Explosive felsic volcanism at Palaeo-Mesoproterozoic boundary from Vindhyan Supergroup, Son Valley, Central India—Evidences of crustal contamination

Abstract

Vindhyan basin witnessed a widespread explosive type of felsic volcanism at Palaeo-Mesoproterozoic boundary which is manifested as Chopan porcellanite shale. This is exposed as a linear belt along the Son valley in Central India. Porcellanite shale is pyroclastics deposit comprising strongly welded to unwelded ignimbrites. CIA values coupled with A–CN–K systematics provide strong evidence regarding their igneous origin and proximity of the source. The pyroclastics are rhyodacitic to rhyolitic in nature. The enriched LREE, LILE, depleted HFSE and incompatible element ratios such as Nb/Th, La/Sm and Zr/Nb indicate contamination and mixing between mantle-derived rocks and the average continental crust. Five distinct phases of volcanic activity have been identified based on field observations and petrological evidences. Pyroclastics at various stratigraphic levels indicate repeated occurrences of intrabasinal felsic volcanism, pointing to episodic extension, rifting and eruption over a period of time. The present studies have suggested that volcanic activity in Son valley and pyroclastic detritus resulted from a common chamber due to the rejuvenation and activation of deep seated faults like Son-Narmada lineament.