Petrography of Warcha Sandstone of Permian age, Warcha Village, Salt Range Pakistan (P-0943) (MFN 4849)

Abstract

Warcha sandstone of Early Permian age is present in the Salt Range and Trans Indus Ranges. The stratigraphic section selected for detailed petrography at Warcha Gorge aims for classification on basis of modal composition, textural and mineralogical maturity and its provenance. Warcha sandstone is exposed at Salt Range due to Salt Range Thrust (SRT). The present study is based on field and lab work for interpretation of data. In thin section study, according to QFL triangular diagrams after Pettijohn (1987) the rock is classified as sub-arkose with relative abundance of quartz, feldspar (F>Q) and lithic fragments. It is suggested by paleoclimatic and paleotectonic characterstics, that the Warcha Sandstone provenance was the area of low relief, humid and semiarid climate with lack of vegetation.