Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Tectonics of proterozoic Cuddapah Basin, southern India: A conceptual model

  • Published:
Journal of the Geological Society of India

Abstract

A tectonic map of Cuddapah Basin (CB) and its adjacent regions has been compiled using LANDSAT TM data and the available literature on the prominent tectonic features which include Archaean greenstone belts, disposition of Proterozoic mobile belts along with the associated mid-crustal shear zones, and the mafic dyke swarms. The field characteristics of the two major fault zones: Gudur-Cuddapah and the Veldurti-Kalva-Gani fault system that cut across the CB have been re-examined and are re-interpreted as typical of transfer faults, which are generated exclusively by extensional tectonics. The earlier concept that these fault systems form a conjugate set of “Anderson type” causing the ‘Cuddapah salient’, needs to be reviewed.

The widespread extension in the upper crust is manifest in the form of normal faulting of ‘listric’ type in the Papaghni basin and a ‘domino’ type in the Nallamalai basin. While extensional tectonics have played a major role in shaping the geometry and kinematics of CB, the intermittent phases of compression seem to have been derived from major shearing events related to Proterozoic collisional processes in the region. A hypothetical crustal-cross section across the CB has been constructed considering the available geological and geophysical data and analogies were drawn from well-studied sedimentary basins of other continents. The presence of low-dipping detachment faults and shear zones in the lower crust, and their possible linkage with the extensional faults in the upper crust have been inferred to explain the evolution of the CB. The fault patterns and kinematic history in conjunction with the crustal architecture strongly suggest that the evolution of CB is genetically related to the Proterozoic collisional processes and associated crustal-scale transpressional tectonics in the basement at the eastern margin.

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

  • Anderson, E.M. (1951) The dynamics of faulting. Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh.

    Google Scholar 

  • Anand, M., Gibson, S.A., Subba Rao, K.V., Keelly, S.P. and Dickin, A.P. (2003) Early Proterozoic melt generation process beneath the Intra-cratonic Cuddapah Basin, Southern India. Jour. Petrol., v.44, no.12, pp.2139–2172.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bhasker Rao, D.S., Rama Rao, Ch., ATCHUTA Rao, D. and BABU Rao, V. (1989) Magnetic markers in the crustal column of granite — greenstone terrain of part of Eastern Dharwar Craton. Proc. Seminar on “Advances in Geophysical Research in India” held during 8–10 Feb., 1989, Indian Geophysical Union, Hyderabad, pp.289–290.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blundell, D.J. (1991) Some observations on basin evolution and dynamics. Jour. Geol. Soc. London, v.148, pp.789–800.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • CHALAPATHI RAO, N.V., MILLER, GIBSON, S.A., PYLE, D.M. and Madhavan, V. (1999) Precise Ar-Ar age determination of Kotakonda kimberlite and Chelima lamproite, India: Implication for the mafic dyke swarm emplacement in the Eastern Dharwar Craton. Jour. Geol. Soc. India, v.53, pp.425–432.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chekunov, A.V., Sollogub, V.B., Starostenko, V.I., Karechko, G.E., Rusakov, O.M., Kozlenko, V.G. and Koshyukerich, A.S. (1984) Structure of the Earth’s crust and upper mantle below Hindustan and northern part of the Indian Ocean from Geophysical data. Tectonophysics, v.101, pp.63–71.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chetty, T.R.K., (2010) Structural architecture of the northern composite terrain, the Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt, India: Implications for Gondwana tectonics. Gondwana Res., v.18, pp.565–582.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chetty, T.R.K. and Murthy, D.S.N. (1993) Landsat Thematic mapper data applied to structural studies of the Eastern Ghat Granulite Terrane in a part of Andhra Pradesh. Jour. Geol. Soc. India, v.42, pp.373–391.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chetty, T.R.K. and Murthy, D.S.N. (1994) Collision tectonics in Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt: Mesoscopic to Satellite scale structural observations. TERRA NOVA, v.6, pp.72–81.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chetty, T.R.K. and Bhaskar Rao, Y.J. (2006) The Cauvery Shear Zone, Southern Granulite Terrain, India: A crustal scale-flower structure. Gondwana Res., v.10, pp.77–85.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chetty, T.R.K., Bhaskar Rao, Y.J. and Narayana, B.L. (2003) A structural cross section along Krishangiri-Palani corridor, Southern Granulite Terrain of India. In: M. Ramakrishanan (Ed.), Tectonics of Southern Granulite, Terrain, Kuppam-Palani Geotransect. Mem. Geol. Soc. India, no.50, pp.225–277.

  • Cloetingh, S., Sassi, W. and Task Force Team (1994) The origin of sedimentary basins: a status report from the task force of the International Lithospheric programme. Marine and Petroleum Geology, v.11, pp.659–683.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Coward, M.P. (1986) Heterogeneous stretching, simple shear and basin development. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., v.80, pp.325–336.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davison, I. (1994) Linked fault systems; extensional, strike-slip and contractional. In: P.L. Hancock (Ed.), Continental Deformation. Pergamon Press Ltd., pp.121–142.

  • Drury, S.A., Harris, N.B.W., Holt, R.W., Reeves-smith, G.J. and Wightman, R.T. (1984) Precambrian tectonics and crustal evolution in south India. Jour. Geol., v.92, no.1, pp.3–20.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Enachesen, M.E. (1987) Tectonic and structural framework of the Northeast Newfoundland continental margin. Can. Soc. Petrol. Geol. Mem., no.12, pp.117–146.

  • Etheridge, M.A., Branson, J.C. and Stuart-smith, P.G. (1987) The Bass, Gippsland and Ottoway Basins southeast Australia; a branched rift system formed by continental extension. Can. Soc. Petrol. Geol. Mem., no.12, pp.147–162.

  • Gibbs, A.D. (1984) Structural evolution of extensional basin margins. J. Geol. Soc. London, v.141, pp.609–620.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gibbs, A.K. (1986) Seismic reflection profile of Precambrian crust: A quantitative assessment of Reflection seismology. In: M. Barazangi and L. Brown (Eds.), The continental crust. A.G.U. Publ. Geodynamic Ser., no.14, pp.95–106.

  • Gibbs, A.D. (1990) Linked fault families in basin formation. Jour. Struc. Geol., v.12, pp.795–803.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goodwin, A.M. (1996) Principles of Precambrian Geology. Academic Press, London, 327p.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gopalan, K. and Bhaskar Rao, Y.J. (1995) A critical appraisal of the geochronological results on the Cuddapah and related rocks. Seminar on ‘Cuddapah Basin’, Tirupati, v.95, pp.109–115.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hari Narain (1987) Geophysical constraints on the evolution of Purana Basins of India with special reference to Cuddapah, Godavari and Vindhyan Basins. In: Purana Basins of India. Mem. Geol. Soc. India, no.6, pp.5–32.

  • Kaila, K.L., Roy Chowdhury, K., Reddy, P.R., Krishna, V.G., HARI Narain, Subbotin, S.I., Sollogub, V.B., Chekunov, A.V., Kharetcko, G.E., Lazarenko, M.A. and Ilchenko, T.V. (1979) Crustal structure along Kavali-Udipi profile in the Indian Peninsular shield from Deep Seismic Soundings. Jour. Geol. Soc. India, v.20, pp.307–333.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kesavamani, M., Rao, N.B.K. and RAMA Rao, J.V. (1997) Characteristics of granite greenstone basement below the Cuddapahs: A geophysical insight. Jour. Geophys Union, VI, pp.27–29.

    Google Scholar 

  • King, W. (1871) Kadapah and Kurnool formations. Mem. Geol. Surv. India, pp.1–320.

  • Krishna Brahmam, N. (1989) Gravity and seismicity of the Cuddapah and basin and surrounding places. Jour. Geol. Soc. India, v.34, pp.373–384.

    Google Scholar 

  • Laxminarayana, G. and Bhattacharjee, S. (200) Shallow marine silicicalstic sedimentation in the middle Proterozoic Gandikota formation, Cuddapah Basin, Andhra Pradesh. Jour. Geol. Soc. India, v.55, pp.65–76.

  • Mckenzie, D.P. (1978) Some remarks on the development of sedimentary basins. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., v.40, pp.25–32.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meijerink, A.M.J., Rao, D.P. and Rupke, J. (1984) Stratigraphic and Structural development of the Precambrian Cuddapah basin, S.E. India. Precambrian Res., v.26, pp.57–104.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mercier, J.L. (1981) Extensional and Compressional tectonics associated with the Aegean Arc: Comparison with the Andean Cordillera of south Peru-north Bolivia-Phil. Trans. Roy. Soc. London, v.300, pp.337–355.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Milani, E.J. and Davison, I. (1988) Basement control and transfer tectonics in the Reconcavo-Tucano Jatoba basin, NE Brazil. Tectonophysics, v.154, pp.41–70.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miller, E.L., Gans, P.B. and Garing, J. (1983) The Snake Range decollement: an exhumed Mid-Tertiary ductile-brittle transition. Tectonics, v.2, pp.239–263.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mishra, V.P., Pushkar Singh and Dutta, N.K. (1988) Stratigraphy, structure and metamorphic history of Bastar Craton. Rec. Geol. Surv. India, v.117, pp.1–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Murthy, Y.G.K. (1981). The Cuddapah basin: A review of Basin development and basement framework relations. Fourth Workshop on ’status, Problems, and Programmes in Cuddapah Basin’, Institute of India Peninsular Geology, Hyderabad, pp.51–72.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nagaraja Rao, B.K., Rajurkar, G., Ramalingaswamy and Ravindra Babu, B. (1987) Stratigraphy, structure and Evolution of the Cuddapah basin. Purana Basins of India. Mem. Geol. Soc. India, no.6, pp.33–86.

  • Narayanaswami, S. (1966) Tectonics of the Cuddapah basin. Jour. Geol. Soc. India, v.7, pp.33–50.

    Google Scholar 

  • Narayanaswami, S. (1959) Cross folding en echelon folding in Precambrian rocks of India and their relation to metalogenesis. Jour. Geol. Soc. India, v.1, pp.80–104.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rajesham, T., Bhaskar Rao, Y.J. and Murthi, K.S. (1994) The Karimnagar Granulite Terrane — A new Saphirin bearing granulite province, South India. Jour. Geol. Soc. India, v.41, pp.51–59.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ram Babu, H.V. (1993) Basement structure of Cuddapah Basin from gravity anomalies. Tectonophysics, v.223, pp.411–422.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roberts, A. and Yielding, G. (1994) Continental extensional tectonics. In: P.L. Hancock (Ed.), Continental Deformation. Pergamon Press. Ltd., pp.223–250.

  • Rogers, J.J.W. (1986) The Dharwar Craton and assembly of Peninsular India. Jour. Geol., v.94, pp.129–143.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roy Chowdhury, K. and Hargraves, R.B. (1981) Deep seismic sounding in India and the Origin of continental crust. Nature, v.291, pp.648–650.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Saha, D. (2002) Multi stage deformation in the Nallamalai fold belt, Cuddapah Basin, South India — Implications for Mesoproterozoic tectonism along the southeastern margin of India. Gondwana Res., v.5, no.3, pp.701–719.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Saha, D. (1989). Compressional structures in a shallow platformmiogeoclinal sequence within Godavari valley-Proterozoicremnants of a collisional suture, or aulacogen or an intracratonic orogen? Proc. 28 Inter. Geol. Cong., Washington, D.C.

  • Santosh, M., Maruyama, S. and Sato, K. (2009) Anatomy of a Cambrian suture in Gondwana: pacific-type orogeny in southern India? Gondwana Res., v.16, pp.321–341.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Subrahmanyam, C. (1983) An overview of gravity anomalies Precambrian metamorphic terrains and their boundary relationship in the southern Indian shield. In: S.M. Naqvi and J.J.W. Rogers (Eds.), Precambrian of South India. Mem. Geol. Soc. India, no.4, pp.553–570.

  • Tewari, H.C. and Rao, V.K. (1995) Seismic studies in the Cuddapah Basin: A review. Seminar on ‘Cuddapah Basin’, Tirupati, 1995, pp.67–79.

  • Venkatakrishnan, R. and Dotiwala, F.E. (1987) The Cuddapah salient: a tectonic model for the Cuddapah Basin, India, based on Landsat image interpretation. Tectonophysics, v.136, pp.237–253.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vijaya Kumar, K. and Leelanandam, C. (2008) Evolution of the Eastern Ghats Belt., India: a plate tectonic prospective. Jour. Geol. Soc. India, v.72, pp.720–749.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vine, F.J. and Smith, A.G. (1981) Extensional tectonics associated with convergent plate boundaries — Introduction. Phil. Trans. Roy. Soc. London, A.300, pp.214–222.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wernicke, B. (1981) Low-angle normal faults in the Basin and Range Province: nappe tectonics in an extending orogen. Nature, v.291, pp.645–648.

    Article  Google Scholar 

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

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Geophysical Research Institute (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research), Hyderabad, 500 007, India

    T. R. K. Chetty

Authors
  1. T. R. K. Chetty
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to T. R. K. Chetty.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Chetty, T.R.K. Tectonics of proterozoic Cuddapah Basin, southern India: A conceptual model. J Geol Soc India 78, 446–456 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12594-011-0109-1

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12594-011-0109-1

Keywords

Search

Navigation