Regional Stratigraphy of Quaternary Deposits in Parts of Thar Desert, Rajasthan

Quaternary stratigraphy of a part of Thar desert, Rajasthan is proposed based on the correlation of depositional sequences in Kantli-Ghaggar basin, Luni basin, Sambhar lake and Jaipur area. The Quaternary sediments comprising the fluvial, lacustrine and aeolian deposits are associated with distinct pedologic events which show uniformity in succession even over these widely separated areas. The lithosequences and geomorphological characteristics along with pedogenic evidences are considered in classifying the Quaternary sediments, giving an informal nomenclature, into five formations namely Bikaner Formation, Churu Formation, Sambhar Formation, Jaipur Formation and Luni Formation, Each of these formations consists of fluvial, lacustrine and aeolian units excepting the Jaipur Formation which consists of only fluvial unit. The onset of Quaternary period marked a major transformation from humid, tropical to arid, desertic conditions which continued with periods of comparative wetter and drier phases.