Geochemical Analysis of Cretaceous Shales from the Hazara Basin, Pakistan: Provenance Signatures and Paleo-Weathering Conditions

The geochemical investigation of shales from the Early to Middle Cretaceous Chichali Formation in Hazara Basin was conducted determine origin, tectonic setting and evolution, paleo-weathering conditions, paleo-oceanographic reconstruction. research included a comprehensive field survey, sample collection, analysis variety main, trace, rare-earth elements using an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF). Bivariate plots ternary diagrams were used provenance, setting, conditions that existed during development Basin. values Ba/Sc, Ba/Co, Th/Sc, Cr/Th, Cr/Zr, Th/Co, Th/Cr, Sc/Th, bivariate Al2O3 vs. TiO2, TiO2 Zr, Ni, Df1–Df2, Zr Nb, La/Sc diagram K2O–Fe2O3–Al2O3 illustrate passive continental margin shales. detailed chemical also provides understanding marine cycle, which reflects origin these sediments. average K2O/Al2O3 value is less than 0.4, indicating shale contains clay minerals. Formation’s Chemical Index Alteration (mean = 71) Compositional Variation 1.12) show modest degree weathering source locations. From environmental standpoint, richer toxic such as Ba, Zn, Cr, Cu, may be damaging agricultural soils drinking water when present excess. These metals are incorporated into formation process.