Basin geometry, Cenozoic sedimentation and hydrocarbon prospects in north western Himalaya and Indo-Gangetic Plains

The stratigraphic classification based on energy-sequence concept and stability order of heavy mineral assemblage in the stratigraphic column has been found to be an effective tool of regional stratigraphic correlation of the Cenozoic sequence of the Himalayan foothills and the Indo-Gangetic plains. Such approach is warranted in all clastic dominated basins where floral and faunal controls are sparse. There are eight time stratigraphic units (en-seqs) in this region covering the period from Palaeocene to Holocene. The terrace deposits in the hills and the thick alluvium covering the Indo-Gangetic plains constitute the ninth and the youngest unit.