Author: A. Siawal , P.P. Dash and H.C. Srivastava

Abstract - The evolution of western continental margin of India (WCMI) began with the separation of east and west Gondwanaland. Subsequently sequential separation of Madagascar and Seychelles from mainland is less understood. The imprints of each tectonic episode may have been lost beyond their identification due to Deccan volcanism. In the present study a comprehensive and integrated approach is made to understand tectonic evolution of entire western margin of India (from Kutch in the north to Kerala in the south) within the ambit of Plate tectonic framework. The paper vividly depicts evolution of WCMI through paleotectonic spread maps at some important stratigraphic levels. The study suggests a multi-phase evolution for western continental margin of India. These stages are-1) Pre Break up, 2) extension in Somali basin, 3) initiation of Kerala Basin in the south, 4) initiation of Laxmi Basin towards north, and 5) Deccan volcanic episode,Cambay rift formation, clockwise rotation of Saurashtra Peninsula and break up of Seychelles.

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