OUTCROP SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHY OF THE NINIYUR FORMATION (PALEOCENE) EXPOSED IN THE ALATHIYUR LIMESTONE MINES, VRIDHACHALAM AREA, CAUVERY BASIN, TAMIL NADU

Abstract

The subject of sequence stratigraphy represents a new approach in understanding the lithological patterns and stacking mechanisms with time and space. The sequence stratigraphy reveals the process during the deposition of sediments in the basin system. Recognition of sequence surfaces enhances our understanding of the dynamics of sedimentation with time involving multiproxy analyses such as age paleoecological and paleoenvironmental constraints from macro and microfossils as well as geochemical proxies. Using this multiproxy approach can help gain significant insights into the sedimentation history in relation to sea level changes and tectonic framework. With this backdrop and literature review, the present dissertation seeks to work out the outcrop sequence stratigraphy of the Paleocene sedimentary section exposed in Alathiyur area, Virudhachalam, Cauvery Basin. The open cast Tular limestone mines in Alathiyur, Ariyalur district was studied to address the sequence stratigraphy. In a 30 m sediment litho section, samples at every 1m interval were analyzed for macro and microfossils assemblages, petrography and geochemistry. The sequences were delineated based on their fossil content, abundances and geochemical elemental ratios.