Sedimentation record in the Konkan-Kerala Basin: implications for the evolution of the Western Ghats and the Western Indian passive margin

Campanile, D., Nambiar, C.G., Bishop, P., Widdowson, M. and Brown, R. (2007) Sedimentation record in the Konkan-Kerala Basin: implications for the evolution of the Western Ghats and the Western Indian passive margin. Basin Research, 20(1), pp. 3-22. (doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2117.2007.00341.x)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2117.2007.00341.x

Abstract

The Konkan and Kerala Basins constitute a major depocentre for sediment from the onshore hinterland of Western India and as such provide a valuable record of the timing and magnitude of Cenozoic denudation along the continental margin. This paper presents an analysis of sedimentation in the Konkan-Kerala Basin, coupledwith a mass balance study, and numerical modelling of flexural responses to onshore denudational unloading and o¡shore sediment loading in order to test competing conceptual models for the development of high-elevation passive margins. The Konkan-Kerala Basin contains an estimated 109,000 km<sup>3</sup>; of Cenozoic clastic sediment, a volume difficult to reconcile with the denudation of a downwarped rift flank onshore, and more consistent with denudation of an elevated rift flank. We infer from modelling of the isostatic response of the lithosphere to sediment loading offshore and denudation onshore that flexure is an important component in the development of the Western Indian Margin.There is evidence for two major pulses in sedimentation: an early phase in the Palaeocene, and a second beginning in the Pliocene. The Palaeocene increase in sedimentation can be interpreted in terms of a denudational response to the rifting between India and the Seychelles, whereas the mechanism responsible for the Pliocene pulse is more enigmatic.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:The definitive version is available at www.blackwell-synergy.com
Keywords:passive margin, flexure, escarpment
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Bishop, Professor Paul
Authors: Campanile, D., Nambiar, C.G., Bishop, P., Widdowson, M., and Brown, R.
Subjects:Q Science > QE Geology
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GB Physical geography
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
Research Group:Earth Surface Dynamics
Journal Name:Basin Research
Publisher:Blackwell
ISSN:0950-091X
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2007 Blackwell
First Published:First published in Basin Research 20(1):3-22
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.

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