Towards a direct dating of fault gouges using luminescence dating techniques-methodological aspects

Abstract

Results of a study to date neotectonic movements and past seismic events in Himalaya using the thermoluminescence technique are described. The basic assumption of zeroing of geological thermoluminescence during faulting was examined using techniques such as mechanoluminescence and clay mineralogy. Variation of the luminescence paleodoses with grain-size and the paleodose of the rocks away from the fault zone were also examined. The results indicate that neotectonic activity took place around 40 ka ago along Nainital and Sleepy Hollow fault, 70 ka ago along the MBT and 60 ka along the Mohand thrust. In conjunction with other evidences from the lacustrine records in the region, phases of regionally extended tectonic activities at about 40 ka and 60 ka are inferred.