Record of neotectonic activity in the pindari glacier valley: study based on glacio geomorphic and AMS fabric evidences

Abstract

Systematic geomorphological studies aided by anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) along the Pindari glacier valley suggest continued neotectonic activity in the area. The distribution and orientation of a number of glaciogeomorphic features viz. inclined bedding planes within the lacustrine deposits, asymmetrical terraces, deep entrenched gorges, skewed fans, sharp contact between the U-shaped and the V-shaped valleys and higher bifurcation ratio, The shape parameters T and q determined during the systematic AMS study of a glacio-lacustrine pit profile suggests that during its depositional history, there have been at least two phases, where the primary sedimentary fabric has been overprinted by secondary tectonic fabric. The constricted valley indicates a major phase of rejuvenation prior to 25 ka that inhibited the downstream advancement of Pindari trunk glacier. This was followed by another event of rejuvenation post 3 ka.