Geomorphotectonics around the Sung Valley Carbonatite Complex, Shillong Plateau, Northeast India: a Remote Sensing and Gis Approach

Abstract

Sung Valley Carbonatite Complex (SVCC) of the Shillong Plateau is one of the important known carbonatite complexes in India. This complex has intruded the sub-vertical beds of Shillong Group rocks and occur along the major N-S trending pre-existing Um Ngot fault. Topographically, the carbonatite intrusion is marked by a prominent semi-circular depression formed due to weathering of soft nature of the rocks present in the complex. This characteristic is unique in relation to carbonatite and related rocks with the surrounding relatively hard lithological formations. This < feature is prominently displayed on satellite image. The drainage network of the study area is found to be strongly controlled by structure and lithology. The present study is an attempt towards morphotectonic interpretation of the SVCC and adjoining region using satellite imagery and spatial data integration in GIS environment.