Fossil marginal bassin from the Indian shield: a model for the evolution of Singhbhum Precambrian belt, Eastern India

Abstract

In the eastern part of the Indian shield covering Shinghbhum and adjoining districts of Bihar, occurs the fossil marginal basin which opened up during the early Proterozoic, flanked by Archaean continent to the south. Volcanism played a significant role in filling up the basin. The spine of the basin is occupied by a basaltic lava pile representing a narrow oceanic sector. BIF and possible lsquomarginal basin ophiolitesrsquo are other significant members of the basin cover. The structural features and sedimentary history of the basin are characteristic for marginal basins in general. Identification of this marginal basin emphasises the role of plate tectonics in the evolution of the Indian Precambrian shield.