Archaean Komatiites from Banasandra Area of Kibbanahalli Arm Of Chitradurga Supracrustal Belt in Karnataka

The Banasandra Komatiites occur within the Kibbanahalli arm of the Chitradurga supracrustal Belt in Karnataka. They apparently overlie the Bababudan Group and the Peninsular Gneiss and occur in two isolated exposures, (i) east of Birasandra, and (ii) near Kodihalli - Kunikenahalli. Ultramafic rock types include pillowed serpentinites, spinifex-textured komatiite, massive and schistose serpentinite and talc-tremolite-chlorite schist. Certain quartz-antigorite (birbirite ?), quartz-amphibole, and high-magnesian chlorite rocks are also closely associated with the ultramafics. The major element chemistry of the Banasandra komatiites compares with those of Barberton, S. Africa, Munro Township, Canada and of W. Australia. The exact relationship between these komatiites and the Bababudan volcanics is not clear for lack of continuous outcrops. Field evidences point to possible tectonic emplacement.