t)eccan trap and laterite. 49 



Section 7. — Deccan Trap and Laterite. 



In the localities where Deccau trap and laterite occur their relations 

 are so intimate that it will be most convenient to describe them tog-e- 

 ther. Neither are found within the limits of the coal fields. Indeed, low- 

 level laterite seems to be wholly absent in this 

 Low-level laterite ab- n j j.i i j. i • i i . , 



sent. area/ and the only trap which has as yet been 



met with occurs in the form of dykes which 

 traverse the metamorphics and in places the Talehirs along the northern 

 margin of the Hutar field, and belongs very possibly to an earlier 

 period than the Deccan trap, but which must, however, have been subse- 

 quent to the Talchir period. 



So far then as our present knowledge goes, these rocks are confined 

 to the highest elevations on the south of the 

 elevSns."" ^ * '^ subdivision and the neighbouring tracts of Lohar- 

 dugga proper* It is possible that they may here- 

 after be found at lower elevations ; but so far as they have hitherto been 

 examined, the base of the trap does not occur in this region below 

 elevations of about 3,000 feet above the Sea. The pats, or plateaux which 

 have been visited by members of the Geological Survey so far are 

 known by the following names: Neturhat, 3,356 feet; Lamtipat, 3,777 

 feet ; Gulgulpat, 3,823 feet, Mailampat, 4,024. 



Neturhat. — The ascent of this plateau was made on the north side 



from the village of Pindra, which is situated south 

 Section. 



of Simah. The base is formed of a massive 

 felspathic granite, which is exposed to within about 430 feet of the top. 

 Laterite, fallen and to some extent reconsolidated, then appears, but 

 it is doubtful whether it occurs there in original contact with the gneiss, 

 since boulders of trap were found about 240 feet higher up or within 

 180 feet from the summit, after which laterite only was seen. No 

 trap was actually observed in situ near this line of ascent. Possibly 



» Detailed examination of the northern portion of the district, not yet visited, may 

 perhaps reveal some. 



D ( 49 ) 



