Home

Proceedings of the International Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 2022, 12(1): 31-43
[XML] [EndNote] [RefManager] [BibTex] [ Full PDF (461K)] [Comment/Review Article]

Article

Inferring palaeoenvironments from geochemical studies of intrabasaltic palaeosols from the Deccan Volcanic Province, India

M. M. Shaikh1, M. R. G. Sayyed2
1Geology Department, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007, India
2Geology Department, Poona College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Camp, Pune 411001, India

Received 10 December 2021;Accepted 5 January 2022;Published 1 March 2022
IAEES

Abstract
Three well exposed intrabasaltic palaeosol (bole bed) profiles from the Deccan traps of Ambheri area (Satara district of Maharashtra, India) were studied for their geochemical characteristics to infer the palaeoenvironmental conditions which prevailed during their development. The values of Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) obtained for the rocks under study suggest that the red boles were formed under incipient to extreme chemical weathering with much more leaching of mobile elements and concomitant enrichment of immobile elements. This is also confirmed by lower values of Parker's Weathering Index (PWI) and Weathering Potential Index (WPI). Mean Annual Precipitation (MAP) and Mean Annual Temperature (MAT) values in general point to moderate rainfall and temperature. The oxic and acidic conditions are inferred from the values of Iron Species Ratio (and Gleization) and Product Index (and Clayeyness). Lower calcination and salinization values suggest semi-humid to humid (also supported by Aridity Index, AIkoppen), fairly leached and well drained conditions.

Keywords India;Deccan Volcanic Province;intrabasaltic palaeosols (bole beds);geochemistry;palaeoenvironment.


International Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences. E-mail: office@iaees.org
Copyright © 2009-2024 International Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences. All rights reserved.
Web administrator: office@iaees.org, website@iaees.org; Last modified: 2024/4/25


Translate page to: