Vitrinite Reflectance and Palaeotemperature analysis  of coals in Tikak Parbat Formation, Makum Coal  basin, Assam, India

Ranjan Kumar Sarmah

Volume : III, Issue : VI, June - 2013

Vitrinite Reflectance and Palaeotemperature analysis of coals in Tikak Parbat Formation, Makum Coal basin, Assam, India

Ranjan Kumar Sarmah

Abstract :

The present study is confined only to the coal seams and associated rocks of Tikak Parbat Formation of Barail Group(Oligocene) and based on the analysis of coal petrographic data and measured depth of sections in Tikak Hills and Tirap colliery areas of Makum Coal basin. It is observed from the palaeotemperature study that the palaeotemperature attained is 950 C to 970 C for 60ft.(18m) seam and 790 C to 880 C for 20ft.(6m) seam. Geothermal gradient (G) is found to be +_ 38.50 C/Km and the Tikak Hills area was under higher geothermal regime than that of Tirap colliery area but both belong to a single palaeogeothermal regime. High heat flow is a reflection of subduction–collision processes related to Indian plate against Burmese plate and the loci is Naga–Patkai geotectonic belt of which Makum Coal basin is an integral part.