Cenozoic Intracontinental Reactivation of the Central Indian Tectonic Zone

ABSTRACT A cryptic summary of the available data on the regional fault framework associated with the Central Indian Tectonic Zone (CITZ) is presented within the framework of the geomorphic characters of the region, to highlight the anomalous development of the westward draining (Narmada and Tapi) river basins of central India. The CITZ has a Precambrian heritage as a collisional intercratonic zone. The reactivation of the inherited faults from this zone controlled the geometry and evolution of anomalous hinterland Quaternary alluvial sedimentary basins along these river basins. This zone has suffered active intracontinental tectonics in the post-Deccan Trap times extending into the historical past. Available data are however inconclusive on whether the tectonics was of compressive or extensional nature. Focussed studies of this fault framework and their interrelations in 3-dimensions, besides elucidation of timing and nature of events of dislocation along them are required before any robust model of Cenozoic tectonics along the CITZ can be compiled.