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Geophysical exploration of tectonic signatures in proterozoic quartzite of the Kovilpatti region, Southern India: a study in the Kurumalai and Oodumalai hills

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Abstract

This study investigates the geological and geophysical exploration of quartzite, gneiss, schist, and meta-sedimentary rocks in the Kurumalai region of southern India, providing new insights into the variety of geological area. The Kurumalai hills, located among significant features such as PandraMalai, Manthithoopu, and Oodumalai, reveal a diverse range of geological formations, including fissures, weathered rock, breccia silt, and gravel containing quartzite, as well as complicated gneiss formation. Notably, our examination indicates severely worn and red-oxidized quartzite with a major trend of N5°W-S5°W and a dip of 65°W under microscopic observation. Texture study reveals the thin and coarse-grained structure of the rocks, which have a subhedral mosaic texture, showing the presence of microscopic quartz grains enclosed in embedded corner grains. This study uses 2D Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) to determine the geological structure and slope of the Kurumalai hills, properly identifying quartzite, granite, sandstone, and calcareous intrusions. Our method combines the 2D ERT and magneto telluric (MT) methodologies and correlates them with borehole logging data from the Central Groundwater Board (CGWB) and the Indian government. This study contributes to a better understanding of the region geological landscape by shedding light on the geotechnical relevance of Archean quartzite and rock formations in the studied area. Our findings provide useful insights that can be used to inform future geological investigations and better understand the geological development of the Kurumalai region.

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Acknowledgements

The first author expresses his sincere thanks to Mr. A.P.C.V. Chockalingam Secretary, our Principal, Dr.C. Veera Bhagu, V.O.Chidambaram College, Tuticorin. The help was extended by Professors and Research scholars of Department of Geology, V.O. Chidambaram College, and Thoothukudi.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. PG and Research Department of Geology, V.O. Chidambaram College, Thoothukudi, 628008, India

    A. Antony Ravindran, R. Abinaya, S. Richard Abishek, J. Vinoth Kingston, A. Antony Alosanai Promilton & R. Sakthi Priya

  2. Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, 627012, India

    R. Abinaya

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  1. A. Antony Ravindran
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  2. R. Abinaya
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  3. S. Richard Abishek
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  5. A. Antony Alosanai Promilton
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  6. R. Sakthi Priya
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Contributions

Antony Ravindran A: Writing an original draft Abinaya R:Data collection Richard Abishek S: Data interpretation Vinoth Kingston J: Map preparation Antony Alosanai Promilton A: Data collection Sakthi Priya R: Reference collection.

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Correspondence to A. Antony Ravindran.

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Ravindran, A.A., Abinaya, R., Abishek, S.R. et al. Geophysical exploration of tectonic signatures in proterozoic quartzite of the Kovilpatti region, Southern India: a study in the Kurumalai and Oodumalai hills. Carbonates Evaporites 39, 59 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13146-024-00962-5

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