Implication of Weathering, Climatic Condition and Tectonic Setting of Source Rocks on the Geochemical Behaviour of Quaternary Sediments of the Ganga-Yamuna Interfluve in and around Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India

Abstract

In this study, weathering intensity, provenance and tectonics setting of Quaternary sediment deposits of the Ganga river, the Yamuna river and their tributaries in and around Haridwar area, Uttarakhand, India is explicated. The channel and levee sediments are well preserved along these rivers. For the purpose, the concentration of major oxides in the channel and levee sediments of rivers were analysed and chemical indices and discriminant functions were determined to understand the mobility pattern of different chemical constituents under various climatic conditions. An overall view of variation in provenance, shifting of channels and mechanism of river sediments transportation and accumulation in varying energy conditions is emphasised and validated from the field evidences and the present condition. Geomorphologically, the area comprises of bedrock strata of various lithologies, small sediments mounds and high hills, and fault scarps. The accumulated sediments and debris in channel bars and levees, and deviated drainages are the prominent features observed along the catchment of studied rivers. The results reveal the distinct concentration of heavy minerals derived from multiple provinces under low to intermediate weathering intensity, due to frequent climatic changes, migration of river channels, activation of thrusts and neotectonic activities. The integrated outcome of the present study can be used to predict the dynamics of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers and their tributaries which may provide a holistic management of headwater region above the area and its influence in lower parts of river sediment deposits in plains.