Changes in provenance of Quaternary sediments of Central Narmada basin, Madhya Pradesh, India: Evidence from heavy mineral studies

The heavy mineral suite of Quaternary succession of Central Narmada reflects their mixed derivation from Deccan Trap basalts and dykes, Vindhyan Supergroup, Gondwana Supergroup, Mahakoshal Group, Precambrian granites and gneisses. Based on variations in frequency percentages of heavy minerals, provenance sensitive indices (PSI), coupled with paleocurrent information; five provenance events are recognised: (i) Pilikarar Formation showing polycyclic nature, highest ZTR (zircon + tourmaline + rutile), low PSI; derived from Vindhyan Supergroup exposed in north, Mahakoshal Group and Deccan Trap basalts in northeast, (ii) decrease in ZTR index and garnet; with progressive increase in augite, GZi (garnet/garnet + zircon) and GtZRT (garnet/ZRT) from Dhansi, Surajkund and Baneta Formation derived from Mahakoshal Group, Gondwana Supergroup and Deccan Trap basalts present in southeast and east, (iii) slight increase in ZTR index, appreciable quantity of garnet and hornblende; higher GZi, GtZRT, SZi (staurolite/staurolite + zircon) in coarser clastics of Hirdepur Formation derived from Mahakoshal Group and Gondwana Supergroup exposed in south and southeast, (iv) increased augite and ZTR index in finer clastics of Hirdepur Formation, higher augite and appreciable garnet content, higher GZi, GtZRT, RZi (rutile/rutile + zircon) in succeeding Bauras Formation derived from Deccan Trap basalt and Mahakoshal Group exposed in east and southeast and (v) higher augite, garnet and hornblende contents, higher GZi, GtZRT, AmZRT (amphiboles/ZRT) in Ramnagar Formation suggest derivation from Mahakoshal Group, Gondwana Supergroup and Deccan Trap basalt from south and southeast. These events provide important evidences about tectonic, depositional and diagenetic conditions prevailing in Central Narmada basin during the Quaternary period.