Thses Ppt is about The Unique Geoheritage of the Kachchh basin, Gujarat, westren india

1. The Unique Geoheritage of the Kachchh
Basin, Gujarat, Western India
M.G. Science Institute
(Geology Department)
Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009.
By
Ms. Janki Chaudhari, Mr. Darshan Darji and
Mr. Aakash Limbachiya
Protolith'23

2. Kachchh Region
A
B
C
(A) Physiographic map of India, (B) Physiographic map of Gujarat and (C) Proposed locations of geo-
heritage sites from Kachchh district.

3. Geological Map of Kachchh
Geological map of the Kachchh Basin showing three distinct lithostratigraphic divisions. (1) Mainland of
Kachchh, (2) Pachham Island, and (3) Eastern Kachchh (modified from Biswas & Deshpande, 1970)

4. Khari River Gorge
Khari Gorge is a narrow and deep canyon along Kodki road, Bhuj, Kachchh region of Gujarat, India. It was
formed by erosive action of the Khari River and is known for its steep rock walls, boulder-strewn riverbed, and
unique rock formations.

5. Columnar Sandstone
The columnar sandstone near Kodki Ganga Temple, Bhuj, Kachchh, Gujarat. It is unique geological
feature formed by the development of syneresis cracks in shallow marine environment. These pillars or
columns of sandstone are found in various shapes (mainly pentagonal) and sizes.

6. Dholavira
The geology of Dholavira, an archaeological site in Kachchh Gujarat, India, consists of sedimentary rocks
such as sandstone, limestone, and shale that have been layered over time. Fossils of marine organisms suggest
that the area was once covered by sea. The availability of raw materials such as chert and agate from nearby
outcrops played a significant role in the development of the Harappan civilization at Dholavira.
Layout view of different divisions of the Dholavira Archaeological Site, Gujarat, India (Right). The
inset maps showing the various Harappan sites (top left) and Gujarat Harappan sites (bottom left).
Prasad, R. K. and Prabhakar, V. N. (2022)

7. (a) ‘Fossil Park’ with a variety of invertebrate
fossils and large sections of fossil wood
(Khadir Formation, Middle Jurassic),
(b) Large wood fossils (Middle Jurassic period) at
Dholavira Fossil Park,
(c) Interior of the 3-storied Harappan Fort,
(d) Circular residential structure,
(e) Earthquake resistant structures and
(f) Ancient water reservoir.

8. White Rann
The Great and Little Rann salt flats exposed in the area of around 23000 sq km have the potential sediments to
understand an uninterrupted history of Holocene sea level and climate change.
The Great Rann of Kachchh is a salt marsh of the Kutch District of Gujarat, India.

9. Fulra Limestone Formation
The Fulra limestone Formation is a geological formation widely exposed in western Kachchh of Gujarat, India.
It consists of thick layers of limestone containing ample marine fossils that date back to the Early Eocene
period. The site is important for geologists and visitors can observe the limestone layers and fossils.

10. Dinosaur Fossil
The Kachchh region has a rich dinosaur
fossil record found in the Kachchh Basin,
formed during the Mesozoic era. The fossils
include those of sauropods, theropods, and
ornithopods.
Dinosaur Thigh Bone

11. Kadiya Dhro
( The Grand Canyon of Kachchh )
Kadiya Dhro is located in Ulat, Kachchh Gujarat. In the later half of 2021, the New York Times unveiled a list featuring
52 must-visit places in the world. It is known for its unique geological features, including steep rock walls, boulder-
strewn riverbeds and waterfalls.

12. Conclusion
• The Kachchh peri-cratonic, Palaeo-rift Basin in Western India is a unique geological formation that must be protected from
harmful human activities and included in sustainable development plans as proposed by the UN and UNESCO.
• Its potential as Gujarat's first national geopark could bring economic benefits and promote environmental sustainability.
Therefore, it is crucial to preserve this geological sites for future generations.
• The diverse geological features, such as various rock types, fossils, folds and faults, volcanic flows, and scenic views, will
also appeal to general tourists and generate interest in geology and geotourism.
No Geological Sites Distance from
Bhuj city
1 Khari River Gorge 5.7 Km
2 Columnar Sandstone 14 Km
3 Dholavira 130 Km
4 White Rann 87 Km
5 Fulra Limestone Formation 148 Km
6 Dinosaur Fossil site 24 Km
7 Kadiya Dhro 33 Km

13. References
 Biswas, S. K. and Deshpande, S. V. (1970). Geological and tectonic maps of Kutch. Bull. Oil Nat. Gas
Comm, 7(2), 115-116.
 Geological map of the Kachchh Basin showing three distinct lithostratigraphic divisions. (1) Mainland of
Kachchh, (2) Pachham Island, and (3) Eastern Kachchh (modified from Biswas & Deshpande, 1970)
 Prasad, R. K. and Prabhakar, V. N. (2022). Mineralogical characterization of raw materials from Dholavira,
Gujarat, India and its geological and archaeological significance. Current Science (00113891), 123(11).

14. Thank You