Structural Analysis of Chakbeli Khan and Surrounding areas, District Rawalpindi, Punjab (P-1576) (MFN 3019)

Abstract

The study area forms eastern part of the Potwar Fold and Thrust Belt located to the south east of Soan Syncline. The exposed stratigraphy of the study area comprising of Chinji Formation, Nagri Formation, Dhok Pathan Formation and Soan Formation, overlain by Quaternary alluvium. Chinji Formation mostly occupies the core of anticlines, whereas the rest of the formations occupy the flanks of the anticlines. The stratigraphy below Chinji Formation is based on the well data drilled in the study area and its surrounding which includes Kamlial Formation, Murree Formation of Miocene age and Chorgali Formation/Sakasser Formation of Eocene age respectively. The structural geometry of the study area is dominated by folds namely Soan Syncline in the northwest, Pindori Anticline in the central part and Dhanda Syncline towards the southeast of the study area. Generally, the synclines are broad and open as compared to anticlines which are relatively tight. All the fold structures trend in the northeast-southwest. The sequential evolution of structures is believed to be initiated as result of thrust fault emanating from the basal decollment with associated development of hanging wall anticlines which are later on disrupted by back thrust splaying from the fore thrust. The basal decollment is interpreted to be located near the interface of sedimentary rocks with crystalline basement.