Lithostratigraphy of Lava Flows at Waghjai Hill, Kolhapur District, Maharashtra

Abhijit J. Patil; Yogita A. Patil; H. S. Patode

Abstract

The study area is covered by Deccan Volcanic Flood Basalts. The basalt is present in the form of lava flows, formed by fissure type of eruption. The basaltic flows have large areal extent. Flows are mostly horizontal and form flat topped hills with step like terraces are produced by differential weathering and erosion. The study area Waghjai Hill is situated in Kumbhi River Basin. The altitude ranges from 540 to 827 meters. The total thickness of Waghjai Hill lava flows is 287 meters. The lava flow mapping has been carried out in the study area and various flows are marked. There are seven lava flows in Waghjai Hill area. Each flow is composed of several subunits. The subunits are made up of vesicular and amygdaloidal basalt, compact basalt, and jointed basalt, red bole and volcanic breccia. Spheroidal weathering is observed. The volcanic breccia is formed at the top of the lava flows at some places. The patches of red bole mark the boundary of the successive lava flows at many places. In the study area, the commonly observed feature of the flows is spheroidal weathering. The general trend of the flows is horizontal.Keywords: ‘aa’, amygdaloidal basalt, compact basalt, jointed basalt, lava flows, vesicular, Waghjai Hill