Himalayan Geology, Vol. 38 (2), 2017, pp. 111-128, Printed in India
Sedimentary and Geomorphic observations along Pangong strand of the Karakorum fault (NW Himalaya) depicting Holocene Uplift
S.J. SANGODE1*, D.C. MESHRAM1, SUMAN RAWAT2, N. SURESH2, PRIYESHU SRIVASTAVA1
1Department of Geology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007, India
2Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun 248001, India
*Email (Corresponding author): sangode63@gmail.com
Abstract: Pangong range represents transpressionally uplifted block along central segment of the Karakorum fault (Kf). An ~8 m high unpaired terrace, paleo-shore lines and incised sediment scarps dating >8 ka (AMS and OSL ages) depict Holocene uplift at ~1 mm/a. The intensely deformed soft sediments, scouring and fanglomeratic slope deposits at various intervals in the sediment record suggest episodic nature of the uplift. We apply a duplex fan model to explain the transpressional uplift based on distribution and juxtaposition of different geomorphic signatures and lineaments. With a general slip rate of 4 mm/a, an angle of ~150 has been estimated to explain the oblique slip component within the Pangong block. More such studies using Quaternary sediment records and geomorphic signatures are warranted to examine the oblique slip components for precise estimation of slip rates along various segments of the Karakorum fault.
Key words: Karakorum fault, Pangong range, Neotectonics, Holocene uplift.
