Tectonostratigraphic Evolution of the Kalat and Mach area, Northern Kirthar Range, Balochistan Basin, Pakistan
Keywords:
Balochistan Basin, Tectonostratigraphic evolution, Biostratigraphy, facies augmented information, petroleum systemAbstract
In this study, the stratigraphic and sedimentological data has been utilized to decipher the tectonostratigraphic evolution of the Kalat and Mach area of the northern Kirthar Range, Balochistan Basin, Pakistan. Three (3) stratigraphic sections are measured and the Jurassic-Paleogene facies variation with their depositional environments are documented in the study area. Based on the biostratigraphic and facies augmented information, four tectonostratigraphic evolution stages are described which include a) The late early Jurassic (Toarcian)-mid Jurassic (Callovian-Aalenian) around 180 Ma-159.4 Ma; the deposition of Anjira-Chiltan Formation, and a late Jurassic thermal uplift; preceding the Indo-Madagascar separation from the Afro–Arbian Plate may have caused the shallowing and ultimately the exposure of mid Jurassic carbonate platform forming an erosional unconformity, b) early Cretaceous (Berreiasian) black clays and the interbedded clastics of the Parh Limestone (equivalent to the Sembar Formation) relates to the thermal uplift of the eastern margin of the Indo-Pak Plate and reworking of the late Jurassic paleosoles of the Chiltan Formation in the deep marine settings. c) The constituent facies of the Accretionary Prism Sediments (APS) and its stratigraphic relationship within the study area confirms that its obduction is related to the middle Cretaceous (late Coniacian-early Santonian) around 84-86 Ma during passive margin phase of the Indian Plate d) The uplift of the middle Eocene (Lutetian) carbonate platform is evident from the deposition of the fluvial reddish clays which are sandwiched between the foraminiferal limestone of the Kirthar Formation. The study area has promising reservoir rock potential, with multiple horizons present. Notable candidates include the Chiltan limestone, Parh Limestone, and various dolomite and sandstone horizons. The Ghazij Formation, rich in shale, is an ideal seal. However, an angular unconformity at the base of the Kirthar Formation suggests Eocene deformation, raising uncertainties about its presence. Despite these uncertainties, the study area has favorable geological characteristics for a viable petroleum system.
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