Research Projects

Title: Tectonothermal Evolution of the Gianbul Dome, NW Himalaya: Insights from Tectonism, Fluid Inclusions, Geochemistry, and Pressure-Temperature-Time Path PI: Dr. Shashi Ranjan Rai University of Lucknow, Lucknow The Himalayan orogen, one of the most tectonically active and geologically complex mountain belts in the world, offers a unique natural laboratory to study crustal processes such as deformation, metamorphism, fluid migration, and partial melting (Beaumont et al., 2001, 2004; Rosenberg & Handy, 2005; Sawyer et al., 2011). Within this framework, the Gianbul Dome, located in the northwestern segment of the Himalaya, represents a critical exposure of mid- to lower-crustal rocks that have undergone significant tectonothermal evolution. Domal structures like Gianbul provide insights into deep crustal dynamics, particularly the interplay between compressional and extensional regimes during orogenesis (Pognante et al., 1990; Robyr et al., 2002; Steck et al., 1999). Understanding the tectonic evolution of such domes requires a multidisciplinary approach, integrating structural geology, metamorphic petrology, fluid inclusion analysis, geochemistry, and pressure-temperature-time (P–T–t) path modeling. These tools help decipher the sequence of deformation events, the metamorphic conditions attained, and the role of fluids in rock transformations and crustal melting. Moreover, they shed light on the processes governing the exhumation of deep-seated rocks to the surface. This project focuses on unraveling the tectonometamorphic history of the Gianbul Dome through detailed analysis of its deformation structures, mineral chemistry, fluid inclusion, and metamorphic assemblages. The aim is to reconstruct the thermal and tectonic conditions the rocks experienced and to better understand their evolution in the broader context of Himalayan orogeny. By establishing a robust P–T–t path, this study seeks to contribute to the ongoing debate on crustal flow, dome formation, and exhumation mechanisms in collisional mountain belts.