Multi-Proxy Provenance Analyses of the Kingriali and Datta Formations (Triassic–Jurassic Transition): Evidence for Westward Extension of the Neo-Tethys Passive Margin from the Salt Range (Pakistan)

The Salt Range, in Pakistan, preserves an insightful sedimentary record of passive margin dynamics along the NW Indian Plate during Mesozoic. This study develops provenance analyses Upper Triassic (Kingriali Formation) to Lower Jurassic (Datta siliciclastics from and Trans Indus ranges based on outcrop analysis, petrography, bulk sediment elemental geochemistry, heavy-mineral data. sandstones are texturally compositionally mature quartz arenites conglomerates rich oligomictic conglomerates. Geochemical proxies support derivation acidic sources deposition under a setting. transparent heavy mineral suite consists zircon, tourmaline, rutile (ZTR) with minor staurolite strata that diminishes strata. Together, these data indicate sediments were supplied by erosion older eastern Range adjoining areas Plate. proportion recycled component exceeds previous literature estimates for direct Shield. A possible increase detritus supply itself indicates notably different conditions generation, Triassic–Jurassic transition. present results suggest that, transition Shield was probably reduced exhumed elevated reworked locally established fluvio-deltaic system. transport had north-northwestward trend parallel northwestern Tethyan normal its opening axis. During Late Triassic, hot arid hot-house palaeoclimate prevailed area gave way humid greenhouse across Boundary. Sedimentological similarity between succession Neo-Tethyan exposed east northern suggests westward extension this margin.