Kabi Raj Paudyal
Central Department of Geology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
The Muglin-Bandipur area of central Nepal, Lesser Himalaya comprises non-fossiliferous, low-grade meta-sedimentary rocks of the Midland Group. Study of the depositional sedimentary environment of the rocks exposed in the area was carried out in the present work. Lithological characteristics, bedding thickness and continuity, sedimentary structures, available fossils and petrographic study were the basis of assessing the depositional sedimentary environment of the area. The Midland sediments of the study area were deposited in the marine environment. The Kunchha Formation, the oldest unit of the Midland Group and of the whole Lesser Himalaya is considered to be deposited in the deep and calm oceanic condition. The sediments of Fagfog Quartzite are found to be deposited under the fluvial dominated delta environment. The argillaceous materials of Dandagaon Phyllite are considered as deposits of the transitional environment between deep and shallow marine. The depositional environment of the Nourpul Formation fluctuates fluvial dominated pro-delta condition to shallow marine condition with short term aerial exposure as well. The Dhading Dolomite is also inferred as the shallow marine deposits. Deposition of suspended materials of the Benighat Slates is considered relatively on deep and calm reducing environment.
