Abstract: Zanskar - Spiti Basin, India - A Remote Sensing Perspective

PRASAD, D.N., F. DOTIWALA, A. MAITHANI

The Zanskar - Spiti basin is one of the Tethyan basins bordering the northwestern leading edge of Indian continental plate. It exposes continuous sequence of Paleozoic - Mesozoic sediments and has been a subject of extensive geological studies. The area has negligible vegetation cover and offers an excellent opportunity for application of remote sensing studies.

Field and satellite spectral data are analyzed for the main lithologies/litho-association. An overall picture emerges that the carbonates at Pang, the Ferich argillaceous rocks of the Indus Flysch zone and the arenaceous Guimal Sandstone formed distinct spectral groups. The carbonates of Lilang group are impure with argillaceous and arenaceous components; therefore, they form overlapping spectral characteristics. The Spiti Shale occupies a separate class of higher spectral response. Eight image units have been identified on the basis of diagnostic remote sensing attributes. The units mapped are correlatable with established stratigraphic formations.

Morphostructurally the basin is divisible into three blocks, northwestern Zanskar block, central Sarchu block and southeastern Spiti block, having undergone varied intensity of deformation.

Southeastern Spiti block, being relatively less deformed, contains the complete stratigraphic sequence from Paleozoic to Mesozoic and offers the most favorable conditions for hydrocarbon prospects.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90942©1997 AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Vienna, Austria