Stratigraphic and Structural Insight into The Kala Khel Area Khyber Agency, North West Pakistan (P-0934) (MFN 4867)

Abstract

The present study is investigated for Litho-biostratigraphy and structure geology in order to provide reliable stratigraphic framework and to map the rock units and delineate the structural style of the Kala Khel area. Kala Khel area represents the northwestern extremity of the Indus basin. It is situated in the south of Peshawar city. Tectonically, this area is located at the southern part of main collision of the Indian- Eurasian plate and represents the hanging wall of the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) Under litho- biostratigraphy investigation the age of the exposed rock units were established using biostratigraphy and law of super position. The exposed rock units are Samana Suk Formation, Chichali Formation, Lumshiwal Formation, Kawagarh Formation, HanguFormation , Lockhart Formation and Patala Formation Structural investigation suggested that the study area represents the hanging wall of the MBT, as situated in close vicinity of such structure the area has undergone severe deformation. The mapped structures are trending in EW direction suggesting NS compression. Kala Khelbackthrust, Condoli overturned fault, Sawkaibackthrust and Poya thrust faults are key structures of the study area. The Condoli anticlinorium, Sawkai anticlinorium, Preykarai anticline, Condoli syncline, Preykarai syncline and Mirgand syncline are key folds in the study area most of the mapped folds are overturned, north facing folds. The back thrusting in the area represents the later stage of deformation, following the major deformation associated with MBT.