Oeo!. Bull. Univ. Peshawar, Vol. 38, pp.

31-56, 2005

Structural analysis south of the Malakand and adjo

northern Pakistan
IRSHAD AHMAD l & NOOR JEHAN 2
1NCE in Geology, University of Peshawar.

2Depattment of Environmental Sciences, University of Peshawar.

ABSTRACT: Two major faults, the Kishora thrust and a back thrust, dominate the
structure of the study area. The Kishora thrust divide the study area into two tectonic
terranes, the Indus melanges including Dargai ultramafic complex, and the Indian shelf
terrane, whereas the back thrust brings higher gradealmandine zone rocks in contact with
low grade chlorite zone rocks near Bar Bazdara and Zormandai village. An important
aspect of this study is the relationship of the structures of Swat with the Peshawar basin.
The structures and stratigraphy in Swatextends into the Peshawar basin.
Four deformation phases (D" D2, D3, D4) are recorded in the Indian shelf rocks from
north to south, each characterized by distinct fabrics andfolding. In Domains 1 and 2, D,
formed Sf. The earliest recognizable fabric S, occurs as relict intrafolial in the S2 fabric,
pressure shadows and porphyroblasts. No macroscopic folding event related to S, fabric
has been recognized. During D2, F2 folds (large and small scale) were formed. F, and F2
are coaxial and coplanar with isoclinal, recumbent axial surfaces and fold axes that
plunge gently toward the NNW are associated with movement" on the Kishora thrust. The
dominant S2 foliation developed following the interkinematic phase. S2 is associated with
transposition of 5, and rotation of porphyroblasts. S2 is defined by calcite, muscovite,
plagioclase, quartz, and garnet. The post S2 phase is dominated by fractures and brittle
shearing in the schists and annealing recrystallization in the granite gneiss and marbles.
During D3 crenulation of S2, garnet growth, and theformation of the 53 occurred. FJ folds
are upright and open and plunge gently, but variably towards north or less commonly the
south or southeast. F4 is related to the change offorcesfrom westward to southward in the
lower Swat when Kohistan was thrust southward to itspresentposition. The superposition
of the E-W trending F4 folds on the generally N-S trending F3 folds resulted in a dome and
basin structure near Mora Kandao.
In the south, Domain 3 preserves the last two deformation phases. During D3
deformation S, developed. During D4, S, was transposed and also involved with the
growth of the magnetite porphyroblasts. F3 and F4 folds are best preserved. The large-
scale F4 folds are mainly E-W, but at Rustam and Budal they are deflected into a broad
arc near the Ambela complex. This is related to the back thrust in that the Ambela
complex acts as buttress that deflects the laterfolds towards north.
Matrix schist records three deformation phases. During the D2 deformation a
transposed foliation produced. During DJ the early SI wasfolded; During D4 the S2 was
folded to produce local S3 space crenulation cleavage.
The Dargai ultramafic complex has been emplaced along the Kishora thrust with
the ophiolitic melange.
31
 INTRODUCTION existence of a major fault between high-grade
rocks in Swat and low-grade rocks in the
A belt of metamorphosed continental rocks Peshawar basin.
belonging to the Indian plate extends across
the Pakistani Himalaya to the immediate A few workers (Coward et aI., 1988;
south of the Indus Suture or Main Mantle Treloar et al., 1989) have shown a series of
Thrust (MMT). These rocks crop out faults on sketch maps of Swat and surrounding
extensively in the mountains surrounding the areas, but present no evidence whatever for their
eastern Peshawar Basin and the Himalayan existence.
foothills of Swat district to the north (Fig. 1).
This area is composed of complexly The metamorphic stratigraphy in Swat can
deformed Paleozoic to Mesozoic shelf and be followed westward possibly into Afghanistan,
platform metasedimentary rocks, including but these areas have not been mapped in detail
pelitic, psammitic, calcareous and' graphitic (Lawrence et al., 1989). In this area, an
lithologies (Martin et al., 1962; Palmer- ultramafic complex, locally called the Dargai
Rosenberg, 1985; Kazmi et al., 1984, 1986; klippe, 'represents a southward extension of the
Pogue & Hussain, 1986; Pogue et al., 1992; MMT structurally above the metamorphic
DiPietro et aI., 1993; DiPietro et aI., 2000). sequence. DiPietro et al. (1997, 1999) observed
The style of deformation and metamorphism that the stratigraphy in the Dargai area extends
varies considerably across this belt. westward into the Mohmand agency and
eastward into the Jowar area but there are
The study area, lying south of Malakand problems with stratigraphic correlation and with
'between longitude 71° 55' and 72° 20' E and the concept that the Dargai ultramafic complex is
latitude 34° IS' and 34° 40' N, is important a klippe. These problems require further
for the study of collisional structures because analysis.
of its proximity to the Indus Suture. Previous
work in this area was of a reconnaissance nature The deformational sequence in central
and only small scale maps resulted. In Swat, Swat is one of WSW-vergent folds followed
north of the study area, amphibolite facies by south-vergent folds. This fold sequence
Precambrian to Mesozoic schist, marble, may be a direct geologic expression of Indian
amphibolite and granitic gneiss crop out in a plate movement (DiPietro & Lawrence, 1991).
series of structural domes that is overturned The WSW-vergent folds are interpreted to
toward the west (DiPietro & Lawrence, 1991; have developed during oblique subduction of
DiPietro et aI., 1993; Fig. 1). The geology of the Indian plate beneath the Indus suture
these rocks was first described by Martin et aI. melange. The later south-vergent folds
(1962). They emphasized a coherent stratigraphy developed following counterclockwise rotation
that could be followed southward into low grade of the Indian plate, during final southward
Precambrian and platform rocks of the obduction of Kohistan (DiPietro & Lawrence,
Peshawar basin without structural disruption. 1991). In the Peshawar basin, the
Later field investigations, most notably those deformational sequence is one of southwest-
of King (1964), Stauffer (1967), Tahirkheli vergent folds followed bysoutheast-vergent
(1979), Kazmi et al. (1984, 1986), Palmer- folds. .How this fold sequence correlates with
Rosenberg (1985), DiPietro (1990), Pogue et that in Swat requires further analysis. This
aI. (l992a) and Ahmad & Lawrence (1992) paper describes in detail the structural history
have refined and extended the stratigraphy of of the area through analysis of mesoscopic and
Martin et al. (1962), but none has noted th~ petrofabric elements.

32
-

34

~ Indian Plate KD - Kotah Dome

LD - Loe Sar Dome
~ OphioliticMelange M - Malakand Region

100Kilometers

Fig. I. Tectonic map of the western Himalayan syntaxis in northwestern Pakistan. Inset shows
the location of the study area . (Modified after DiPietro et aI. '.2000).

GEOLOGICAL SETTING 1983). In the Swat area, the stratigraphy of

these rocks has been reinterpreted by many
The platform sediments of the Indian plate workers since the reconnaissance work by
are pelitic, calcareous, graphitic, and Martin et al. (1962). Kazmi et aI. (1984)
psamrnitic in nature and were deposited on subdivided the lower Swat-Buner schistose
the northern margin of Gondwanaland before group of Martin et al. (1962) into the Swat
and after the Permo-Triassic breakup of granite gneisses, Manglaur schist, Alpurai
Gondwana. These rocks range in age from schist , Saidu schist, and the Indus melange
Precambrian to Mesozoic. The older parts of group. They distinguished three different
the section have been intruded by early types of sediments in the lower Swat-Buner
Paleozoic granitic plutons (Le Fort et aI., area, which are : (a) twice metamorphosed
1980; Ashraf & Chaudhry, 1980; Butt, 1980, crystaline schist (Manglaur) probably of

33
-
 the Dargai ultramafics is called the Dargai fault, Another major fault also occurs in the
and (2) the fault that bounds the base of the southeast between the Marghazar and the
Malakand area metasediments and gneisses Kashala formations. It is southeast dipping
(Malakand block) is the Malakand fault. Both are and WSW striking. It is a post-metamorphic
low angle faults . The Malakand block is normal fault where a large brittle breccia can
considered as a klippe with a different be observed in the marble on the contact
stratigraphy than the rest of Swat. The Malakand between the Marghazar and Kashala (Fig. 4).
block is thrust over the Saidu along the This fault extends from the Nikanai Ghar in
Malakand fault. The Saidu overlies the Indus the north to Jamal Garhi in the southeast
melange on an unnamed fault. The melange where it cuts a fold limb in the calc-schist
overrode the rest of Swat on the Dargai fault. unit of the Marghazar formation (Fig. 4) .

To interpret these as separate faults there MESOSCOPIC STRUCTURES

are certain problems. First, the stratigraphy
of the Malakand block north of Dargai is Folds
similar to the established Swat units. The North of the study area in lower Swat, the
Malakand fault runs along the contact rocks have been found to have undergone
between the Marghazar and Kashala multiple deformations with at least four
formations with no field expression. Thus I periods of folding during a single Paleogene
do not recognize any fault here. Second, the metamorphism (DiPietro & Lawrence,
map pattern of the ophiolite melange shows a 1991). The earliest folds are composite W-
synclinal structure. Third, the sharp edge SW-vergent, syn-rnetamorphic FJlF2 folds
effect of both the gravity and magnetic data associated with the formation of the regional
indicate that the Dargai ultramafics do not foliation. Late-metamorphic, N-S-trending
extend north of the map boundary open upright F3 folds are associated with
(Malincanico, 1982). Fourth, the Dargai and local foliation development, and E-W
unnamed faults do not continue in the NE trending open F4 folds are associated with
around the Malakand pass. Finally, the steep retrograde metamorphism. These interfere
foliation and the lithologic contact between with each other to produce. dome/basin
Dargai and Malakand are incompatible with structures.
the subhorizontal attitude of the faults (Fig. 3) .

o
,

~ PALEOZO IC
5 GRANITE

I PzMzm I FORMATION
MEHKBAND
[E]
I PzMzcI
KASHALA
FORMATION

CHAKDARRA
GRANITE
..
1ZJ
MAFIC/ULTRAMAFIC
ROCK

MAFIC /ULTRAMAFIC
ROCK

~ ~
MANGLAUR
FORMAT ION
MARGHAZAR
FORMATION Q;] SAIOU
FORMATION

Fig. 3. Geological cross section across the Dargai Ultramafics. (after DiPietro et.a!. 1999).
36
Fig. 4. Fault between Marghazar (lower) and Kashala (upper left) format ions cutting a fold
limb near Jamal Garhi.

In the study area, Domain 1 preserves all Large F4 folds are best developed in
the four superposed small-scale folds (FI through Domain 3 near Thakhr-i-Bahai and Mian
F4). F. and F2 are coaxial and coplanar with Khan where they have broadly folded the
isoclinal, recumbent axial surfaces and fold axes Marghazar, Kashala and the Saidu
that plunge gently toward the NNW (Fig. 5). formations. F4 folds are open and E-W
Where they are superposed Fl folds deform trending (Fig. 8). The F4 folds are
bedding but not foliation whereas F2 deform a asymmetric. They have a different vergence
bedding parallel foliation . The similar geometry in the different Domains. In Domain I and 3
and orientation suggests that .Fi and F2 developed they are south vergent whereas they are north
at about the same time during progressive vergent in Domain 2 . These large-scale F4
deformation (Fig. 6). F3 and F4 are the same as folds are mainly E-W, but near Rustam they
described above. They determine the map trend NE and near Budai they trend WNW .
pattern of the area. Thus they appear deflected into a broad arc
near the Ambela complex . North of Domain
In the south in Domain 2 and 3 the earlier 2, F4 folds gently deflect the northerly
folds FI and F2 are not preserved. Only the large trending structures. South of the Domain 2,
scale F3 and F4 are well-developed. Large F3 they are most obvious folds present and
folds are upright folds . Small-scale F3 folds are become south vergen t (Fig. 8). The
closed to tight with variably dipping axial superposition of the east-west trending F4
surfaces whereas large-scale F3 axes plunge folds on the generally north-south trending
gently, but variably towards north or, less earlier F3 folds has created the dome. and
commonly, the southor southeast (Fig. 7). basin structure in the Mora area (Fig . 2) .

37
 RELATION OF THE FOLDS TO THE thrust. Back thrust is interpreted from the
REGIONAL THRUST SYSTEM: structural profile AA' across Rustam to Mora
A BACK THRUST? area (Fig. 9). The fault appears on the north
edge of Domain 2 on the map. This fault is
Cross sections (Fig. 9) illustrate the structural also supported by the abrupt change in the
relationship of the study area. The fold metamorphic grade. Rocks north of the
sequence implies an early period of E-W village of Bar Bazdara and Zormandai are in
compression prior to the development of south epidote amphibolite facies whereas those
verging structures. The small-scale FI and F2 immediately in the south are lower
folds represent a progressive FJiF2 deformation greenschist. In addition, the sheared contact
that is associated with a single set of west- between the Marghazar and Ambela supports
southwest- vergent large-scale folds (F2). The this hypothesis. In most places the contact
large scale F3 folds may have developed in relationship is intrusive, but on the NW
intense localized shear strain related to margin of the Ambela complex the base of
ophiolite emplacement on the Kishora thrust. F4 the Marghazar is strongly sheared. I interpret
folds are upright and open with east-west axial this to be related to the back thrust.
trends. They may correlate with early doming
of the lower Swat sequence and with strike slip F4 folds are deflected into a north convex
displacement in the northern p~rt of the MMT, arc from Rustam to BudaI (Fig. 2). This is
north of lower Swat (DiPietro & Lawrence, probably related to the back thrust in that the
1991). Ambela complex acts as a buttress that
deflects the later folds towards north. In
The reverse vergence of the F4 folds in effect, the high grade metamorphics are
Domain 2 may be better explained by a back underthrusting the Ambela complex.

Wt---------+---------IE

Fig. 5. ,Lower-hemisphere equal area projection of fold axis data south of Malakand and
adjoining areas.

38
 Fig. 8. Large-scale F4 folds in Marghazar formation near Takht-i-Bahai (Fig. 2). Graphitic
schist (right side) with intercalation of greenschist (left side) and quart zite in the middle
part. View towards east.

t_--..L.-~~~"!ii,m
X?p

~MORA GNEISS ~ KA SHALA Ftot

r:7:":":':'l DARGA!
~ ULTRAMAF tc

~MANGLAUR FM ~ hotARGHA2AR FM ~.sAIOU FM

Fig. Y. Geological cross sections of the. study area. Location of the cross sections is given in
Fig . 18.

40
-
METAMORPHIC STRUCTURES dominant lineation. Observed structural
elements are given in Table 2.
Rocks of the study area record a polyphase
deformation history. The area is divided into Microscopic features of melange blocks
three domains. The deformation phases in The blocks within the schistose matrix are the
each domain are described independently and least deformed rocks of the area. They show
the relationship is outlined in the Table 1. little evidence of multiple recrystallizations.
The latest deformation phases that occurred The greenschist and plagiogranite show only
everywhere have been given the same one phase of deformation where a single
designation, D4. As a result, in the south only foliation'is the only structure developed. The
two deformations occurred and D I and D2 talc-carbonate and limestone blocks show
have not been used. This section will evidence of recrystallization and at least
summarize the microscopic features and show two phases of deformation. During the
analysis of the fabric elements related to first phase D2 the S I foliation was developed
different deformation phases. where the calcite and talc crystals have
grown. During the later phase D3 the first
MICROSCOPIC FEATURES foliation, SI, has been folded. The SI occurs as
relict in the later S2 foliation (Fig. 10). In the
The data presented here are based on criteria limestone blocks late quartz veins are folded
obtained from thin sections cut normal to into buckle folds due to variable competency of
foliation and both normal and parallel to the quartz and calcite (Ramsay & Huber, 1987).

TABLE 2. OBSERVED STRUCTURAL FEATURES OF THE OPHIOLITIC MELANGE

BLOCKS AND MATRIX AND THE INDIAN SHELF SEDIMENTS SOUTH OF
MALAKAND AND ADJOINING AREAS

Melange blocks Greenschist Calcareous schist, talc-schist, talc-

actinolite schist, olazio-aranite
D2 S2 = Dominant Foliation 52 = Dominant Foliation
Melange Matrix Graphitic schist
D2 S, = Relic muscovite fold hinges
D3 S2 = Dominant Foliation
D4 S3 = Crenulation cleavage
Indian shelf sediments calc-mica-garnet schist, graphitic schist, calc-mica schist, qtz -mica
Domain 1 &2 schist, amphibolite, phyllite, marbles
D2 S I = Relic muscovite fold hinges
D3 S2 = Dominant Foliation
D4 S3 = Crenulation cleavage
Domain 3 Quartzo-feldspathic schist, biotite chlorite schist, greenschist,
marbles, crinoid bearing calcareous schist
D3 SI = Relic muscovite fold hinges
D4 52 = Dominant Foliation

41
 Fig. 10. Small intrafolial folds representing relic SI. Axial planes to these microfolds describe
the S2 foliation . Marble block containing C03, muscovite, quartz and plagioclase .
Crossed polars, field of view 1.8 mm long.

Dargai ultramafics 81 phase: 5, is mostly transposed. It occurs as

The Dargai ultramafics and rnafics intrafolial folds within the 52 foliation or as
(peridotite, dunite, harzber gite , basalt and foliation relicts in the hinges of the F2 folds
gabbros) do not show much evidence of (Fig . 11). FI folds have not been observed.
recrystallization. Alteration is much more
common where olivine has altered to 82 phase: The 52 phase recognized in the
serpentine, but pseudomorphs of olivine are graphitic phyllite is recorded by locally
common. Along shear zones some grains do developed asymmetric kink folds, F2, which
show deformed boundaries. Near the contact forms kink bands in the predominant foliation
with the metasediments these ultramafics are 5 I . Axial surfaces to these folds define the 52
well-foliated. Fine to coarse layers are common cleavage. Feldspar porphyroblasts have
in the ultramafics. This layering may be the overgrown 51 prior to this phase, during
result of metamorphic differentiation. which they were rotated and the new foliation
flattened against them. The internal foliation
Microscopic features of the Matrix in the feldspar is parallel with the external
The matrix is complexly deformed. On outcrop foliation, but there is also deflection of the
scale the deformation phases are hard to be external foliation around the feldspar
separated . However, the microscopic features porphyroblast. This suggests substantial
indicate the following sequence of events: flattening of the rocks during this later phase.
(1) . 5, occurs as relict intrafolial folds FI and
F2 have not been observed . F3 phase: The F3 phase has crenulated the S2
(2) A main $2 phase with development of fabric, where the axes of F3 folds represent
feldspar porphyroblasts and F3 folds. the major lineation in these rocks (Fig. 12).
(3) An F4 phase with de:velopment of Crenulation cleavage, 53, has locally
crenulation cleavage, $3. developed.
42
Microscopic features of the Indian shelf (4) Post 52 annealing phase.
sediments (5) An F3 phase with the development of
The Indian shelf sediments are also crenulation folds, lineation and
complexly deformed and showfftree main porphyroblast growth.
phases of deformation in Domain 1 and 2. (6) A retrograde phase in which garnet is
Domain 3 in-the south shows only two phases altered to chlorite and amphibole to
of deformation where the early deformation biotite .
phases are not preserved. Domain 1 covers
the extreme north whereas the Domain 2 is 81 development: In thin section, the 51
the transition zone between 1 and 3. The foliation is preserved in the micaceous rock s
rock types in Domain 1 and 2 include calc- as inclusion trails within porphyroblasts,
mica-garnet schist , graphitic schist, calc-mica pressure shadow areas created by the
schist, quartz-mica schist, and dibase dikes deflection of the dominant 52 foliation around
and sills. The microstructures observed in the porphyroblasts , and as relict intrafolial
Domain 1 and 2 are as follows: microfolds in isolated microlithons within the
(1) An early 51 phase of foliation and garnet dominant foliation except psammitic schist.
development. 51 and FI locally preserved. The limbs of these microfolds are either
(2) A main 52 phase of foliation truncated or are continuous with the
development with associated high grade dominant foliation. Biotite is the highest
recrystallization and development of . grade index mineral that defines the 51
garnet and hornblende porph yroblasts. foliation suggesting that the 51 fabric
(3) Post 52 phase. developed at biotite grade or less .

Fig. 11. Relict 51 as intrafolial folds in dominant 52 foliatio. Rotation ef magnetite grain can
. also be seen. Graphitic phyllite containing also qua rtz, muscovite and graphitic dust.
Crossed polars, field of view 1.8 mm long.

43
Fig . 12. F3 phase defined by crenulation of 52, which shows local crenulation cleavages 53.
graphitic phyllite containing quartz and muscovite . Crossed polars, field of view 1.8
mm in length.

Inter-kinematic phase: The straight to kinematic phase in rocks which had not yet
slightly curved inclusion trails shown in Fig . developed a foliation .
13, suggest that the relict 51 fabric was not
crenulated or was weakly crenulated at the 82 phase: Evidence for a strong component
time that the biotite and plagioclase of rotational shear strain during the main
porphyroblast grew . Other porphroblasts phase of foliation development is preserved,
with straight to crenulated 5, inclusions trails at the scale of the thin section, in micaceous
are hornblende and garnet. Widespread rocks with inter-kinematic garnet
porphyroblast growth, between the late stages porphyroblasts. These porphyroblasts contain
of 5, foliation development and the early inclusion trails that are not aligned from one
stages of 52 foliation development, defines an garnet to the next within a single thin section.
inter-kinematic phase that separates the The mis-orientation suggests that the garnets
deformation associated with 51 from the were rotated after they formed . Other inter-
deformation associated with the dominant 52 kinematic garnet porphyroblasts appear to
fabric in the micaceous rocks . have been broken, crushed, and
recrystallized during development of the
In psammitic schists that lack a relict 51 regional foliation. Whether garnets were
foliation, some garnet porphyroblasts contain rolled or crushed appears to be partly a
randomly oriented inclusions in their cores. function of the competency contrast between
This suggests that these garnets crystallized the porphyroblast and matrix. Garnet
early during the development of the dominant porphyroblasts were rolled in rocks with a
foliation (Vernon, 1976). They may record fine-grained micaceous or calcite-rich matrix,
porphyroblast growth during the inter- but were crushed and recrystaIlized in rocks

44
•
 Fig. 14. Overgrowth of garnet porphyroblast. The inclusion trails on the right are straight which
indicate that this side of the garnet porphyroblast is early to the 52 foliation. In the middle
the inclusion trail are slightly curved which indicate that this part is syntectonic to the 52
foliation, and in the left corner the inclusions are at high angle to the external foliation
which show that it is part of the garnet grew later and was rolled. This garnet, which
formed with a flat or elongated shape in the graphitic schist, has overgrown to the final
subidioblastic shape. Crossed polars, field o~ view 1.8 mm in length .

Fig. 15. Brecciated calcite porphyroblast, which was deformed during the emplacemnt of late
calcite vein in calc-mica garner schist. Crossed polars, field of view 1.8 mm in length.

46
 In thin sections, recrystallized tails and (2) An early SI phase of foliation
pressure shadows are typically symmetric (3) A main S2 phase of foliation
around preserved augen in the plane normal development
to foliation. This also suggests a flattening
deformation (Choukroune, 1987). 80: Bedding So is observed only on the
outcrop scale near Takht-i-Bahai in the
F3 phase: F3 is well-developed in the north . quartzo-feldspathic schist. In the thin section
In the calc-mica-garnet schist and the the So is totally transposed.
graphitic schist the F3 phase involved in the
crenulation of the S2 fabric and the 8 1: The"S I foliation is preserved as inclusion
overgrowth of the garnet porphyroblasts. The trails within porphyroblasts, pressure shadow
garnet porphyroblasts are lying in the hinges areas created by the deflection of the dominant
of the F2 folds . This suggests that the garnet S2 foliation around the porphyroblasts, and as
grade recrystallization was continued during relict intrafoliaI microfolds (Fig . 16).
the F3 deformation.
82: The S2 foliation is strongly developed and
Retrograde phase: The retrograde phase in is defined by the orientation of platy or
the calc-mica-garnet schist and the graphitic elongated minerals (actinolite, chlorite ,
phyllite is represented by the alteration of the biotite) and axial planes of preserved F3
garnet into chlorite and biotite into chlorite. folds. Growth of magnetite and ilminite
porphyroblasts is recorded with the S2
Microscopic features of the Domain 3 foliation . The internal fabric in the magnetite
Domain 3 covers the most southern part of is oblique or at an angle to the external
the study " area . The rock types include foliation. There is also deflection of the
quartzo-feldspathic schist, biotite-chlorite external foliation against the porphyroblasts .
schist, greenschist, calc-mica schist, This suggests that they were formed during
dolomitic marble, and graphitic phyllite. The and shortly after this phase (Fig. 17).
structures observed are as follows: Alteration of chlorite to actinolite is also
(1) Very locally, So, transposed bedding is recorded .
preserved.

Fig. 16. Small lntrafolial folds in greenschist from Takht-i-Bahai, containing chlorite, actinolite
and plagioclase. Plane light, field of view 1.8 mm in length .
47
. 1
 N

• ,•I
•
•
W
•• E

Fig. 19. Lower-hemisphere equal area projection of foliation data south of Malkand and
adjoining areas.

Fig. 20. Crenulation cleavage marked by the growth of later mica. Cal-mica garnet schist
containing calcite, plagioclase and quartz. Crossed polars, field of view 1.8 mm in
length. Define the lineation on the S surface. It is sometime penetrative where it can
be observed in the thin sections too.

Lineations crenulation lineation is very clear in hand-

Three types of lineations are observed. They specimen and is a penetrative lineation . The
are mineral lineation, ' boudinage, and, mineral lineation is a non-penetrative one
microscopic crenulation folds. The most where mica flakes define the lineation on the
prominent tineations are the crenulation S surface. It is penetrative in some rocks
lineation and the mineral lineation . The where it can be observed in the thin sections.

50
thrust is folded north of Chakdarra and near annealed fabrics along the enti re length of the
Dargai. Main Mantle Thrust.

Timing of deformation Lawrence et al. (1985) and Palmer-

At present no isotopic dates clearly document Rosenberg (1985) obtained ,wAr/39Ar ages of
the timing of the earl iest fabric development 39.9+0.2, 38.8 +0.3 Ma from hornblende In
in the region. SI and S2 in the Swat region the Marghazar formation near Jawar and ages
probably relate to early phases of prograde of 30.6+0.4 and 29.5 -+0.3 Ma from
-
Himalayan deformation (Lawrence et al., Muscovite in the Kashala formation near
1989; DiPietro & Lawrence, 1991) but could Saidu. These ages are similar to the younger
conceivably be separate earlier events. Baig K-Ar and 4()Ar;-~9 Ar ages obtained by Treloar
(1990) has dated fabrics in the Panjpir which et aI. (l989a) in this area. Polygonized and
he interprets to be equivalent to the early recrystallized hornblende in the hinge areas
fabrics of the metamorphic rocks further of F3 crenulation folds in the Marghazar
north. His 4°Ar/39Ar ages are> 83-85 Ma, formation indicates that hornblende
which he relates to S1 development, and recrystallized during or after DiPietro's F3
around 63 Ma, which he relates to the phase (DiPietro' & Lawrence, 1991).
development of 52. This deformation event Therefore, 38 Ma is the minimum age for the
may be related with brittle faulting in the FI/F2 and FJ deformation phases south of the
Attock-Cherat range during Late Cretaceous Swat River (DiPietro, 1990). Peak
(Yeats & Hussain, 1987), probable collision metamorphic conditions were attained during
of the Indus suture melange with the Indian a period of static recrystallization following
plate, and with the initiation or continuation Indus Suture collision and development of the
of metamorphism within Indian plate rocks. FI/Fl folds (DiPietro & Lawrence, 1991).
No fabric from this time is recognized as Calculated temperatures in Swat, North of
preserved in the study area. the latitude of lawar, average between 600-
700°C and 9-11 kbar (DiPietro, 1991).
In the north, the Indian plate rocks
reached peak metamorphic temperatures and Muscovite, biotite and alkali feldspar
subsequently cooled through the ~ 525°C 4°Ar/39Ar data from the Swat block (L. Snee
39
-10 Ar/ Ar closing temperatures of hornblende in Rosenberg, 1985) record thermal cooling
between 51 and 32 Ma and through the ::::: through 300°C. Two maximum dates on
350°C 4°Ar/39Ar closing temperature of muscovite from the lowar area south of the
muscovite between about 31 and 24 Ma suture zone are between 30 and 29 Ma. The
(Maluski & Matte, 1984; L. Snee in Palmer- third muscovite date from near the suture
Rosenberg, 1985; Treloar et aI., 1989b; zone yielded argon loss spectra from 80 +
Treloar & Rex, 1990; Baig, 1990). The 0.2 Ma to 35 + 0.15 Ma. This date hints of
cause of metamorphism may have been the a late Cretaceous metamorphic event, reset at
rapid burial of Indian plate rocks as they about 35 Ma, during Himalayan shearing
were subducted beneath the Indus Suture (Baig, 1990). Muscovite, biotite and alkali
melange. DiPietro and Lawrence (1991) feldspars dates from a sheared sample of
presented evidence that the Indus suture was Swat granite gneiss by Baig (1990) has
emplaced before the attainment of peak preferred biotite date of 32 + 0.13 Ma and
temperature in the Indian plate rock muscovite has a plateau date 28 + 0.2 Ma.
sequence. Additional evidence for early Potassium has an Argon loss spectrum with a
emplacement is the dominantly ductile and maximum date of 45 + 0.2 Ma and

53
 minimum date 22 + 0.1 Ma. He interpreted introduction. In: Geodynamics of
these dates to indicate that the fabric SI, 52, Pakistan (A. Farah & K.A. Dejong
S~, 54 in the area south of the Swat River eds.). Geol. Surv. Pakistan, 181-192.
formed before 45 Ma. However, the younger Baig, M.S., 1990. Structure and
foliation in the Swat area only involves minor geochronology of pre-Himalayan tectonic
new mica growth that is reflected by the events, northwest Himalaya, Pakistan,
younger dates between 28 and 32 Ma. At with special reference to the Besham
least F4 in the Mingora area is probably this area. Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, Oregon
young. State University.
Bell, T.H., 1985. Deformation partitioning
We have correlated S1, S2, and S3 from and porphyroblast rotation in
the study area with S2, S3, and S4 from the metamorphic rocks. A radical
area to the north in Swat. If this is correct the reinterpretation. J. Metam. Geol., 3,
Fr, F.l and F4 deformation phases in the study 109-118.
area may have occurred between 45 and 32 Butt, K.A., 1981. Hydrothermal phenomena
Ma. associated with Lahor pegmatiod/granite
complex, Kohistan. Geol. Bul!. Univ.
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55