1

REPORT

ON

A GEOLOGICAL FIELD EXCURSION FROM ISLAMABAD TO

KIRANA HILLS, SARGODHA, PAKISTAN

DEPERTMENT OF EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

BAHRIA UNIVERSITY ISLAMABAD

I

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

All praise to Allah Almighty who blessed me with the courage and ability to

work on this report and to compile it. I would like to thank the department of Earth

and Environmental Sciences, Bahria University for offering us this four days of field

work as a course in our semester, we gained a lot of information and cleared the

confusions for without field work it is very difficult to understand the theory. Special

thanks to Dr. Tehseenullah Khan, Professor Bahria University, Islamabad and

Mr. Saqib Mehmood, Assistant Professor, Bahria University, Islamabad whose

guidance, vast knowledge, experience and interest helped us a lot in understanding the

different geological features and rock formations and also helped us in enhancing our

practical knowledge of how to analyze different structures in the field. Also a very

special thanks to the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Bahria

University Islamabad, to arrange such an informative field excursion.

II

ABSTRACT

The report is about our field work in Sargodha and Chinot on the Kirana Hills.

This report contains general stratigraphy of the area we visited, topography of kirana

hills and the trip overview, personal conclusion and the information on the area,

location, tectonics, general stratigraphy and field observations of the different areas

that we visited in Sargodha and Chinot. This report has the theoretical knowledge of

what I learned during the four days of our work.

CONTENTS

PAGE NO.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I

ABSTRACT II

CHAPTER: 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background 01

1.2 Purpose Of Field 01

1.3 Location and Accessibility 01

1.4 Methodology 03

CHAPER: 2 GENERAL GEOLOGY

2.1 Topography of the Kirana Hills 04

2.2 Formations of the study area 04

2.2.1 Hachi Formation 05

2.2.2 Tuguwali Formation 05

2.2.3 Asianwala Formation 05

2.2.4 Hadda Formation 06

2.2.5 Sharaban Formation 06

CHAPTER: 3 DAY: 1 CHAK 100 QILLA HILLS

3.1 Station: 1 08

3.2 Station: 2 09

CHAPTER: 4 DAY: 2 CHAK 102 SHARABAN AREA

4.1 Station: 1 11

4.2 Station: 2 14

4.3 Station: 3 14

4.4 Station: 4 15

CHAPTER: 5 DAY: 3 SHAHEEN-ABAD & BULAND HILLS

5.1 Station: 1 16

5.2 Station: 2 17

5.3 Station: 3 18

5.4 Station: 4 19

5.5 Station: 5 19

5.6 Station: 6 21

CHAPER: 6 DAY: 4 CHINIOT

6.1 Station: 1 22

CONCLUSION 23

REFERENCES 24

LISTS OF FIGURES

PAGE NO.

Figure: 3.1 Light greenish coloured dolerite observed at station 1 Qilla hills.

09

Figure: 3.2 Image of Dolerite with Quartzite

09

Figure: 3.3 Dolerite dike intruding into quartzite

10

Figure: 3.4 Chert present in Quartzite

10

Figure: 4.1 Caving observed at Sharaban Area, station 1 due to whirling of water as in physical weathering

12

Figure: 4.2 Conglomerates, grading into slaty structure, observed at sharaban area.

12

Figure: 4.3 Sedimentary dike intruding in Quartzite

13

Figure: 4.4 Lens shaped Quartz veins

13

Figure: 4.5 Encirled Area shows the convolution banding in the formation.

14

Figure: 4.6 Jesper (Red variety of Quartz)

14

Figure: 4.7 Opening of the cave where hematite is extracted. Iron veins in the quartzite formation can be seen clearly

15

Figure: 4.8 Iron bands or veins in the quartzite formation can be seen clearly

15

Figure: 5.1 Structure showing Rhyolite (Yellow) intruded between Quartzite.

17

Figure: 5.2 A figure showing Tuffaceous slate

18

Figure: 5.3 A picture of Basalt, there were calcite and quartz veins in it

18

Figure: 5.4 A picture showing Hachi boulders (Buland Hills)

19

Figure: 5.5 A snapshot of Rhyolite dike

20

Figure: 5.6 Qaurtz veins can be seen clearly in this rhyolite dike (extrusion)

20

Figure: 5.7 Image showing sharp contact of rhyolite with slate.

20

Figure: 5.8 Quartzite and dolerite, pale yellow color can be observed

19

LIST OF SKETCHES

PAGE NO.

Sketch 1 Sketches of day 1 i

Sketch 2 Sketches of day 2 ii

Sketch 3 Sketches of day 3 iii

Sketch 4 Sketches of day 4 iv

Figure: 6.1 An image of Hematite sample

22

Figure: 6.2 Another picture showing the grains of micaceous hematite in hand lens

22

Figure: 6.3 Dandritic pattern observed at Chiniot

22

LIST OF MAPS

PAGE NO.

Map: 1.1 Satellite image of Sargodha

02

Map: 1.2 Route map from Islamabad to Sargodha

02

Map: 1.3 Satellite image of Chiniot

03

Map: 2.1 Geological resource map of Kirana area

07

Map: 3.1 Route map from Sargodha to Chak 100 (Qilla Hills)

08

Map: 4.1 Route map from Sargodha to Chak 102 Sharaban Area

11

Map: 5.1 Route map from Sargodha to Shaheen-abad

16

Map: 6.1 Route map from Sargodha to Chiniot

22

1

CHAPTER : 1

INRTODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND

The Kirana area comprises of metasedimentary and igneous Precambrian rocks which

have been intruded by dykes and sills. An indication of mineralization in the form of

quartz veins is also present in the area but as yet no significant deposit has been

reported. The Kirana Hills are a major source of crushed rock aggregates for private

and public sectors in southern and central Punjab. The precambrian rocks are

considered to be very important throughout the world as these contain valuable

mineral deposits. Hematite mineralization has been noticed in the area.

1.2 PURPOSE OF FIELD

The primary purpose and objective of the field work was to enhance our

knowledge and to understand, how to analyze the different rock formations, how to

measure the dip and strike of the formations and draw rough sketches of the area.

Also the purpose was to make our practical knowledge more sound and to identify the

various features that are exposed in the outcrop.

1.3 LOCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY

Sargodha is the 11th largest city of Pakistan and 5th largest of Punjab. It is located

in the north-east of Pakistan. It is known as best citrus-producing and also one of the

ore producing cities of Pakistan. Map 1.1 shows the satellite view of Sargodha.

2

Map: 1.1 Satellite image of Sargodha

The coordinates of Sargodha are 32.0836° N and 72.6711° E. The city is easily

accessible from Islamabad via Islamabad motorway. Sargodha is located 206 km (128

miles) from Lahore the second largest city in Pakistan and 244 km (152 miles) from

Islamabad. The route map from Islamabad to Sargodha is shown below in map 1.2.

Map: 1.2 Route map from Bahria University Islamabad to Sargodha

3

Chiniot city is located between the heart of river Chenab with the heads of small

rocky hills, it is known for its wooden furniture architecture which has a great

attraction in all over the world. Map 1.3 shows the satellite view of Chiniot.

Map: 1.3 Satellite image of Chiniot

The coordinates of chiniot city are 31.7200° N and 72.9789° E. Chiniot is located

55km from Sargodha and is easily accessible.

1.4 METHODOLOGY The methodology by which we studied Stratigraphy is:

Observe the formation members, outcrops, lithology and make cross-sections.

Measure the dip strike and draw the sketches of the deformational structures

Take samples and cross match to observe similarities and differences.

4

CHAPTER 2

GENERAL GEOLOGY

2.1 TOPOGRAPHY OF KIRANA HILLS

The Kirana Hills is a small mountain range in Pakistan's Punjab province. It

spans approximately 40 miles across the districts of Sargodha and Jhang. The highest

peak in the Kirana Hills is Koh-e-Kirana, which is about 980 feet high. The region is

also known as "Black Mountains" by locals because of the dark brown colors of the

range. The Kirana Hills and its environs are heavily infested with wild boar or wild

pig.

2.2 FORMATIONS OF THE STUDY AREA:

Table 2.1 shows the various formations of the Kirana area.

Group Formation Description

Machh Super Group

Sharaban formation Conglomerates with slate intercalations.

Hadda formation Calcareous quartzites

Asianwala Formation Mainly quartzites with sub ordinate quartz wackes / arenaceous slates, gritty quartzites and slates, often showing cross bedding and ripple marks

Tuguwali Formation Slates, fine grained quartz wackes / arenaceous slates

Chak 112 Conglomerates Polymict conglomerate with clasts of dolerite and acid volcanics.

Hachi volcanics

Volcanogenic slates Often interbedded with rhyolite / rhyolitic tuff and dolerite

Volcanics Dolerites, andesites, dacites, dacitic tuff, rhyolites and rhyolitic tuff.

5

2.2.1 Hachi Formation

Named after the type Locality at Hachi Hill lies between latitude 31° 54' 09" N

and longitude 72° 41' 59" E, north of Sikhanwali railway station, this formation

consists of quartzites, slates, phyllites, tuffs and lava flows. At the type locality it is

404 m thick. The quartzites in the formation are light to medium grey, medium

grained and comprise rounded to subrounded quartz grains with clay minerals .The

tuffs are light grey, interlayered with lavas and metasediments. The lavas are largely

rhyoloitic to dacitic with minor andesite and no pillow structures.

2.2.2 Tuguwali Formation

This formation is named after the Taguwali Village which lies between the

latitude 31° 56'N and longitude 72° 42'E and the type section is south of Kirana Hill,

located at the coordinates 31° 58' 3''N and 72° 42' 0''E .This formation is entirely

composed of sedimentary rocks with phyllites and slates dominating its upper part,

slates in its middle part and cross bedded quartzites, phyllites and slates in its lower

part .The formation is about 1189 m thick. The lower contact of this formation with

the underlying Hachi formation is obscure. Its upper contact with the Asianwala

formation is gradational.

2.2.3 Asianwala Formation

The formation drives its name from the Asianwala canal rest house which lies

between latitude 31° 59' 38''N and 72° 43' 42''E. The Kirana Hill, near Sargodha, is

the type locality. This formation is largely comprised of quartzite with subordinate

intercalations of slate .The quartzite is off-white to light grey or mottled brown. It is

comprised of well-sorted surrounded to rounded quartz grains. It is thick-bedded,

cross-bedded and ripple-marked. The interbedded slates are grey and occur in thin

layers. The upper part of the formation is covered by alluvium .It has a gradational

contact with the underlying Taguwali formation .No fossils have yet been found .At

the type locality the formation is about 250 m thick

6

2.2.4 Hadda Formation

The formation has been named after the Hadda canal rest house, 20 km from

Sargodha.

It is largely comprised of quartzites, slates conglomerates and lava flows. At the

type locality it is about 372 m thick .The quartzites are the dominant rock type .They

are rusty brown, fine-grained and at places cross-bedded. Slumping of beds is also

evident at some locations.

The upper part of the formation is dominated by conglomerates, interbedded with

lesser amounts of quartzites. The conglomerates contain flattened pebbles of quartzite

slate and lesser amount of limestone. The middle part is largely composed of light

grey to brownish grey fine grained, thin bedded quartzites. The lower part of the

formation is comprised of light grey quartzites which are highly ferruginous at places.

No fossils have been found .the formation is exposed in isolated hillocks without any

connection with older sequences. According to Alam et al (1992), it is conformably

overlain by the Sharaban formation

2.2.5 Sharaban Formation

Named after the type locality at Sharaban hill, about 18 km SE of Sargodha the

formation is characterized by a 120 m thick sequence of conglomerates with minor

lenses of fine-grained quartzite.

The conglomerate is thick bedded (5-10 m) and contains flattened and elongated

pebbles and cobbles (1-10cm) of quartzite and slate, apparently derived from the older

sequences in this region. The conglomerate also contains limestone pebbles that must

have come from distant source since there are no limestone outcrops in this region.

No fossils have been found in this formation .Its upper part is covered by

alluvium. According to Alam et al (1992) stratigraphically it overlies all the other four

formations.

7

Map: 2.1 Geological resource map of Kirana area

8

CHAPTER 3

DAY : 1

CHAK 100 QILLA HILLS

Latitude: 31 58’ 56” N

Longitude: 72° 13′ 18′′ E

Map: 3.1 Route Map from Sargodha to Chak 100 Qilla Hills

3.1 STATION: 1

The location was Qilla hills. Rugged, massive, medium grained Dolerite

(hypabasal igneous rock) was seen which was greenish in colour as shown in figure

3.1. It contained amphibole and plagioclase which was present at station 1. If the

outcrop is fresh then pyroxene will be present. Dolerite is equivalent to

volcanic basalt or plutonic gabbro, shearing phenomenon was observed. Greenish

looking igneous rock, Dolerite is due to feldspar, weathered into sericite. It would

have had foliation, schistosity if it was metamorphic rocks and if it was sedimentary

then it would have been layered.

9

Figure: 3.1 Light greenish coloured dolerite observed at station 1 Qilla hills.

3.2 STATION: 2

As we moved further to second station, we observed dark coloured dolerite,

containing amphibole and plagioclase. If it would have been fresh, if it had contained

amphibole and pyroxene. Convolution banding was also observed at station 2. Figures

3.2 shows the outcrop of station 2.

Figure: 3.2 Image of Dolerite with Quartzite

10

Quartzite had an intrusion of Rhyolite, and Quartz veins were also present in Dolerite.

Plagioclase cuts into amphibole. At station 2, Quartzite is intruded by a dolerite dike.

Figure: 3.3 Dolerite dike intruding into quartzite

The dark and light color in quartzite show mineralogical variations. Mafic minerals

were greater in dolerite. Lithological variation was present. Quartzite has flint that

confirms that it is not rhyolite, and has very fine grained chert as shown in figure 3.4.

Figure: 3.4 Chert present in Quartzite The dip and strike which was calculated was:

Strike: N70°W

Dip: 68°NE

Dolerite Dike

11

CHAPTER 4

DAY : 2

SHARABAN AREA

Lattitude: 31° 57’ 07” N

Longitude: 72° 47’ 5” E

Map: 4.1 Route map from Sargodha to Chak 102 Sharaban area

4.1 STATION: 1

The outcrop here is also quartzite but it’s different from the one observed at chak

100. Shearing phenomenon was observed. Faults were present, intraformational

shearing in faults. Caving of formation was observed due to whirling of water effect

as occurs in physical weathering as shown in figure 4.1.

12

Figure: 4.1 Caving observed at Sharaban Area, station 1 due to whirling of water as

in physical weathering

Formation is sandstone metamorphosed to quartize. Slate was also identified,

conglomerates with slaty interclations shown in figure 4.2. Gradational contact was

observed. Quartz veins were also present in the formation as were observed

previously at chak 100 on day 1. Calcareous schist extention greenish due to

carbonates (may contain mudstone, siltstone). Indications of Breccia were also

reported in the formation.

Figure: 4.2 Conglomerates, grading into slaty structure, observed at sharaban area.

13

Layered sedimentry dike was also identified as shown in figure 4.3, which was

intruding into quartzite, having a total length of approx. 14 feet and varying width

with a maximum of 8.2 inches and a minimum of 4.0 inches

Figure: 4.3 Sedimentary dike intruding in Quartzite

Lens shaped Quartz veins were also observed at station 1. As shown in figure 4.4.

Figure: 4.4 Lens shaped Quartz veins

14

Dip and Strike of the area was:

Strike: N 80° E

Dip: 68° SE

4.2 STATION: 2

Convolution banding was observed in the formation at station 2 as shown in figure 4.5

Figure: 4.5 Encirled Area shows the convolution banding in the formation.

4.3 STATION: 3 Red veriety of quartz was found there, which is known as Jesper embedded in

quartzite was also identified as shown in figure 4.6. Dog toothspar (well developed

crystals of calcite) were also found at places.

Figure: 4.6 Jesper (Red variety of Quartz)

15

4.4 STATION: 4

There was an adit (cave) as shown in figure 4.9, where the mining on iron ore

used to be done. Now it has been abandoned due to casualties caused by blasting as

the nearby area is a village. Iron bands in the quartzite formation are present, these

hematite veins were caused by hydrothermal activity.

Figure: 4.7 Opening of the cave where hematite is extracted

Figure: 4.8 Iron bands or veins in the quartzite formation can be seen clearly

16

CHAPTER: 5

DAY : 3

SHAHEENABAD

Lattitude: 31° 55’ 56” N

Longitude: 72° 13’ 18” E

Map: 5.1 Route map from Sargodha to Shaheen-abad

5.1 STATION: 1 Five unites have been observed.

Quartzite

Dolorite

Tuffacious slate

Basalt

Rhyolite

(And some metallic mineralization)

In igneous rocks, we use weathered surface for identification of rocks. The dark

visible surface is amphibole (granular texture) and the yellowish layer is rhyolite

(silica rich) that has intruded into quartzite. There was alot of shearing phenomena

17

observed at station 1 as shown in figure 5.1.

Figure: 5.1 Structure showing Rhyolite (Yellow) intruded between Quartzite.

Dip and Strike was measured to be:

Strike: N 60° W

Dip: 65° SW

5.2 STATION: 2

Strike: N35° W

Dip: 30° NE

Here we observed tuffaceous slate as shown in figure 5.2. Slate has platty structure,

breaks along planes. It can easily be identified on the field by its earthen smell.

18

Figure: 5.2 A figure showing Tuffaceous slate 5.3 STATION: 3

Large beds of basalt were observed as shown in figure 5.3 below. Basalt is a

volcanic rock with fine grained texture. Mafic minerals can be present in it, the dark

minerals are usually amphibole and pyroxene, sometimes plagioclase, feldspathoids,

or olivine. Slate, basalt and micaseous hematite was present.

Figure: 5.3 A picture of Basalt, there were calcite and quartz veins in it

Strike: N 45° W

Dip: 20° SW

19

5.4 STATION: 4

This place is known as Hachi Boulders, belong to Kirana group. The age of

Kirana hills was determined from Buland hills IN 1973, these are of pre-cambrian age

and about 843 million years old. Formation here is quartzite all around.

Figure: 5.4 A picture showing Hachi boulders (Buland Hills) 5.5 STATION: 5

Typical Rhyolite intrusion was observed, at chak 108. Rhyolite is made of

viscous lava and is consolidated but here there were cracks in it due to high pressure.

This was a typical rhyolite dike that shows extrusion. The surface of this dike was

weathered and was pinkish at places that showed greater than 66% concentration of

potassium rich feldspar in rhyolite.The length of the dike was measured to be 110 feet.

The dike has sheared and alteration zones present in it and hence there were quartz

veins in it, and sharp contact at the bottom with slate which was because of the

conjugate joint and the mineralization of Quartz has occurred as shown in figures 5.5.

20

Figure: 5.5 A snapshot of Rhyolite dike

Figure: 5.6 Qaurtz veins can be seen clearly in this rhyolite dike (extrusion) There is also a sharp contact between Rhyolite and slate that can be observed very clearly as shown in figure 5.7.

Figure: 5.7 Image showing sharp contact of rhyolite with slate.

21

5.6 STATION: 6

This was the last stop of the day Chak 109, the rock formation was

quartzite-dolorite mostly. The color was pale yellow due to ochry (limonite)

mineralization in the formation as shown in figures 5.8. The color was disturbed due

to the dust caused by the blasting of hachi boulders for crushing stones. Usually

hypabasal rocks from dikes.

Strike: N 40° W

Dip: 55° SW

Figure: 5.8 Quartzite and dolerite, pale yellow color can be observed.

22

CHAPTER: 6

Day 4

CHINIOT

Lattitude: 31° 43′ 30′′ N

Longitude: 72° 58′ 26′′ E

Map: 6.1 Route Map from Sargodha to Chiniot 6.1 STATION: 1

Strike: N 40° W

Dip: 85° NE

The outcrop is rhyolite with phenocrysts and feldspars. Hematite veins are

observed as shown in figure 6.1, which might be a result of hydrothermal alterations

as vein type mineralization cannot be achieved without a heat source and it is

magmatic. The yellow color is due to the limonite present. Mangenese is also present.

We also noticed Metallic luster with black streak. Micaceous hematite is present as

veins shown in figure 6.2. Dandritic pattern was also observed as we moved further

up the hill as shown in figure 6.3.

23

Figure: 6.1 An image of Hematite sample

Figure: 6.2 Another picture showing the grains of micaceous hematite in hand lens

Figure: 6.3 Dandritic pattern observed at Chiniot.

24

CONCLUSION

The Kirana hills are the outliers of shield rocks in the Punjab plains present in the

Kirana, Chiniot, Shahkot and Sangla areas. The rocks are of Precambrian age. The

area consists of two geomorphic features i-e scattered hills and flat alluvial plains.

The Precambrian outcrops are composed of metasedimentary and igneous rocks. The

metasedimentary rocks are represented by quartzites, slates and phyllites. The Kirana

area comprises of metasedimentary and igneous Precambrian rocks which have been

intruded by dykes and sills. An indication of mineralization in the form of quartz

veins is also present in the area but as yet no significant deposit has been reported.

25

REFERENCES

Ahmed, S.A, Mateen, A., Khan, Z.K.and Chaudhary,M.N.,2000.Geology and geochemistry of Neoproterozoic Kirana Volcanics, Sargodha District, Punjab ,Pakistan. Geol. Bull. Punjab Univ. Alam, G.S (1987). Geology of Kirana Hills, District Sargodha, Punjab, Pakistan.Geol. Bull. Surv. Pak. Inf. Release 201,36p. Davies, R.G. and Crawford, A.R., (1971). Petrography and age of the rocks of Buland Hill, Kirana Hills, District Sargodha, West Pakistan.Geol.Mag.108, pp. 235-246. Heron, A.M. (1913), The Kirana and other hills in the Jech and Rechna Doabs. Recs. Geol. Surv. India 43, pp. 229-236.

pu.edu.pk/images/journal/geology/PDF-FILES/Vol_44_55-67.pdf prr.hec.gov.pk/Thesis/2688H.pdf