Ichnology of bhuban and boka bil formations, oligocene miocene by p kundal

0016-7622/2010-76-6-573/$ 1.00 © GEOL. SOC. INDIA

JOURNAL GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF INDIAVol.76, December 2010, pp.573-586

Ichnology of Bhuban and Boka Bil Formations, Oligocene-MioceneDeposits of Manipur Western Hill, Northeast India

M. CHANDRA SINGH1, P. KUNDAL

2 and R.A.S. KUSHWAHA3

1Department of Geology, Imphal College, Imphal – 795 0012PG Department of Geology, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur - 440 001

3Department of Earth Sciences, Manipur University, Imphal – 795 003Email: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

Abstract: Oligocene-Miocene deposits of Bhuban and Boka Bil Formations, Surma Group, Manipur Western Hillconsist of well preserved ichnofossil assemblages. These formations are represented by eight lithofacies such as Massivesandstone (Sm), Rippled marked argillaceous sandstone (Sr), Wavy laminated sandstone-siltstone-silty shale (Sw),Laminated shale (Fl), Massive mudstone (Fm), Trough cross-bedded sandstone (St), Lenticular laminated sandstone-siltstone-silty shale (Sll) and Laminated to massive sandstone-siltstone (Ssc). Fifteen ichnospecies were identified,which further categories into Skolithos, Cruziana, and Skolithos/Cruziana ichnofacies. Overall distribution pattern andbehavioural nature of the ichnoassemblage and sedimentological attributes suggests that the sediments of Bhuban andBoka Bil Formations were deposited under frequent fluctuating sea level, moderate to strong energy condition, subtidalto lower intertidal environment, rich in organic nutrients.

Keywords: Ichnofossil, Depositional Environment, Oligocene-Miocene, Surma Group, Manipur.

Kulkarni et al. (2008) and Patel et al. (2008) have donesignificant contributions in various aspects of theichnological studies.

In the context of Manipur only little research work hasbeen taken up in this field. Tripathi and Satsangi (1982)have reported trace fossils from upper part of the DisangGroup of Manipur; Chandra and Kushwaha (2008) studiedthe Eocene- Miocene ichnofossils of Laisong Formation,Barail Group exposed between Bijang and Tupul, westernpart of Manipur; Hemanta et al. (2008) have reported richassemblage of ichnofossils from Upper Eocene-LowerOligocene deposits exposed along Thongjaorok streamsection, Manipur. Recently ichnofossils were recovered fromthe Bhuban and Boka Bil Formations, Nungba -Kaiphundaisection, Western Hill Manipur, which is selected for thepresent ichnological studies.

Main objectives of the study are to reconstruct thepalaeoenvironment and palaeoecology of the Bhuban andBoka Bil formations on the basis of sedimentary attributesof facies and associated ichnofossils.

LOCATION

The study area between Nungba and Kaiphundai

INTRODUCTION

Tertiary sediments of the study area, belongs to Bhubanand Boka Bil Formations of Surma Group, characterizedby several lithofacies, consisting large number ofichnofossils. However, no research work has been done onthe ichnological studies of this region. In absence of bodyfossils, ichnofossils provides an important tool forpalaeoenvironmental and stratigraphic interpretation(Mcllroy 2004, Miller 2007).

Although the ichnological studies in India started verylate, there is considerable progress in the field of ichnologicalresearches. Many workers like Rajnath (1942), Chiplonkarand Badve (1970), Kumar et al. (1975,1982), Tondon andBhatia (1978), Badve and Ghare (1978,1980), Chiplonkarand Ghare (1975,1979), Biswas (1981), Shringarpure (1984,1986), Badve (1987), Howard and Singh (1985), Ghare andKulkarni (1986), Kulkarni and Ghare (1989, 1991), Pateland Shringarpure (1990,1992), Srivastava and Kumar(1992), Borkar and Kulkarni (1992, 2006), Guha et al.(1994), Sanganwar and Kundal.(1997), Kundal. andSanganwar (1998, 2000), Draganits et al. (1998, 2001),Sudan et al. (2000, 2002), Chakraborty and Bhattacharya(2005), Kundal et al. (2005), Kundal and Dharashivkar(2006), Kundal and Mude (2008),Desai et al (2008),

JOUR.GEOL.SOC.INDIA, VOL.76, DEC. 2010

574 M. CHANDRA SINGH AND OTHERS

covering a linear stretch of about 85 km along NH-53 ispart of Tamenglong district, Manipur. It is bounded withinthe latitude from 24°44'40" N to 24°47'42" N and longitudefrom 93°25'42" E to 93°13'50" E (Fig.1).

GEOLOGICAL SETTING

Oligocene-Miocene sedimentary sequences of Manipurare represented by the Surma Group of rocks. It has beendivided into two formations the lower one as Bhuban andupper as Boka Bil. The Bhuban Formation is unconformablyoverlain by the Renji Formation with a thin bed ofconglomerate near Rengpang village. A simplifiedlithostratigraphic succession of the study area along withtheir brief description is given in Table 1. Lower Memberof Bhuban Formation is well exposed in and around Nungbavillage and consists of khaki coloured shale and cross-bedded, light grey sandstones. The shale facies containsbivalve fossils. Till date there is no record of trace fossil

from the Lower Member of the Bhuban Formation. TheMiddle and Upper Member of Bhuban Formation and BokaBil Formation represent well preserved ichnofaunalassemblages. Boka Bil Formation gradually grades upwardto the Tipam sandstone near Kaiphundai village.

LITHOF ACIES

A facies is a body of rock with specific characteristicsand defined on the basis of colour, composition, texture,fossils and sedimentary structures (Teichert, 1958; Readings,1996). In other words, facies is defined as a distinctive bodyof rock that forms under certain set of environmentalconditions reflecting the sedimentary processes (Middletonand Hampton, 1973; Cant and Walker, 1976). The purposeof the facies analysis is to prepare a simplified faciesmodel, that can be used as a tool along with the ichnofossilsfor the interpretation and discrimination of the depositionalenvironment.

Fig.1. Location and geological map of the study area.


ICHNOLOGY OF BHUBAN AND BOKA BIL FORMATIONS, MANIPUR WESTERN HILL, NE INDIA 575

A generalised lithostratigraphic column showingdistribution of lithofacies and ichnofossils of the study areais given in Fig.2.

Eight lithofacies identified from the Bhuban and BokaBil Formations based on the scheme suggested by Miall(1978, 1990), Rust (1978), Reading (1996), Allen (1970),Reineck and Singh (1980), Walker (1984) and Stow (1986)are discussed below.

Massive Sandstone Lithofacies (Sm)

This facies is represented by light grey coloured fine-grained massive sandstone. At places sandstone is reddishbrown ferruginous and massive containing ichnofossils ofThalassinoides isp. It occurs in the middle and lower unitof Bhuban and Boka Bil Formations and exposed nearSebirong and Oinamlong villages respectively.

Ripple Marked Argillaceous Sandstone Lithofacies (Sr)

It is characterized by about 8 m thick yellowish whitecoloured argillaceous sandstone with ripple marks and hassharp contact with overlying massive sandstone facies andgradational contact with underlying wavy laminatedsandstone-siltstone-silty shale facies. It occurs in the lowerunit of the Boka Bil Formation exposed near Oinamlongvillage, containing Psilonichnus upsilon ichnofossil,suggesting backshore marginal shallow marine depositionalenvironment (Frey et al. 1984). Presence of flat-crestedsymmetrical ripples further supports the shallow conditionof the deposition, probably under tidal flat depositionalenvironment.

Wavy Laminated Sandstone-Siltstone-Silty shaleLithofacies (Sw)

This lithofacies is very common in Upper Bhuban and

Boka Bil Formations exposed near Barak suspension Bridge(Barak waterfall) and Kaiphundai village respectively. It ischaracterized by wavy laminated to thinly bedded fine-grained light grey to buff colour sandstone, siltstone andsilty shale, consisting of Ancorichnus ancorichnus andArthrophucus isp., ichnofossils, indicating shallow marine,subtidal depositional environment.

Laminated Shale Lithofacies (Fl)

It is associated with the lower unit of Boka Bil Formation,exposed near Oinamlong village and characterized by thepresence of alternate sub facies of thinly laminated yellowishgrey and light grey shales. Presence of Gyrochorte comosa,Helminthoida isp, Lockeia siliquaria and Phycodes ispindicates fluctuation in the sea level during deposition ofsuch lithofacies.

Massive Mudstone Lithofacies (Fm)

Massive mudstone facies is defined on the basis of thepresence of massive light grey coloured mudstone. It is wellexposed in the lower unit of Boka Bil Formation nearOinamlong village and consists of Rutichnus andPalaeophycus ichnofossils suggesting fluctuation in the sealevel and low to moderate energy conditions during thedeposition of the sediments of the facies. It has sharp contactswith both overlying and underlying facies.

Tr ough Cross-Bedded Sandstone Lithofacies (St)

It is associated with the middle unit of the BhubanFormation exposed near Kambirong and Sebirong villagesand has gradational contact with the underlying lenticularlaminated sandstone-siltstone-siltyshale facies. Presence oftrough cross stratifications in the brownish to light grey,moderate to fine grain sandstone and Planolites,

Table 1. Simplified lithostratigraphic succession of the study area

Group Formation Lithology Age

Tipam Tipam Massive sandstone, shale and mottled clay Late MioceneSandstone

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~Gradational contact ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Surma Boka Bil Mainly argillaceous sediments with massive-bedded sandstones,siltstone, mudstone and shale

Upper: Massive sandstone, clayey sandstone, bedded siltstone and shaleMiocene to

Bhuban Middle: Cross-bedded sandstone, massive sandstones and Clayey shaleLate Oligocene

Lower: Light grey cross-bedded sandstone and fossiliferous Khaki colourshale and conglomeratic bed at the basal part with some coaly bed

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~Unconformity ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Barial Renji Alternations of shale and argillaceous sandstones Oligocene



Fig.2. Generalised lithostratigraphic column of the study area showing distributions of ichnofossils and lithofacies.



Ophiomorpha and Diplocraterion ichnofossils indicatingshallow marine subtidal depositional environment withmoderate to high energy conditions.

Lenticular Laminated Sandstone-Siltstone-Silty shaleLithofacies (Sll)

This lithofacies occurs in upper unit of the Bhuban andlower unit of the Boka Bil Formations exposed nearKaiphundai village and Barak waterfall. It is characterizedby the presence of lenticular structure and Planolites,Palaeophycus , Fucusopsis, Gyrochorte Ophiomorphaichnofossils, suggesting fluctuation in the sea level andenergy condition during the deposition of the type facies.

Laminated to Massive Sandstone-Siltstone Lithofacies (Ssc)

It consist of laminated to massive, reddish brown togreyish white, fine grained sandstone and siltstone associatedwith the upper unit of Boka Bil Formation exposed nearKaiphundai village and characterized by the presence ofPalaeophycus alternatus ichnofossils, suggesting shallowto moderately deep marine environment. It has gradationalcontact with the overlying facies.

SYSTEMATIC ICHNOLOGY

Identification and classification of the presentichnofossils, followed the Treatise on InvertebratePaleontology (Haentzschel, 1962, 1975), classificationscheme suggested by Simpson (1975) and Seilacher (1964,1967). Altogether fifteen ichnospecies such as Ancorichnusancorichnus, Arthrophycus isp, Diplocraterion isp,Fucusopsis angulatus, Gyrochorte comosa, Helminthoidaisp, Lockeia siliquaria, Ophiomorpha nodosa,Palaeophycus alternatus, P. tubularis, Planolitesbeverleyensis, Phycodes isp, Psilonichnus upsilon,Rutichnus irregularis and Thalassinoides isp. have beenidentified from fourteen ichnogenera . Their systematicdescriptions are given below.

Ichnogenus: Ancorichnus Heinberg, 1974Ichnospecies: Ancorichnus ancorichnus Heinberg, 1974

Figs.3a- d

Material: Sp. Nos. DGIC/IF/ S-105, 106, 107 & 108Description: Straight to gently curved, unbranched

burrows of circular to semicircular in cross section. Diameterranges from 2 to 3 mm and observed length from 1.5 to4.2 cm, disposed parallel to sub parallel to the bedding plane,commonly interpenetrated and cross over each other.Burrows consist of central cylindrical meniscus, backfill

structure surrounded by distinct lining and its outer layer isseparated from the host rock by sharp discontinuities.

Remarks: The main morphological features of therecorded burrows as described above agree well withAncorichnus ancorichnus Heinberg (1974); Bromley(1990), in respect of the presence of outer lining andinner meniscus layers. Hence, it has been placed underAncorichnus ancorichnus.

Occurrence: Wavy laminated sandstone-siltstone-siltyshale facies of the Upper Member of Boka Bil Formation,exposed near the Kaiphundai village.

Ichnogenus: Arthrophycus Hall, 1852Ichnospecies: Arthrophycus isp.

Figs.3e, f

Material: Sp. No. DGIC /IF/ S-110Description: Burrows are flattened, simple to slightly

curved, branched and un-branched, annulated, downwardtapering, oval to lensoid in cross section, commonly bi-lobedwith median longitudinal depression, disposed slightlyoblique to bedding plane. Diameter of burrow ranging from0.5 -1.8 mm and observed length is about 3.2 cm.

Remarks: After going through main morphologicalfeatures such as annulations, presence of median longitudinaldepression, oval to lensoid in cross section, present burrowis identical to Arthrophycus Hall (Haentzschel, 1975).However, it is distinguishable from other ichnospecies onaccount of smaller diameter and less crowded nature. Henceit is described as Arthrophycus isp., Ksiazkiewicz (1970)reported the ichnospecies from Polish Carpathian; Ghareand Kulkarni, (1986) from Jurassic of Kutch, Wagad region.

Occurrence: Wavy laminated sandstone-siltstone-siltyshale facies of the Upper Member of Bhuban Formation,exposed near Barak waterfall.

Ichnogenus: Diplocraterion Torell, 1870Ichnospecies: Diplocraterion isp.

Fig.3g

Material: Sp. No. DGIC /IF/ S-115Description: The specimen is vertically elongated U

shaped burrow with distinct physical luminae. Limbs of Utube runs more or less parallel to each other and its openingappeared funnel shape. At places part of U is not distinctprobably due to periodic erosion. Diameter, distancebetween limbs and maximum observed depth of the burroware 8 mm, 22 mm and 52 mm respectively. Bottom of burrowis almost semi-circular. Its surface is ornamented withprotrusive spreite and well preserved as full relief.



Longitudinal section through the vertical burrow showsseveral thin concentric laminae.

Remarks: The main morphological feature of the presentspecimen at large is quite similar to the ichnogenericcharacters of Diplocraterion Torell, (Haentzschel, 1975).Therefore, certainly it belongs to ichnogeneraDiplocraterion. However, it has been assigned toDiplocraterion isp, since no single burrow exhibit wellpreserved habit and ornamentation (Pemberton and Frey,1982).

Occurrence: Trough cross bedded sandstone facies ofthe middle member of Bhuban Formation exposed nearKambirong village.

Ichnogenus: Fucusopsis Palibin in Vassoevich, 1932Ichnospecies: Fucusopsis angulatus Haentzschel, 1975

Figs.3h, i

Material: Sp. No DGIC /IF/S-117,118Description: Burrows small, long, straight, slightly

k

6 mm

Fig.3. (a) Ancorichnus ancorichnus, specimen no. DGIC/IF/S-105. (b) Ancorichnus ancorichnus, specimen no. DGIC/IF/S-106.(c) Ancorichnus ancorichnus, specimen no. DGIC/IF/S-107. (d) Ancorichnus ancorichnus, specimen no. DGIC/IF/S -108.(e) Arthrophycus isp. specimen no. DGIC/IF/S-110. (f) Closer View of Arthrophycus isp., specimen no. DGIC/IF/S -110.(g) Diplocraterion isp., specimen no. DGIC/IF/S -115. (h) Fucusopsis angulatus specimen no. DGIC/IF/S /IF/S-117 (i) Fucusopsisangulatus specimen no. DGIC/IF/S -118 (j). Gyrochorte comosa specimen no. DGIC/IF/S-120 (k) Gyrochorte comosa Specimenno. DGIC/IF/S-122.



flattened with parallel longitudinal striations, occasionallycrossed each other and penetrating to the host rock. Diameterof the burrows range from 2-4 mm and observed lengthfrom 5-6 cm, disposed parallel to the bedding plane andpreserved as positive hyporelief.

Remarks: In view of size and position, the presentburrows are tally with the characters of Fucusopsis angulatusPalibin (Haentzschel, 1975) and therefore it has beenplaced under this ichnospecies. This genus is described byGhare and Kulkarni (1986) from Jurassic of Kutch.

Occurrence: Lenticular laminated sandstone-siltstone-silty shale facies of the upper unit of the Bhuban Formation,exposed near Barak waterfall.

Ichnospecies: Gyrochorte comosa Heer, 1865Figs.3j, k and 4a

Material: Sp. No DGIC /IF/S-120, 122,123Description: Unbranched, winding, plaited, bilobed

trails separated by a median furrow with obliquely alignedpads of sediments, commonly crossing over one another orwith the other traces and preserved as ridges in positiveepirelief and as smooth biserial grooves in hyporelief. Widthof Trails range from 2 to 4 mm and number of pads ofsediment per cm is 5-6.

Remark: The diagnostic features of the present traceslike width size, number of pads per cm, presence of bi-lobedtrails separated by a median furrow with obliquely alignedpads of sediments, agrees well with the generic charactersof Gyrochorte comosa Heer (Haentzschel, 1975). Ghare andKulkarni (1986) and Patel et al. (2008) reported thisichnospecies from Jurassic of Kachchh, Gujarat. Kundal andSanganwar (1998) documented the same species from BaghGroup of Jhabua (M. P).

Occurrence: Laminated shale and Lenticular laminatedsandstone-siltstone-silty shale facies of upper part of theBoka Bil Formation, exposed near Kaiphundai village andupper part of the Bhuban Formation, exposed near Barakwaterfall.

Ichnogenus: Helminthoida Schafhautl, 1851Ichnospecies: Helminthoida isp.

Figs.4b, c

Material: Sp. No. DGIC /IF/S-125,126Description: The Specimens are flattened, meandering

tunnels trails having closed spaced, parallel and very regularalignment, disposed parallel to the bedding plane and pre-served as epi-relief. Width of the tunnel is range from 1-2mm and maximum observed length varies from 2.5-3.4 cm.

Remarks: Generic features of the present traces aresimilar with that of Helminthoida (Schafhäutl, 1851).However they are distinguishable from the other knownichnospecies like H. labyrinthica Heer (1865); H. crassaSchafhäutl (1851) recorded by Haentzschel (1975), in viewof their proper parallel and regular trail alignment and lesscrowded nature, appeared to be a new in the Science ofIchnology. Even though, it needs to study more on thereported allied ichnospecies. Therefore it is tentativelydescribed as Helminthoida isp.

Occurrence: Laminated shale facies of the Lowerunit of Boka Bil Formation, exposed near Oinamlongvillage.

Ichnospecies: Lockeia siliquaria James, 1879Fig.4d

Material: Sp. No. DGIC /IF/S-127Description: Small almond shaped oblong bodies,

tapering at both ends, making conical obtuse sharp points,smooth surface, showing parallel to sub parallel alignment.Maximum observed length range from 2.8 to 3 cm and widthfrom 2.5 to 3.0 mm, preserved in convex epirelief.

Remarks: The morphological characters of the presentburrows are tallying very well with Lockeia siliquariaJames (1879) reported by Patel et al. (2008) from Jurassic ofKachchh, Gujarat. Eager et al. (1985) have interpretedLockeia as resting burrow of nestling and semi-infaunalbivalves.

Occurrence: Laminated shale facies of the Lower unitof Boka Bil Formation, exposed near Oinamlong village.

Ichnospecies: Ophiomorpha nodosa Lundgren, 1891Fig.4e

Material: Sp. No. DGIC /IF/S-131Description: The burrow is vertical shaft, unbranched

tunnels, consisting of regular distributed discoid pellets, andpreserved as full relief. Diameter of burrows varies from 6-8 mm and pellets diameter ranging from 2 to 3 mm andobserved length is about 2 cm. The tunnels are filled withsame sediments of the host rock.

Remarks: The main morphological features of therecorded burrow is very identical with the Ophiomorphanodosa Lundgren (1891) reported by Patel et al. (2008) fromJurassic of Kachchh, Gujarat; Kundal and Dharashivkar(2006) from the Gaj Formation.

Occurrence: Lenticular laminated sandstone-siltstone -silty shale facies of the Upper part of Bhuban Formation,exposed near Shiva temple, Barak waterfall.



6 mm

Fig.4. (a) Gyrochorte comosa, specimen no. DGIC /IF/S-123. (b) Helminthoida isp. specimen no. DGIC /IF/S-125. (c) Helminthoidaisp, Specimen No. DGIC/IF/S-126. (d) Lockeia siliquaria, specimen no. DGIC /IF/S-127. (e) Ophiomorpha nodosa, specimenno. DGIC/IF/S-131. (f) Palaeophycus alternatus, specimen no. DGIC/IF/S-133. (g) Palaeophycus alternatus, specimen no.DGIC/IF/S-134. (h) Palaeophycus tubularis, specimen no. DGIC /IF/S-137. (i) Palaeophycus tubularis, specimen no. DGIC/IF/S-138. (j) Planolites beverleyensis, specimen no. DGIC/IF/S-141.

Ichnogenus: Palaeophycus Hall, 1847Ichnospecies: Palaeophycus alternatus Pemberton and

Frey, 1982Figs.4f, g

Material: Sp. Nos. DGIC /IF/S-133,134Description: The specimens are sub-cylindrical, thinly

lined, straight to slightly curve, little collapse, striates andannulated with alternately varying in diameter ranging from2- 4 mm, decreases in the annulated area and maximumobserved length is about 5 cm and preserved as hyporelief.The surface of the burrow is ornamented with thin wavyridges and grooves.

Remarks: The diagnostic features of the present



specimens are very much identical to Palaeophycusalternatus, Pemberton and Frey (Pemberton and Frey,1982).

Occurrence: Buff colour bedded sandstone facies ofupper Boka Bil Formation, exposed near Kaiphundaivillage.

Ichnospecies: Palaeophycus tubularis Hall, 1847Figs.4h, i

Material: Sp. Nos. DGIC /IF/S-137, 138Description: This ichnospecies is simple elongated,

straight to slightly curved, thinly lined, nearly cylindrical,semicircular in cross section, irregular in diameter rangingfrom 3-6 mm and maximum observed length is about 5.4cm. They exhibit collapse feature with smooth walled anddisposed parallel to the bedding plane. The colour of theburrows and host rocks are same and preserved as positiveepi-relief.

Remarks: In view of the above morphological charactersthe present burrows are identical to Palaeophycus tubularisHall (Pemberton and Frey, 1982). Badve (1987) and Kundaland Sanganwar (1998) reported it from the Bagh Group ofM.P. Kundal and Dharashivkar (2006) from Miocenesediments of Dwarka Formation, Dwarka-Okha area, Gujaratand Patel et al. (2008) from Middle Jurassic horizon ofKachchh, Gujarat.

Occurrence: Laminated sandstone-siltstone-silty shalefacies of the Upper part of the Boka Bil Formation exposednear Kaiphundai village.

Ichnogenus: Planolites Nicholson, 1873Ichnospecies: Planolites beverleyensis Billings, 1862

Fig.4j

Material: Sp. No DGIC /IF/S-141,Description: The burrow specimen is straight, sub-

cylindrical and unbranched, elliptical in cross section, largein diameter ranging from 45-50 mm and maximum observedlength is about 42 cm; disposed parallel to the bedding planewith different colour from the host rock, and preserved aspositive epirelief.

Remarks: Since, the present burrow exhibits typicalmorphological characters of Planolites beverleyensis(Pemberton and Frey 1982), and therefore it has been placedunder it. Borkar and Kulkarni (1992) reported similarichnospecies from the Wadhwan Formation of Gujarat;Kundal and Sanganwar (1998, 2000) from Bagh Group, M.P. and Kundal and Dharashivkar (2006) from NeogeneQuaternary sediments of Dwarka Formation, Gujarat.

Occurrence: Lenticular laminated-sandstone-siltstone-silty shale facies of the Lower unit of Boka Bil Formationexposed near Kaimai village.

Ichnogenus Phycodes Richter ,1850Ichnospecies: Phycodes isp.

Figs.5a, b

Material: Sp. Nos. DGIC /IF/S-143,144Description: Burrows broom like, consisting of

horizontal tunnels of diameter varies from 1-3 mm andpreserved as full relief. The proximal part of the main tunnelsunbranched while distal tunnels divide into severalcylindrical/ sub-cylindrical tunnels.

Remarks: The present burrows displayed all importantcharacteristics of Phycodes circinnatum Seilacher (1955).However their size is smaller than that of the reportedichnospecies. Therefore they are placed under Phycodes isp,till better preserved material becomes available.

Occurrence: Light grey laminated shale facies of upperpart of the Lower unit of Boka Bil Formation, exposed nearOinamlong village.

Ichnogenus: Psilonichnus Fürsich, 1981Ichnospecies: Psilonichnus upsilon Frey et al. 1984

Fig.5d

Material: Holotype. No. DGIC /IF/S-155Description: The burrow exhibit steeply inclined Y

shaped structures in the upper part, grading downward withslightly curved shafts. One of the branched is more curvedand smaller in diameter than the other. Diameter of theburrow varies from 1.5-2 cm, angle of bifurcation is greaterthan 65° and maximum observed depth is about 65 cm.

Remarks: Comparing with the records of Frey et al.(1984), Kundal and Dharashivkar (2006), the present burrowis similar with Psilonichnus upsilon in all respect, and henceit has been placed under this ichnospecies.

Occurrence: Buff colour ripple marked argillaceoussandstone facies of the Lower unit of Boka Bil Formation,exposed near Oinamlong village.

Ichnospecies: Rutichnus irregularis D‘Alessandro, 1982Fig.5c

Material: Sp. No DGIC/IF/S-148Description: Burrows dome shaped; composed of many

irregular branches arising from main branch. Burrows crosseach other. In most cases the tunnels terminated with roundedconical shape; maximum thickness of the tunnels is about 8mm and angle of branching is less than 30°.



Remarks: Present burrows exhibit similar morphologicalcharacters of Rutichnus irregularis D’Alessandro 1982,reported by Patel et al. (2008) from Middle Jurassic horizonof Kachchh and therefore they are placed under Rutichnusirregularis.

Occurrence: Mudstone facies of the Upper Member ofBhuban Formation, exposed near Shiva temple, Barakwaterfall.

Ichnogenus: Thalassinoides Ehrenberg, 1944Ichnospecies: Thalassinoides isp.

Figs.5e, f

Material: Holotype. No DGIC/IF/S-157 and SpecimenNo DGIC/IF/S-158

Description: Cylindrical to sub cylindrical, Y-shaped,

horizontal branching tunnels of widening 2 to 4 cm andobserved length about 12 cm; surface ornamented withscratch mark, different in colour from the host rock, swellingat the bifurcation points, preserved as full relief and disposedparallel to slightly oblique to the bedding plane.

Remarks: On the basis of the presence of cylindrical Y-shaped, horizontal branching tunnels and swelling at thebifurcation points present burrow is quite identical withThalassinoides paradoxicus Woodward, (Kundal andDharashivkar 2006). However, the present ichnospecies ispartially preserved and therefore it is described asThalassinoides isp till better material available.

Occurrence: Ferruginous massive sandstone facies ofthe Upper unit of Bhuban Formation exposed near Baraksuspension Bridge.

6 mm

Fig. 5. (a) Phycodes isp., specimen no. DGIC /IF/S-143. (b) Phycodes isp., specimen no. DGIC /IF/S-144. (c) Rutichnus irregularisspecimen no. DGIC /IF/S-148. (d) Psilonichnus upsilon, holotype no. DGIC /IF/S-155. (e).Thalassinoides isp., holotype no.DGIC/IF/S-157. (f) Closer view of the Thalassinoides isp,. specimen no. DGIC/IF/S-158.



DISCUSSION

The recorded ichnospecies of the study area are mixtureof domicnia and fodinichnia. They belong to Skolithos,Cruziana, Skolithos/ Cruziana and Cruziana/ Zoophycosichnofacies as shown in Table 2. Till date, there is no recordof ichnofossils from lower member of the BhubanFormation. Middle Member of Bhuban Formation consistof Diplocraterion isp. of Skolithos facies indicating littoralto very shallow sublittoral environment with high-energyconditions.

Upper Member of the Bhuban Formation is characterizedby bioturbated light grey cross-bedded sandstone and buffcolour medium to coarse-grained clayey sandstone faciesinterbeded with non bioturbated greyish siltstone facies.The cross-bedded sandstone facies consist of dominantlydeep tier dwelling/feeding burrows of Thalassinoides andOphiomorpha , indicating high energy storm dominatedshallow marine environment (Bromley, 1990). Presence ofsurface deposit feeder of Ancorichnus ancorichnus andGyrochorte comosa of Cruziana ichnofacies in such memberis an indication of fluctuating sea level conditions andmoderate to low energy, shallow marine environment(Gilbert and Benner, 2002).

Lower Member of the lower part of Boka Bil Formationis characterized by argillaceous sandstone facies consistingdiverse group of benthic communities such as grazingand feeding assemblage burrows of Phycodes isp andsubsurface deposit feeder of Lockeia, Helminthoida,Palaeophycus and Planolites ichnoassemblage of Cruziana

ichnofacies indicating sudden changed in the colonizationpattern of benthic community. These ichnotexa showinghigher degree of bioturbation suggests shallow to deepmarine environment (subtidal to shelf). Their ichnologicalfeatures and colonization pattern are approaching to tectonicsubsidence criteria, as suggested by Desai and Patel (2008)on the basis of increasing bioturbation and diversecommunity colonization.

Middle member of Boka Bil Formation represented bybrownish ripple marked argillaceous sandstone faciesconsisting Psilonichnus upsilon suggests backshore marginalmarine environment (Frey et al. 1984). It is also in supportof changed in the colonization pattern of benthic community.The Upper Boka Bil Formation consists of bioturbatedpinkish to reddish ferruginous wavy laminated sandstone-siltstone-silty shale facies consisting low diversity, highdensity, shallow tier surface deposit feeder ichnofossilsassemblage, dominated by Ancorichnus ancorichnus,Palaeophycus alternatus, Palaeophycus tubularis andGyrochorte comosa, suggested well oxygenated, low rateof sedimentation, fluctuating energy condition and shallowmarine environment with availability of the abundant foodresources.

CONCLUSIONS

Ichnofossil assemblages recorded from differentstratigraphic horizons of the Bhuban and Boka BilFormations exposed in between Nungba and Kaiphundaiappear to be unique for each formation which can be usedfor correlation of the particular sequence. Overalldistribution pattern of the ichnofossils assemblages ofvarious benthic palaeocommunity and sedimentaryattributes are concerned, Bhuban and Boka Bil Formationswere deposited during fluctuating sea level, low tomoderate, moderate to high energy, tectonically unstableconditions, with abundant food sources, in shallow marineenvironment.

Repository: The Specimens described, illustrated and discussedherein are lodged in the Departmental Museum of Geology, ImphalCollege Imphal, with Specimen numbers, DGIC/IF/ S-105 toDGIC/IF/ S-158.

Acknowledgement: One of the author M. Chandra Singh,gratefully acknowledges the UGC, New Delhi for providingfinancial assistance in the form of Research Project vide officeorder No. F. No. 34-43/2008 (SR). Help rendered by Shri P. SurjitSingh and P. Shanti Devi during field work is thankfullyacknowledged. We are sincerely indebted to an anonymous refereewhose comments and suggestions on interpretation of manuscripthave considerably benefited us.

Table 2. Ethological and ichnofacies classification of ichnofossils ofthe study area

Sl. Name of Ichnospecies Ethological IchnofaciesNo Group

1 Ancorichnus ancorichnus Fodinichnia Cruziana

2. Arthrophycus isp. Fodinichnia Cruziana

3. Diplocraterion isp. Domichnia Skolithos

4 Fucusopsis angulatus Fodinichnia Cruziana

5 Gyrochorte comosa Fodinichnia Cruziana

6. Helminthoida. isp. Fodinichnia Cruziana /Zoophycos

7 Lockeia siliquaria Cubichnia Cruziana

8 Ophiomorpha nodosa Domichnia Skolithos/Cruziana

9 Palaeophycus alternatus Fodinichnia Cruziana

10 Palaeophycus tubularis Fodinichnia Cruziana

11 Planolites beverleyensis Fodinichnia Cruziana

12. Phycodes isp. Fodinichnia Cruziana

13 Psilonichnus upsilon Domichnia Skolithos

14. Rutichnus irregularis Fodinichnia Cruziana

15. Thalassinoides isp. Domichnia Skolithos/Cruziana



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(Received: 9 December 2009; Revised form accepted: 13 August 2010)

Ichnology of bhuban and boka bil formations, oligocene miocene by p kundal

Education

group of manipur chandra

manipur university

context of manipur

longitude bil formation

western hill manipur

manipur western hillconsist

bhuban andand

ichnology of bhuban