A Note on the Tectonic Framework and Geologic Set-Up of the Pangong-Chushul Sector, Ladakh Himalaya

The Pangong Tso-Spanggur Tso and the Shyok-Chushul-Dungti are the two tectonic zones in the area north of the Ladakh Range. The former zone has an association of metapelites, metacarbonates and metavolcanics in a graben type basin bounded by granitoids. The latter zone comprises Orbilina limestone, argillite, lava flows and grey-purple conglomerates in another graben type basin bounded on the NE by Pangong Granitoid and on the sw by the Ladakh Granitoid belts. These, along with the Indus Tectonic zone represent NW-SE trending parallel tectonic zones in the Trans-Himalayan Zone. The Pangong Tso-Spanggur Tso appear to be part of the larger Permian basin of Tibet. The Orbiloina limestone-volcanics-conglomerates or the Shyok-Chushul Tectonic Zone are comparable with the Sangeluma belt or the Indus Tectonic Zone. These are independent zones but comtemporaneous in development.