Surface texture analysis of quartz grains from Sarasvati palaeochannels in Northwest India and their implications for provenance estimation

The surface microtextures of quartz grains have been studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy to infer the transportation and depositional history of detrital sediments. Surface texture studies of quartz grains provide valuable insights into the sedimentary history of clasts. Their application in reconstructing palaeo-climatic conditions is particularly useful, as clast surface textures are easily modified and preserve a record of the most recent depositional process. In the present study, surface texture of quartz grains collected from Sarasvati palaeo-fluvial system delineated through satellite data, present day glacial fed rivers viz. Satluj, Yamuna and Tons as well as ephemeral rivers in NW India were analysed through Scanning Electron Microscopy for provenance estimation. Our findings support the hypothesis that the Sarasvati palaeochannels were primarily sourced from glacial meltwater, consistent with previous studies suggesting a glacial provenance for the Sarasvati River system.This study highlights the efficacy of surface texture analysis of quartz grains in provenance fingerprinting especially the regions involving glaciated terrains like Himalayas.