Implications of new data on Mesozoic rocks of Kachchh, western India

Abstract

A lack of detailed facies studies has resulted in a false impression of the Mesozoic depositional setting in Kachchh, western India (previously, Kachchh has been termed ‘Kutch’ or ‘Cutch’). In addition, designation of part of this sequence as Gondawana implies, by tradition, a predominantly non-marine origin. Recently, we examined these Jurassic–Cretaceous units and found numerous wave-built sedimentary structures that have been previously overlooked or unreported, abundant marine trace fossils, and highly bioturbated and glauconite-rich beds. Thus, we now propose a marine origin for the entire Kachchh succession. This interpretation has important implications regarding similar sequences around the Indian plate margin.