Some Examples of Flame Structures from the Garbyang Palaeolake, Kumaun Tethys Himalaya

Soft sediment deformation structures are observed between elevations of 89-102 m in the laminated sediments of the Garbyang palaeolake located in the Kumaun Tethys Himalaya. Deformation of the laminated sediments has resulted in the development of flame structures. The deformation took place in a syndepositional stage as evidenced by occurrence of the deformed units between undeformed and planar sediments. The flame structures observed are flamed load cast and convolute flame structures. These structures were developed as a result of liquefaction process resulting in density inversion between the fine grained sediment such as mud overlain by coarse grained sediment such as clayey sand silty sand or sands. In some instances of deformation where coarse grained sediment are overlain by fine grained sediment, differential porosity and permeability contrast between the sediment has resulted in flamed convolute structures in the coarser sediment. In extreme case of flame development, the pseudonodule and clay diapir structures have formed.