 

  • Collier, J.S., Sansom, V., Ishuzuka, O., Taylor, R.N., Minshull, T.A. and Whitemarsh, R.B. (2008) Age of Seychelles-India breakup. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., v.272, pp.264–277.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cox, K. G. (1980) A model of flood basalt volcanism, Jour. Petrol., v.21, pp.629–650.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cox, K.G. (1992) Continental magmatic underplating. Phil. Trans. Royal Soc. London, v.A342, pp.155–166.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cox, K. G. and Hawkesworth, C. J. (1985) Relative contribution of crust and mantle to flood basalt magmatism, Mahabaleswar area, Deccan traps. Phil. Trans. Royal. Soc. London, v.A310, pp.627–640.

    Google Scholar 

  • Davis, M. and Kusznir, N. (2002) Are buoyancy forces important during the formation of rift margins? Geophysic. Jour. Internat., v.149, pp.524–533.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dessai, A.G. and Viegas, A.A.A.A. (2001) Multi-generation mafic dyke swarms related to Deccan volcanism, south of Bombay: Implication on the evolution of the western continental margin. Mem. Geol. Soc. India, no.47(1), pp.213–223.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eagles, G. and Wibisono, A. D. (2013) Ridge push, mantle plumes and the speed if the India plate. Geophysic. Jour. Internat., doi: 10.1093/gji/ggt162.

    Google Scholar 

  • Furnes, H., Hertogen, J., Mitchell, J. G., Austrheim, H. and Sinha-Roy, S. (1983) Trace element geochemistry and ages of mafic and felsic dykes from the Kerala region, India. Neus. Jahrbuch. Miner. Abh., v.146(1), pp. 82–100.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gibbons, A.D., Whittaker, J.B.N. and Muller, R.D. (2013) The breakup of east Gondwana: Assimilation of continents from Cretaceous ocean basins around India into a best fit tectonic model. Jour. Geophys. Res., v.118, doi:10.1002/jgrb.50079.

  • Gilchrist, A. R., Summerfield, M. A. and Cockburn, H. A. P. (1994) Landscape dissection, isostatic uplift and the morphotectonic development of orogens. Geology, v.22, pp.963–966.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gokarn, S.G. (2003) Electrical conductivity pattern along transect over the Indian lithospheric domains of different temporal evolution: a review. Mem. Geol. Soc. India, no.53, pp.129–147.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gowd, T.N., Shrirama Rao, S.V. and Chary, K.V. (1996) Stress field and seismicity in the Indian shield: effect of the collision between India and Eurasia. Pure Appld. Geophys., v.146, pp.503–532.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gunnel, Y. (2001) Morphology and scarp recession rates of the Western Ghats escarpment. Mem. Geol. Soc. India, v.47(1), pp.89–117.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gunnel, Y. and Fleitout, L. (2001) The morphotectonic evolution of the Western Ghats, India: an explanation of denudation-driven flexural models. Mem. Geol. Soc. India, no.47(1), pp.581–598.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gupta, S., Mishra, S. and Rai, S. S. (2010) Magmatic underplating of crust beneath the Laccadive island, NW Indian ocean. Geophys. Jour. Internat., v.183, pp.536–542.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gupta, S., Rai, S. S., Prakasam, K. S., Sriganesh, D., Bansal, B. K., Chadha, R. K., Priestley, K. and Gaur, V. K. (2003) The nature of crust in southern India: implications for Precambrian crustal evolution. Geophysic., Res., Lett., v. 30(8), pp.1419–1423.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jagadeesh, S. and Rai, S.S. (2008) Thickness, composition and evolution of the Indian Precambrian crust inferred from broadband seismological measurements. Precambrian Res., v.162, pp.4–15.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnston, A. and Kanter, L. (1990) Earthquakes in stable continental crust. Sci. Amer., v.262, pp.68–75.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • King, S.D. and Anderson, D.L., (1995) An alternate mechanism of flood basalt formation. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., v.136, pp.269–279.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kiselev, S., Vinnik, L., Oreshin, S., Gupta, S., Rai, S.S., Singh, A., Kumar, M.R. and Mohan, G. (2008) Lithosphere of the Dharwar craton by joint inversion of P and S receiver functions. Geophys. Jour. Internat., v.173, pp.1106–1118.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krishna, V.G. (1991) Low velocity layers in the sub-crustal lithosphere beneath the Deccan trap region of western India. Phys. Earth Planet. Internat., v.67, pp.288–302.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kumar, A., Pande, K., Venkatesan, T.R. and Rao, Bhaskar, Y.J. (2001) The Karnataka late Cretaceous dykes as products of the Marion hotspot at the Madagascar-India breakup event: evidence from 40Ar-39Ar geochronology and geochemistry. Geophys. Res. Lett., v.28, pp.2715–2718.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kumar, N., Zeyen, H., Singh, A. P, and Singh, B. (2013) Lithospheric structure of the southern Indian shield and adjoining oceans: integrated modeling of topography, geoid and heat flow data. Geophys. Jour. Internat., v.194, pp.30–44.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kumar, P., Ravi Kumar, M., Srijayanthi, G., Arora, K., Sriganesh, D., Chadha, R.K. and Sen, M.K. (2013) Imaging the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary of the Indian plate using converted wave techniques. Jour. Geophysic. Res., v.118, pp.5307–5319.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kumar, P., Yuan, X., Ravi Kumar, M., Kind, R., Li, X. and Chadha, R.K. (2007) The rapid drift of the Indian tectonic plate. Nature, v.449, pp.894–897.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kusznir, N.J. and Ziegler, P.A., (1992) The mechanics of continental extension and sedimentary basin formation: a simple shear/pure shear flexural cantilever model. Tectonophysics, v.215. pp.117–131.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Le Pichon, X. and Sibuet, J.-C. (1981) Passive margins: A model of formation. Jour. Geohysic. Res., v.86, pp.3708–3720.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leroy, M., Dauteuil, D. and Cobbold, P.R. (2004) Incipient shortening of a passive margIn: the mechanical roles of continental and oceanic lithospheres. Geophys. Jour. Internat., v.159, pp.400–411.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Levander, A., Schmandt, B., Miller, M. S., Liu, K., Karlstrom, K.E., Crow, R. S., Lee, C.-T.A. and Humphreys, E.D. (2011) Continuing Colorado Plateau uplift by delamination-style convective lithosphere downwelling. Nature, v.472, pp.461–465.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, Z,-X.A., Lee, C.-T.A., Peslier, A.N., Lenardic, A. and Mackwell, S.J. (2008) Water contents in mantle xenoliths from Colorado plateau and vicinity: implications for the mantle rheology and hydration induced thinning of continental lithosphere. Jour. Geophys. Res., v.113, B09210.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lister, G.S., Etheridge, M.A. and Symonds, P.A. (1986) Detachment faulting and evolution of passive continental margins. Geology, v.14, pp.246–250.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Manatschal, G. (2004) New models for evolution of magma-poor rifted margins based on a review of data and concepts from west Iberia and the Alps. Internat. Jour. Earth Sci., v.93, pp.432–466.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mandal, P. (1999) Intraplate stress distribution induced by topography and crustal density heterogeneities beneath the south India shield. Tectonophysics, v.302, pp.159–172.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mandal, P., Rastogi, B. K. and Gupta, H. K., Recent Indian earthquakes. (2000) Curr. Sci., v. 79(9), pp.1334–1346.

    Google Scholar 

  • McKenzie, D. (1978) Some remarks on the development of sedimentary basins. Earth Planet., Sci., Lett., v.25, pp.25–32.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McKenzie, D. and Priestley, K. (2008) The influence of lithosphere thickness variations on continental evolution. Lithos, v.102, pp.1–11.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McQuarrie, N. and Chase, C. G. (2000) Raising the Colorado Plateau. Geology, v.28(1), pp.91–94.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mishra, D.C. and Vijay Kumar, V. (2005) Evidence of Proterozoic collision from airborne magnetic and gravity studies in Sourhern Granulite Terrain, India and signature of recent tectonic activity in the Palghar Gap. Gondwana, Res., v.8, pp.43–54.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mishra, D.C., Laxman, G. and Arora, K. (2004) Large wave-length gravity anomalies over the Indian continent: indicators of lithospheric flexure and uplift and subsidence of Indian peninsular shield related to isostasy. Curr. Sci., v.86(6), pp.861–867.

    Google Scholar 

  • Molnar, P., Pardo-Casas, F. and Stock, J. (1988) The Cenozoic and late Cretaceous evolution of the Indian ocean basIn: uncertainties in the reconstructed positions of the Indian, African and Antarctic plates. Basin, Res., v.1, pp.23–40.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moore, A., Blenkinsop, T. and Cotterill, F. (2009) Southern African topography and erosion history: plume or plate tectonics? Terra Nova, v.21, pp.310–315.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Muller, R.D., Yatheesh, V. and Suhali, M. (2015) The tectonic stress field evolution of India since Oligocene. Gondwana Res., v.28(2), pp.612–624.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Murthy, N. G. K. (1987) Mafic dyke swarms of the Indian shield. Geol. Assoc. Can. Spec. Publ., v.34, pp.393–400.

    Google Scholar 

  • Naini, B.R., and Talwani, M. (1983) Structural framework of the continental margin of western India. In: J. S. Watkins and C. Drake (Eds.), Studies in Continental Margins. Amer. Assoc. Petrol. Geol. Mem., v.34, pp.167–191.

    Google Scholar 

  • Narain, H., Kaila, K.L. and Verma, R.K. (1968) Continental margins of India. Can. Jour. Earth Sci., v.5, pp.1051–1065.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Negi, J., Pandey, O. and Agrawal, P. (1986) Super-mobility of hot Indian lithosphere. Tectonophysics, v.131, pp.147–156.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Norton, I.O. and Sclater, J.G. (1979) A model for the evolution of the Indian ocean and the breakup of the Gondwanaland. Jour. Geophysic. Res., v.84, pp.6803–6830.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Olier, C.D. and Pain, C.F. (1997) Equating the basal unconformity with the palaeoplaIn: a model of passive margins. Geomorphology, v.19, pp.1–15.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Osmundsen, P.T. and Redfield, T.F. (2011) Crustal taper and topography at passive continental margins. Terra Nova, doi: 10.1111/j.1365.2011.01014.x.

    Google Scholar 

  • Patro, B.P.K., Brasse, H., Sarma, S.V.S. Harinarayana, T. (2005) Electrical structure of the crust below the Deccan flood basalt (India), inferred from magnetotelluric soundings. Geophys. Jour. Internat., v.163, pp.931–843.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qureshy, M.N. (1981) Gravity anomalies, isostasy and crust mantle relations in the Deccan trap and contiguous areas. Mem. Geol. Soc. India, no.3, pp.184–197.

    Google Scholar 

  • Radhakrishna, M., Verma R.K. and Purushotham, A.K. (2002) Lithospheric structure below the eastern Arabian sea and adjoining west coast of India based on integrated analysis of gravity and seismic data. Mar. Geophys. Res., v.23(1), pp.25–42.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Radhakrishna, T., Dallmyeyer, R.D. and Joseph, M. (1994) Palaeomagnetism and 36Ar/40Ar vs 39Ar/40Ar isotope correlations ages of dyke swarms in central Kerala: tectonic implications. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., v.121, pp.213–216.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rai, S.S. and Ramesh, D.S. (2012) Seismic imaging of the Indian continental lithosphere. Proc. India Sci. Acad., v.78(3), pp.353–359.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rai, S.S., Sriganesh, D. and Gaur, V.K. (1993) Granulite evolution in south India–a seismic tomographic perspective. Mem. Geol. Soc. India, v.25, pp.235–263

    Google Scholar 

  • Ramana, M.V., Desa, M.A. and Ramprasad, T. (2015) Re-examination of geophysical data off NW India: Implication to the late Cretaceous plate tectonics between India and Africa. Mar. Geol., v.365, pp.36–51.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ramasamy, S.M. (1989) Morphotectonic evolution of east and west coasts of Indian peninsula. Geol. Surv. India Spec. Publ., v.24, pp.333–339.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ramesh, D.S., Rai, S.S., Sriganesh, D. and Gaur, V.K. (1990) Seismological evidence for a decoupled lithospheric segment in south Indian shield. Geophys. Jour. Internat., v.102, pp.113–120.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ramesh, D., Bianchi, M. and Sharma, S.D. (2010) Image of possible fossil collision structures beneath the Eastern Ghats mobile belt, India from P and S receiver functions. Lithosphere, v.2, pp.84–92.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rao, B.R. (2004) Historical seismicity and deformation rates in the Indian peninsular shield. Jour. Seismology. v.4, pp.247–258.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rao, S.V.S., Chary, K.B., Gowd, T.N. and Rummel, F. (1999) Tectonic stress field in the epicentral zone of the Latur earthquake of 1993. Proc. Indian Acad. Sci., v.108(2), pp.83–98.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reddy, P. R. (2005) Crustal velocity structure of western India and its use in understanding intraplate seismicity. Curr. Sci., v.88(10), pp.1652–1659.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reddy, P.R., Prasad, B.R., Rao, V.V., Sain, K., Rao, P.R., Khare, P. and Reddy, M.S. (2003) Deep seismic reflection studies along Kuppam-Palani tansect in the southern Indian granulite terrain. Mem. Geol. Soc. India, v.50, pp.79–106.

    Google Scholar 

  • Royden, L.H. (1996) Coupling and decoupling of crust and mantle in convergent orogens: implications for strain partitioning in the crust. Jour. Geophysic. Res., v.101, pp.17679–17705.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sacek, V., Braun, J. and Van der Beek, P. (2012) The influence of rifting on escarpment migration on high elevation passive continental margins. Jour. Geophys., Res., v.117, B04407.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Samal, J.K., Shyam, R. and Gupta, S. (2012) Structural modeling with qualitative and quantitative analysis to understand crustal architecture along a regional profile in western offshore basin, India. Proc. 9th Biennial Internat. Conf. Expl. Petrol Geophys., Hyderabad. pp.1–6.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sarkar, R.K. and Saha, D.K. (2006) A note on the lithosphere thickness and heat flow density of the Indian craton from MAGSAT data. Acta Geophysica, v.54(2), pp.198–204.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Saunders, A.D., Jones, S.M., Morgan, L.A., Pierce, K.L., Widdowson, M. and Xu, Y.G. (2007) Regional uplift associated with continental large igneous province: The role of mantle plumes and the lithosphere. Chemical Geol. v.241, pp.282–318.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sen, M.K., Rao, Bhaskar, Y.J. and Rao, M.R.K. (2012) Institutional report: National Geophysical Research Institute. Proc. Indian National Sci. Acad., v.78(3), pp.577–584.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sheth, H.C. (1999) Flood basalts and large igneous provinces from deep mantle plumes: facts, fiction and fallacy. Tectonophysics, v.311, pp.1–29.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Singh, A., Singh, C., and Kennett, B.L.N. (2015) A review of crust and upper mantle structure beneath the Indian subcontinent. Tectonophysics, v.644-645, pp.1–21.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sinha-Roy, S. (1983) Age of basic magmatism in Kerala. Jour. Geol. Soc. India, v.24(2), pp.93–96.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sinha-Roy, S., (1986) Evolution of the western continental margin of India, In: N.C. Ghosh and C. Varadarajan (Eds), Ophiolites and Indian Plate Margin, pp.1–8.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sinha-Roy, S. (1982) Tectonic and magmatic response of Indian passive continental margin development: example from the Kerala region. Proc. 4th Reg. Conf. Geol. Min. Energy Res. SE Asia, Manila, pp.95–106.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sinha-Roy, S. (2016) The Western Ghats: Product of lithosphere-asthenosphere dynamics and denudational flexural isostasy. Workshop on Western Ghats: Evolution and Environmental Issues. National Centre For Earth Science Studies, Thiruvanthanapuram. (Abstract), pp.1–2.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spencer, J.E. (1996) Uplift of the Colorado Plateau due to lithospheric attenuation during Laramide low-angle subduction. Jour. Geophys., Res., v.101, pp.13595–13609.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stephen, J. (2006) Elastic strength and anisotropy of the continental lithosphere of India. Proc. National Sci. Acad., v.72(3), pp.135–143.

    Google Scholar 

  • Storey, M., Mahoney, J.J., Saunders, A.D., Duncan, R.A., Kelley, S.P. and Coffin, M.F. (1995) Timing of hotspot-related volcanism and breakup of Madagascar and India. Science, v.267, pp.852–855.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Subrahmanya, K.R. (2001) Origin and evolution of the Western Ghats and the west coast of India. Mem. Geol. Soc. India, no.47(1), pp.463–473.

    Google Scholar 

  • Summerfield, M.A. (1991a) Sub-aerial denudation of passive margins: regional elevation versus local relief models. Earth Planet. Sci., Lett., v.102, pp.460–469.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Summerfield, M.A. (1991b), Global Geomorphology, Longman, London, 491p.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sunil, P.S., Radhakrishna, M., Kurian, P.J., Murty, B.V.S., Arun, S.K. and Mohan, S.K. (2010) Crustal structure of the western part of the Southern Granulite Terrain of Indian Peninsular shield derived from gravity data. Jour. Asian Earth Sci., v.39, pp.551–564.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Suresh, G., Bhattacharya, S.N. and Teotia, S.B. (2015) Crust and upper mantle velocity structure of the NW Indian peninsular shield from inter-station phase velocities of Rayleigh and Love waves. Annals Geophysic., v.58(2), pp. S0125 (1–10).

    Google Scholar 

  • Thakur, N. K. and Nagarajan, N. (1992) Geotectonic mobilization of the lower crustal segment of the southern Peninsular India. Phys. Earth Planet. Interior. v.73, pp.153–162.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tiwari, P.K., Surve, G. and Mohan, G. (2006) Crustal constraints on the uplift mechanism of the Western Ghats of India. Geophys. Jour. Internat., v.167, pp.1309–1316.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Torsvik, T.H., Tucker, R.D., Ashwal, L.D., Carter, L.M., Jamtveit, B., Vidyadharan, K.T. and Venkataramana, P. (2000) Late Cretaceous India-Madagascar fit and timing of breakup related magmatism. Terra Nova. v.12, pp.220–214.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Valdiya, K.S. (2001) River response to continuing movements and scarp development in central Sahyadri and adjoining coastal belt. Jour. Geol. Soc. India, v.57, pp.13–30.

    Google Scholar 

  • Valsangkar, A.B., Radhakrishnamurty, C., Subbarao, K.V. and Beckinsale, R. D. (1981) Palaomagnetism and Potassiyum-argom studies of acid igneous rocks from St. Mary islands. Mem. Geol. Soc. India, no.3, pp.265–276.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vandamme, D., Courtllot, V., Besse, J. and Montigny, R. (1991) Palaeomagnetic and age determination of the Deccan Traps (India): results of Nagpur-Bombay traverse and review of earlier work. Rev. Geophysics, v.29, pp.159–190.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van der Beek, P., Cloetingh, S. and Anderiessen, P. (1994) Mechanism of extensional basin formation and vertical motions at rift flanks: constraints from tectonic modeling and fission track thermochronology. Earth Planet., Sci., Lett., v.121, pp.417–433.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van Wijk, J.W., Baldridge, W.S., Van Hunen, J., Goes, S., Aster, R., Coblentz, D.D., Grand, S.P. and Ni, J. (2010) Small-scale convection at the edge of the Colorado Plateau: Implications for topography, magmatism and evolution of Proterozoic lithosphere. Geology, v.38, pp.611–614.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • van Wijk, J.W., Van der Meer, R. and Cloetingh, S.A.P.L. (2004) Crustal thickening in an extensional regime: application to the mid-Norwegian Voring margin. Tectonophysics, v.387, pp.217–228.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weinberg, R. F., Regenauer-Lieb. and Rosenbaum, G., (2007) Mantle detachment faults and the breakup of cold continental lithosphere. Geology, v.35(11), pp.1035–1038.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weissel, J.K. and Karner, G.D. (1989) Flexural uplift of rift-flanks due to mechanical unloading of lithosphere during extension. Jour. Geophys. Res., v.94, pp.13919–13950.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wernicke, B. (1985) Uniform sense normal simple shear of the continental lithosphere. Canadian Jour. Earth Sci., v.22, pp.108–125.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • White, R.S. and McKenzie, D. (1989) Magmatism at rift zones: the generation of volcanic continental margins and flood basalts. Jour. Geophys., Res., v.84, pp.7685–7729.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Whitemarsh, R.B., Manatschal, G. and Minshull, T.A. (2001) Evolution of magma-poor continental margins from rifting to sea-floor spreading. Nature, v.413, pp.150–154.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Whiting, B.M., Karner, G.D. and Driscoll, N.W. (1994) Flexural and stratigraphic development of the western continental margin of India. Jour. Geophys. Res., v.99, pp.13791–12811.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Widdowson, M. (1997) Palaeosurfaces: recognition, reconstruction and palaeoenvironmental interpretation. Geol. Soc. London, Spec. Publ., v.120, pp.221–248.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Widdowson, M. and Cox, K.G. (1996) Uplift and erosional history of the Deccan traps: evidence from laterites and drainage patterns of the Western Ghats and Konkan coast. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., v.137, pp.52–69.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zandt, G., Myers, H.E., Forest, C.E. and Molnar, P. (1995) Crust and mantle structure across the Basin and Range–Colorado Plateau boundary at 370 N latitude and implications for Cenozoic extensional mechanism. Jour. Geophys. Res., v.10, pp.10,599–10,548.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Birla Institute of Scientific Research, Statue Circle, Jaipur, 302 001, India

    S. Sinha-Roy

Authors
  1. S. Sinha-Roy
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to S. Sinha-Roy.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Sinha-Roy, S. A Hybrid Multistage Model of Evolution of the Western Ghats at the Passive Western Continental Margin of India. J Geol Soc India 92, 533–541 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12594-018-1063-y

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12594-018-1063-y

Search

Navigation