Research Projects

The Permian-Triassic-Boundary (PTB) is the Earth's largest extinction event, with many questions remaining unanswered. A research project is proposed to study sedimentary rocks across PTB from the Kumaun basin, Tethys Himalaya, using geochemical, isotopic, and paleontological methods. The aim is to understand the potential causes of mass extinction and the provenance signatures and depositional history of sedimentary rocks across PTB, along with paleoweathering and paleoclimatic conditions. High-resolution sampling will be used to identify paleontological and geochemical evidences or anomalies at the extinction boundary. The project will also develop a relation between the three Indian Tethyan basins, developing a comprehensive model on the evolutionary history of the Tethyan basin. The fossiliferous Permian Kuling Group and Triassic Rawalibagar Group will be examined, focusing on carbonaceous black shales, grey shales, silt stones, sandstones, and intercalated limestones. The study aims to explore economically significant polymetallic deposits and hydrocarbons in the region, benefiting society and highlighting the economic and social importance of the proposal.