I would like to offer my heartiest

Acknowledgement gratitude & appreciation to our

Before all else I want to express my
cordial gratitude to the Almighty for
giving us a golden opportunity for
performing a field trip on Sitakund hill
tracts, Chittagong.
This is a great pleasure for me to express
my deep sense of gratitude to our
honorable teacher, Field Geology
Expert Atikul Haque Farazi, Lecturer,
University of Barisal for his sentient
guidance, lively support, thoughtful
contribution and discreet co-operation
throughout the field survey.
I also like to express my sense of
gratitude with great pleasure to Md. Ilias
Mahmud, Lecturer, University of
Barisal for his consistent guidance,
valuable advices, proper instructions
throughout the field survey. His
presence encouraged us with thoughtful
instructions and suggestions.
chairman, Assistant Professor Abu Jafor
Mia for such kind of arrangement of
field trip for us on Sitakund anticline in
Chittagong district.
I would like to thanks immensely for the
quality of support rendered by YPSA
(Young Power in Social Action),
Sitakund for providing our
accommodation.
I show gratitude to the authority of
Hilsha Paribahan to assist us in case of
transportation.
Besides, I also thank the chefs who
cooked for us timely. They ensured
hygienic food items for us.
I want to thank the guide who was
selected from the certain locality and
helped us to find way across the
mountainous area.

It was conducted from 5th January to 11th

January of 2018, that didn’t only help us
to complete our field smoothly and with
great pleasure but also resulted in
completion of this result and kindly
perspective provided by the diversity of
their view points and experience and the
many thoughtful suggestions they have
made along the field have led to
significant improvements in my study.

Page | 1
Preface Sitakund Chittagong on Monday, 5th
February 2018.
The Department of Geology and
According to the daily functions, we
Mining, University of Barisal arranges
visited various significant places of
field work each year for the students of
Sitakund under the due leadership of the
each batch with a view to increasing the
honorable teachers. It can specially be
practical knowledge of the interaction
mentioned that every day while
between physiographic and geomorphic
observing those geologically important
structures and observing the geo-
and significant places, we gathered vast
environment and geological places,
knowledge about the geological
tectonic activities as a part of field work
structures and geomorphic features of
involve in course GHF-112 from last 5th
those places from our teachers. The
February, 2018 to 11th February, 2018.
detailed descriptions of these places are
presented in this report.

We, the students of first year of the

session 2016-2017, have accomplished
a visit to some significant geological
structures with some special targets
including geological survey and observe
geological structures in Sitakund at
Chittagong district.
By exploring the places like Barabkund,
Sahasradhara-Balukhali Chara,
Botanical garden and Eco Park,
Mahishmara-Jhanmara Chara and so on,
lastly we started for Barisal.

To accomplish our aim, we left our

At last, it can be said that, this
varsity for Sitakund on Sunday 4th
geological field activity has been
February 2018 and reached YPSA
succeeded from all aspects.
(Young Power in Social Action),

Page | 2
 places mudstone and siltstone is also
Executive Summary found. So the overall lithology of the
area can be described as the alteration
of sandstone and shale with minor
This field report is based on all the presence of mudstone and siltstone at
scientific facts and data found during different sites.
the brief field survey on Sitakund
Anticline between Choto Darogar Hat In our investigation we got some
to Barabkund Section. This field report geomorphic features such as stream,
deals with the physiographic, structural, pool, riffle, rapid, waterfall, slump and
stratigraphic, sedimentological, and pothole etc.
geomorphic Characteristics of Sitakund
The report gives us the study of rock
Anticline along with their practical and
samples collected from four
economic aspects.
consecutive sections such as
The Sitakund Anticline is situated in Barabkund, Shahasradhara-Balukhali
southern east part of Bangladesh under Chara, Microwave Road-cut and
Chittagong district. It is about 75 km Mahishmara-Jhanmara Chara sections.
long and 10 km wide and is one of the There are some economical aspects and
westernmost structures of Chittagong importance of this area. It is anticipated
and Chittagong Hill Tracts. that there is reservoir of gas and
petroleum in this area. Several gas
The Sitakund range act as water divide seepage that we have found in our
between Halda valley and Swandwip investigation are provides a strong
Channel. evidence of it. Besides many hard rock
are supplied from this area for industrial
Structurally Sitakund Anticline is one
and construction projects. These areas
of the prominent structures of the
also have an importance of religious
eastern folded belt of Bengal basin. The
view.
Sitakund anticline is trending in NNW-
SSE direction. It is an asymmetric fold
and the western Flank of the anticline is
faulted regionally, the alignment of
which runs parallel to the NNW-SSE
trending regional strike.
The Sitakund Anticline is completely
composed of sedimentary rock which
was deposited during tertiary age in
marginal marine environment. The
sedimentary beds are mainly composed
of sandstone and shale but at some

Page | 3
 Contents

Acknowledgement………………………………………………… 01
Preface……………………………………………………………... 02
Executive Summary………………………………………………..03
List of Photographs……………………………………...................06
List of Tables……………………………………………………….07
Chapter One: Introduction………………………………………..08
1.1General Statement
1.2Background
1.2.1 Purpose
1.2.2 Scope
1.2.3 Previous work
1.3Study Area
1.4Sitakund Upazila
1.5Geologic Setting

Chapter Two: Physiography………………………………………14

2.1 Topography
2.2 Drainage Pattern
2.3 Weather and Climate
2.4 Population and Culture

Chapter Three: Methods of Investigation……………..................20

3.1 Methods of Study
3.2 Lab Investigation

Page | 4
Chapter Four: Description of Individual Sections……………….24
Topics to be described
• Sedimentary Structure
• Geomorphic Features
• Attitude of Bed

Sections
• Barabkund Road-Cut Section
• Sahasradhara Balukhali Chara Section
• Microwave Road-Cut Section
• Mahishmara-Jhanmara Chara Section

Chapter Five: General Statement…………………………………47

5.1Stratigraphic Succession
5.2Lithologic Description

Chapter Six: Structures……………………………………………51

6.1 General Statement
6.2 Structures
6.2.1 Fold
6.2.2 Fault
6.2.3 Joint
6.2.4 Unconformity

Chapter Seven: Discussion and Conclusion………………………57

7.1 Discussion
7.2 Conclusion
7.3 Reference
7.4 Geological Map

Page | 5
List of Photographs

Fig. no. Topics Page no.

1.1 Satellite image of Sitakund anticline. 11

1.2 Location map of the study area. 12
1.3 Geological map of Sitakund area. 13
2.1 Topographic and geological map of Sitakund. 15
2.2 Physiographic map of Bangladesh. 16
2.3 Drainage pattern of Sitakund. 17
2.4 River system of Chittagong. 17
2.5 Local people. 19
3.1 Honorable teacher describes how to measure the 21
attitude of beds.
3.2 Student taking photographs. 21
3.3 G.P.S Navigation Device. 22
3.4 Clinometers and hammers. 22
4.1 Sandstone. 26
4.2 Shale. 26
4.3 Silty shale 26
4.4 Groove cast. 27
4.5 Bedding. 27
4.6 Lamination. 27
4.7 Mud cracks. 27
4.8 Nodular shale. 28
4.9 Joints. 28
4.10 Cross lamination. 28
4.11 Stream. 29
4.12 Pools and riffles. 29
4.13 Pothole. 29
4.14 Sandstone. 32
4.15 Shale. 32
4.16 Bedding. 33
4.17 Lamination. 33
4.18 Nodular shale. 33
4.19 Lenticular bedding. 33
4.20 Stream. 34
4.21 Water slump. 34
4.22 Waterfall. 34
4.23 Rapid 34
4.24 Sandstone. 37
4.25 Shale. 37
4.26 Silty shale. 37
4.27 Bedding. 38
Page | 6
 Fig. no. Topics Page no.

4.28 Lamination. 38
4.29 Ball-and-pillow structure. 38
4.30 Tabular cross lamination. 38
4.31 Valley. 39
4.32 Ridge. 39
4.33 Spur. 39
4.34 Rapid. 39
4.35 Lithologic succession of station 8 at Microwave Road- 40
Cut Section.
4.36 Sandstone. 43
4.37 Shale. 43
4.38 Mudstone. 43
4.39 Lithologic succession of station 8 at Jhanmara- 44
Mahishmara Chara Section.
4.40 George. 45
4.41 Plunge pool. 45
4.42 Bedding. 45
6.1 Faulting. 54
6.2 Joints. 55
6.3 Local unconformity. 56

List of Tables
Serial no. Details Page no.

01 Lithology and attitude of beds and GPS of studied 30

stations along Barabkund Section.
02 Lithology and attitude of beds and GPS of studied 35
stations along Sahasradhara-Balukhali Chara Section.
03 Lithology and attitude of beds and GPS of studied 41
stations along Microwave Road Cut Section.
04 Lithology and attitude of beds and GPS of studied 46
stations along Mahishmara-Jhanmara Chara Section.

Page | 7
 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 General Statement

1.2 Background
1.2.1 Purpose
1.2.2 Scope
1.2.3 Previous work
1.3 Study Area
1.4 Geologic Setting

Page | 8

1.1 General Statement
Geology is the study of the earth. It is a
visual science which is concerned with
the natural phenomena of the earth such
as mountains, rock formation, interior of
the earth etc. That’s why field study and
practical experience is very much needed
along with theoretical knowledge.
Geological field work usually involves
the study and interpretation of rocks,
topographic forms etc. Geologic Field
Work is a compulsory course of the
Department of Geology and Mining,
which supplements the practical
knowledge. The chief purpose of the field
work is to get aquatinted with different
geologic field problems and interpret
them properly. For this reason, the
Department of Geology and Mining,
University of Barisal arranges annual
field trip for students. The department
arranged schedule field work in Sitakund
anticline under the district of Chittagong.
Page | 9
A group of forty five students of the 1st
year B.S. (Hon’s) Session 2016-17 made
a field tour for a week. The field tour
started on the February 4th 2018 at 8:30
pm and came to an end on the February
11st 2018.
The geologic field work deals with the
study and explanation of the rocks,
topographic forms, drainage patterns and
structural features such as fold, fault,
joint, unconformity and plotting this
geologic data on the base map.
Sitakund is a paramount place for
geological studies. Sitakund is a wide
hilly area. It is an ideal place for a
geological field tour because there are
different types of exposed geologic
features. The Sitakund anticline has been
divided into several importance sections.
After collecting and analyzing the data of
these sections we can get a clear idea
about the Sitakund Anticline.

1.2 Background
1.2.1 Purpose: Field Studies offer
several unique advantages in solving
geological problems. A purpose may be
economic or scientific. Our purpose was
scientific. Field mapping is fundamental
to all geologic knowledge. Geologic field
work usually involves the study and
interpretation of rocks, topographic
forms etc. The determination of the
location of points out-crops and other
geologic data on map.
Some important objectives of field report
are-
• To know the stratigraphy,
structure, geologic history of the
studied area.
• To know the Characteristics and
history of the sedimentary rocks.
• To study different sedimentary
structures and geomorphic
features.
• To know the physiography and
vegetation of the studied area.
• To know the socio-economic
condition of the studied area.
Page | 10
1.2.2 Scope: In this place, exposures
which are found along the hill slopes,
river valleys, anticlinal folded structures
and rock types offer huge scopes for
geological investigations. Through
exposures we can study its attitude and
lithology observed different morphology
features and the change in through
natural processes.
1.2.3 Previous work: The area was
mapped geologically by Professor M.A.
Latif and M.T. Hossain during winter
months of 1963-65. Geological Survey of
Bangladesh, Petro Bangla took several
projects in this hill range. The oil and gas
development corporation (OGDC)
conducted geological investigation of the
area during 1963-1964. The Burma oil
company (BUC) drilled a shallow well in
1914. The Indian Petroleum Prospecting
Company also drilled three wells at
Sitakund between 1910 and 1914. In
1983 Petro Bangla drilled a well.
Moreover, students and teachers of
Geology department of University of
Barisal, University of Dhaka, University
of Rajshsahi, Jahangirnagar University
and many geologists study the area in
every year.

1.3 Study Area
One of the most familiar hill ranges in
Bangladesh is Sitakund anticline. It is
situated in the north western part of the
Chittagong district.
The investigated area lies within the
latitude of 22030’N to 22045’N and the
longitudes of 91035’E to 91050’E and
was included in the survey of Bangladesh
topo sheet No. 79 N/10. The distance
between Sitakund and Chittagong is 40
km whereas it is 185 km south-east from
Dhaka city. It stands beside the Dhaka-
Chittagong Highway and the Dhaka-
Chittagong railway line. The Sitakund
anticline is about 68 km long and 12-16
km wide and covers about 840 sq. km.
(Figure 1.2)
Sitakund anticline extends from Feni
River to Karnaphuli River where as
STUDY AREA
Figure 1.1: Satellite image of Sitakund anticline.
Page | 11
Swandip channel is in the western side
and the Halda valley is in the eastern side
of the hill range.
The communication of Sitakund with
Dhaka is very well. One could use
highway, rail path or air to go there. But
we generally use the railway to minimize
our expenses.
The investigation is rusticated from
Balukhali to Barabkund. In the hilly
upland there is a metalled road named
microwave station road which extend to
the summit of the hill range from Dhaka-
Chittagong trunk road.
We went to four sections Barabkund,
Sahasradhara-Balukhali Chara,
Microwave road cut section and
Mahishmara-Jhanmara Chara. We had
to walk a long distance in each section.
Beside this, I really enjoyed my field
trip.
 and Muslims rulers of Bengal in the
1.4 Sitakund Upazila west. For a brief period in the 8th
century, it was ruled by the Buddhist
Pala Empire of India. Economic
development in Sitakund is largely
Sitakund is an upazila, in the Chittagong
driven by the Dhaka-Chittagong
District of Bangladesh (Figure 1.2). It
Highway and the railway. Though
includes one urban settlement, the
Sitakund is predominantly an
Sitakund Town, The district is part of the
agricultural area, it also has the
Chittagong Division, the highest order of
largest ship breaking industry in the
administrative units in Bangladesh.
world. Sitakund's ecosystems are further
Sitakund is the home of the country's
threatened by deforestation, over-
first eco-park, as well as alternative
fishing, and groundwater contamination.
energy projects, specifically wind energy
The upazila is also susceptible to natural
and geothermal power. Sitakund is one
hazards such as earthquakes, cyclones,
of the oldest sites of human habitation in
and storm surges. It lies on one of the
Bangladesh. During much of its history,
most active seismic faults in Bangladesh,
it was ruled alternatively by various
the Sitakund–Teknaf fault.
Buddhist rulers of Myanmar in the east

Study area

Figure 1.2: Location map of the study area.

Page | 12
 For a lack of infrastructure in
1.5 Geologic Setting Bangladesh, this anticline is one of the
few regularly surveyed structures in the
Sitakund anticline is a result of collision country.
between the Burma plate in the east and
the Indian plate in the west. It is situated The syncline from Sitakund separates
at the northwestern part of Chittagong the eastern end of the Feni structure
district, between 22'34'n and 22'43'n located in the folded flank of the Bengal
fore deep.
latitude and 91'38'e and 91'41'e longitude.
It is delimited in the north by the
Feni River, in the south by
the Karnaphuli, in the east by the
Halda River and in the west by the
Swandwip Channel. In a broader sense
the Sitakund hill range acts as a water
divider between the Halda valley on the
east and the Swandwip channel on the
west. The structure is about 70 km long
and 10-km wide and is situated at about
270-km southeast of Dhaka.

The Sitakund fold is an elongated,

asymmetrical, box-type doubly plunging
anticline. The axis of the fold is running
in NNW-SSE direction, parallel to the
general trend of regional strike. Both the
flanks of the anticline merge into the
alluvial plain of the Feni River in the Figure 1.3: Geological map of Sitakund.
north and the Karnaphuli in the south due
to its doubly plunging nature.

Page | 13
 CHAPTER TWO

PHYSIOGRAPHY

2.1 Topography and Relief

2.2 Drainage Pattern
2.3 Weather and Climate
2.4 Population and Culture

Page | 14

2.1 Topography and
Relief
The topographic expression of the area is
the abrupt rise of the hill in the eastern
flank whereas the western flank’s hills are
buried under the alluvial plane. (Fig 2.1)
The Sitakund hill range is trending NNW-
SSE direction caused by folding (Fig
2.2). The eastern flank of the hill
gradually merges with Halda valley and
the western flank abruptly distributed by
a major fault.
The average height of the Sitakund hill
range is 700 feet from the sea level. The
height of the highest elevated area is 1156
feet from sea level. On the basis of
general topography the whole hill range is
divided into three major physiographic
zones. They are as follows-
The Western Zone: This portion is
mainly covered with shallow depth of
alluvium that’s why it is also named as ‘A
Figure 2.1: Topographic and geologic map of Sitakund.
Page | 15
Zone of Buried Hill’. This zone extends
from the sea coast to the western margins
of the hills. Since the sediments are
encountered at shallow depth of alluvial
cover.
The Middle Zone: The middle portion of
the hill range constitutes a strip of land
mass, that make up the foot hills of the
main range. The average elevation is 100
to 250 feet. Due to differential weathering
the zone shows an inversion of
topography and results a long escarpment.
As a result, this zone is named as ‘Zone
of Topographic Inversion’.
The Eastern Zone: The eastern portion
represents the maximum elevation. The
highest peak of this zone is 1156 feet at
the Chandranath Temple. The area is still
in its early geomorphic youth and the
work of sub areal denudation is
conspicuous. As a result, the features like
cliffs, spurs rapid waterfalls, plunge pool
etc. is present.
 Figure 2.2: Physiographic map of Sitakund.

Page | 16

2.2 Drainage Pattern
The Sitakund anticline is geomorphically
in youth stage. So, there are numerous
streams flowing along and across the hill
range (Figure 2.5). The streams are
locally known as Chara.
The anticline ridge divides the drainage
system into two parts. The streams on the
western flank of the hill range flows out
through the alluvial plain and on the
eastern portion flows into Halda River.
Most of the streams in this area run both
along the strike and dip directions. The
streams of this area are semi seasonal.
Figure 2.3: Drainage pattern of
Sitakund.
Page | 17
In rainy season the water increases in the
streams and tributaries produced streams
become dry and we see erosion.
Two major types of drainage pattern are
seen here. One is ‘Dendritic’ pattern
generally found southern and eastern part
and the second is ‘Trellised’ drainage
pattern in the north and North-West part
of this area. But the drainage of this area
is mostly dendritic which indicates that
underlying bed rock is uniform. In this
dendritic patterned streams or Charas we
found many geomorphic features such as
waterfalls, plunge pool, gorge etc.
The streams are in youthful stage
demonstrated by their Characteristics
feature like waterfall, pot holes, gorges,
v-shaped valleys etc.
Figure 2.4: River system of Chittagong.
 The monsoon: Starts from June and lasts
2.3 Weather and Climate till October. During monsoon the sky is
often overcast with dark clouds, and it
rains heavily accomplished by gusty wind
The weather of our observation days was
and occasionally with a cyclonic storm.
colder to warmer, sunny day, no
humidity, no rainfall and temperature. It The winter: It begins from November and
was a good time of February we visited continues up to February, with a cool,
Sitakund. calm and pleasant weather.
There are three distinct seasons in the
Sitakund area. They are being described
below-
The summer: Begins from March
continues up to May with moderate
precipitation. As this mountainous area
has huge amount of plantation so summer
heat is not so unbearable.

Page | 18

2.4 Population and
Culture
According to the census of 2001,
Sitakund had a population of 298,528
distributed to 55,837 units of households
(average household size 5.3), including
163,561 men and 134,967 women, or a
gender ratio of 121:100. The average
population of component administrative
units of the upazila are 4,072 for wards,
1,666 for mahallas, 29,853 for unions,
5,060 for mouzas (revenue villages) and
5,060 for villages reported by the census.
Out of the
69 mauzas here, 8 have less than 50
households, while 27 have more than 600
households. Of the villages, 8 have a
population of less than 250, while 29
have more than 2,500. As of 2001, the
population density of Sitakund was 692
inhabitants per square kilometer
(1,792/square mile).
Apart from the Bengali majority, there
are a number of small communities of
ethnic minorities in the area. Many of the
resident Rakhine people are believed to
have settled here during the Arakanese
rule of Chittagong (1459–1666), though
the event is not historically traceable.
Figure 2.5: Local People.
Page | 19
The Rakhine population in Khagrachari
District migrated from the surrounding
area and built up their permanent abode at
Ramgarh in the 19th century. Other ethnic
groups include the recently migrated
Tripuri people. In the District of
Chittagong that includes Sitakund, the
population ratio by religion in 2001 was
Muslim 83.92%, Hindu 13.76%, Buddhist
2.01% and Christian 0.12%, with 0.19%
following other religions. In 1981, it was
Muslim 82.79%, Hindu 14.6%, Buddhist
2.23% and Christian 0.21%, with 0.19%
following other religions. Chittagonian, a
derivative of Bengali spoken by 14
million people mainly in the Chittagong
district, is the dominant language.
Sitakund hill range is thinly populated.
Its inhabitants mainly live on the foot of
the hill. In plain lands most of the people
are farmers. But there are also working
people like wood cutters, business men or
porters.
There are temples in Sitakund region
such as Chandranath, Barabkund
temples. An enormous number of people
come here every year to meet on
religious occasions.
 CHAPTER THREE

METHODS OF INVESTIGATION

3.1 Methods of Study

3.2 Tools and Equipment
3.3 Lab Investigation

Page | 20

3.1 Methods of Study
Our investigation was based on traverse
method. The area was surveyed along
the roads and streams where the bed
rocks were exposed and outcrops were
found.
We were divided into seven groups
consisting of six or seven members
guided by honorable teachers.
The following methods were used
during the field work-
Measuring attitude of beds:
The field study included of the
determination of the strike, dip and
amount of dip. The attitude of the beds
were measured with the help of
clinometer. The location of the stations
were find out in the base map and
marked with corresponding lithology.
(Fig 3.1)
Figure 3.1: Honorable teacher
describes how to measure the attitude of
beds.
Page | 21
Describing lithology:
Lithology of the exposures were
described and inscribed on the
notebook.
Data plotting on the supplied map:
During our investigation we found some
data on the attitude of beds and we tried
to understand the lithology of the beds.
1 cm on the map represents 200 meter
on the ground. It covers the area
between Bariadyala and Barabkund.
Collecting sample:
We collected some rock samples and
some significant sedimentary structures
from the explored areas.
Taking photographs:
We have took photographs of well
exposed geomorphic features, structures
and topography of each sections. All
this information that have been obtained
by above methods from exposures was
noted in the field note book (Fig 3.2).
Figure 3.2: Student taking photographs.

3.2 Tools and
Equipment
Base map: Base map of the area locate
different investigated area.
G.P.S Navigation Device:To measure
the position (latitude and longitude) of
the station’s location (Fig 3.3).
Figure 3.3: G.P.S Navigation Device.
Measuring tape: To measure distance.
Pen and Pencils: Pen is for writing
notebook and pencil is for plotting the
map.
Page | 22
Compass clinometer: Used in
measuring the attitude of beds, that is
the dip direction, the amount of dip and
strike direction of the beds (Fig 3.4).
Hammer: To collect samples and find
out proper beds (Fig 3.4).
Figure 3.4: Clinometers and hammers.
Acid bottle and dropper: Used for
identifying rock nature whether it is
calcareous or not.
Camera: To take photograph of
outcrops and structures.
Field notebook: It is essential for taking
various notes on different geological
features in the field.
Sample bag: To collect rock samples
and sedimentary structures.

3.3 Laboratory
Investigations
The rock specimens and samples
collected during the field investigation
couldn’t be studied in the laboratory due
to the unavailability of lab facilities.
So that we couldn’t make the precise
investigations on our collected samples.
But we tried to collect samples that have
good apparent view to be recognized by
hand and eyes.

Page | 23
 CHAPTER FOUR
DESCRIPTION OF INDIVIDUAL
SECTIONS

Topics to be described
 Lithology
 Sedimentary Structures
 Geomorphic Features
 Attitude of Beds

Sections
 Barabkund Road-Cut Section
 Sahasradhara-Balukhali Chara Section
 Microwave Road-Cut Section
 Mahishmara-Jhanmara Chara Section

Page | 24
Barabkund Road-Cut Section

Date: 6 February

Start time: 8.30 A.M

Weather: Foggy Day

Start point: C.C.C. High School.

GPS of start point:

Latitude: N 22⁰ 34’52.4”

Longitude: E 91⁰42’08.4”

GPS of end point:

Latitude: N 22⁰34’56.7”

Longitude: E 91⁰42’01.1”

Page | 25
 Silty shale: the rock is composed of
Lithology bluish gray colored, thinly to thickly
laminated, medium to fine grained silt
and clay size particles (Fig 4.3).
The lithology of this area includes
Sandstone, shale and silty shale
(Table1).

Sandstone: The rock is composed of

yellowish brown colored, fine to
medium grained, very thinly to thickly
bedded, loose compacted sand size
particles (Fig 4.1).
Figure 4.3: Silty Shale.

Figure 4.1: Sandstone.

Shale: The rock is composed of bluish

gray colored, thinly to thickly
laminated, clay sized particles (Fig 4.2).

Figure 4.2: Shale.

Page | 26

Sedimentary Structures
Sedimentary structures are visible
features within sedimentary rocks that
formed at the time of deposition and
represent manifestations of the physical
and biological processes. The
sedimentary structures that have been
observed are-
Lamination: The lamination of fine
grained rocks may result from the
alteration of granular clayey layer or
from the parallelism of that grains and
flaky minerals. The thickness of the
lamination is less than 1cm (Fig 4.6).

Groove cast: Groove casts are straight

parallel ridges that are raised a few
millimeters from the bedding surface.
Groove casts form when high velocity
flows create a pattern on an underlying
bed (Fig 4.4).
Figure 4.6: Lamination.

Mud cracks: A fracture, part of a

desiccation pattern, caused by the
drying out and shrinking of silt or clay
(Fig 4.7).

Figure 4.4: Groove Cast.

Bedding: A bedding is a term used for a

structure occurring in granite and
similar massive rocks that allows them
to split in well-defined planes
horizontally or parallel to the land
surface, thickness more than 1cm (Fig
4.5).
Figure 4.7: Mud Cracks.

Figure 4.5: Bedding.

Page | 27
Nodular structure: Nodule, rounded Ripple cross lamination: The form of
mineral concretion that is distinct from, cross-lamination produced by the tidal
and may be separated from, the effects at shallow marine environment
formation in which it occurs. Nodules (Fig 4.10).
commonly are elongate with a knobby
irregular surface; they usually are
oriented parallel to the bedding (Fig
4.8).

Figure 4.10: Cross Lamination.

Figure 4.8: Nodular Shale

Joints: Joint, in Geology, a brittle-

fracture surface in rocks along which
little or no displacement has occurred.
Present in nearly all surface rocks, joints
extend in various directions, generally
more toward the vertical than to the
horizontal. Joints may have smooth,
clean surfaces, or they may be scarred
by slickensides, or striations (Fig 4.9).

Figure 4.9: Joints

Page | 28

Geomorphic Features
Stream: A stream is a body of water
that carries rock particles and dissolved
ions and flows down slope along a
clearly defined path, called a channel.
Thus, streams may vary in width from a
few centimeters to several tens of
kilometers (Fig 4.11).
Point bar: A low, curved ridge of sand
and gravel along the inner bank of a
meandering stream.
Pothole: pothole, in geology,
cylindrical pit formed in the rocky
channel of a turbulent stream. It is
formed and enlarged by the abrading
action of pebbles and cobbles that are
carried by eddies, or circular water
currents that move against the main
current of a stream (Fig. 4.13).

Pothole

Figure 4.11: Stream

Figure 4.13: Pothole

Pool and Riffle: A pool is characterized
by a water surface profile less than the
mean stream gradient and finer bed
materials, whereas a riffle has a water
surface slope steeper than the mean
stream gradient and is composed of
coarser bed materials (Fig 4.12).

Riffle

Pool

Figure 4.12: Pools and riffles.

Page | 29
Attitude of Beds
St. GPS Lithology S.D. D.D. A.
D.
S-1 N 22⁰34’52.4” Alteration of yellowish brown bedded
E 91⁰41’08.4” sandstone and bluish gray, thinly to N15W N75⁰E 89⁰
thickly laminated shale with
dominating of shale.
S-2 N 22⁰34’54.3” Alteration of yellowish brown bedded
E 91⁰41’21.6” sandstone and bluish gray, thinly to N20W N70⁰E 82⁰
thickly laminated shale.
S-3 N 22⁰34’55.0” Alteration of yellowish gray bedded
E 91⁰41’24.2” sandstone and bluish gray, thinly to N24⁰ N66⁰E 71⁰
medium laminated shale with sand W
dominating.
S-4 N 22⁰34’50.9” Alteration of yellowish brown bedded
E 91⁰41’31.3” sandstone and bluish gray, thinly to N19⁰ N71⁰E 42⁰
thickly laminated shale with shale W
dominating.
S-5 N 22⁰34’50.4” Alteration of yellowish brown bedded
E 91⁰41’36.4” sandstone and bluish gray, thinly to S25⁰ E N25⁰ W 52⁰
thickly laminated shale with shale
dominating.
S-6 N 22⁰34’51.7” Alteration of yellowish brown bedded
E 91⁰41’37.1” sandstone and bluish gray, thinly to N58⁰ E N32⁰ W 60⁰
thickly laminated shale with shale
dominating.
S-7 N 22⁰34’52.5” Light gray moderately compacted
E 91⁰41’38.7” mudstone. A A A

S-8 N 22⁰34’52.2” Alteration of yellowish brown bedded

E 91⁰41’40.7” sandstone and bluish gray, thinly to N30⁰E N50⁰ W 60⁰
thickly laminated shale with shale
dominating.
S-9 N 22⁰34’58.8”
E 91⁰41’50.0” Dark gray highly compacted shale. N45⁰w N45⁰ E 15⁰
S-10 N 22⁰34’57.7”
E 91⁰41’56.9” Highly compacted shale. N45⁰w N45⁰ E 50
S-11 N 22⁰34’59.3” Dark gray highly compacted nodular
E 91⁰41’58.7” shale. S1⁰ W S89⁰ E 10
S-12 N 22⁰34’56.3” Dark gray highly compacted nodular
E 91⁰42’00.3” shale. S76⁰ E S87⁰ E 20
S-13 N 22⁰34’56.7” Dark gray highly compacted nodular
E 91⁰42’01.1” shale. S14⁰W S76⁰ E 30

Table 1: Lithology and attitude of beds and GPS of studied stations along Barabkund
Section.

Page | 30
Sahasradhara-Balukhali Chara Section

Date: 7 February

Start time: 8.30 A.M

Weather: Foggy

Start point: First outcrop

GPS of start point:

Latitude: N 22⁰39’53.8”

Longitude: E 91⁰38’58.1”

GPS of end point:

Latitude: N 22⁰40’27.5”

Longitude: E 91⁰40’27.5”

Page | 31

Lithology
The lithology of this area includes
sandstone, shale and silty shale.
Silty shale: the rock is composed of
bluish gray colored, thinly to thickly
laminated, medium to fine grained silt
and clay size particles.

Sandstone: the rock is composed of

yellowish brown colored, fine to
medium grained, very thinly to thickly
bedded, loose compacted sand size
particles (Fig 4.14).

Figure 4.14: Sandstone

Shale: the rock is composed of bluish

gray colored, thinly to thickly
laminated, clay sized particles (Fig
4.15).

Figure 4.15: Shale

Page | 32
 Nodular Structure: Nodules are
Sedimentary Structures moderately hard bodies of rock similar
to concretions. Nodules may also form
by the selective precipitation of
dissolved minerals that completely
The sedimentary structures that replace the original sediments (Fig
observed here are given below- 4.18).
Bedding: A bedding is a term used for a
structure occurring in granite and
similar massive rocks that allows them
to split in well-defined planes
horizontally or parallel to the land
surface, thickness more than 1cm (Fig
4.16).

Figure 4.18: Nodular Shale.

Lenticular bedding: Lenticular

bedding is a sedimentary bedding (Fig
4.19).
Figure 4.16: Bedding.
Sand Lens
Lamination: Lamination is a small
scale sequence of fine layers that occurs
in sedimentary rocks. Laminations are
normally smaller and less pronounced
than bedding. Thickness less than 1 cm
(Fig 4.17).

Figure 4.19: Lenticular bedding.

Mud cracks: Mud Cracks are

polygonal cracks formed as mud dried.
Mud Cracks indicate shallow water.
They are used to show which way up.

Figure 4.17: Lamination.

Page | 33
 Channel bar: Channel bars are
Geomorphic Features landforms in a river that begin to form
when the discharge is low and the river
is forced to take the route of less
The main geomorphic features are being resistance by means of flowing in
described below- locations of lowest elevation.

Stream: A stream is a body of water

that carries rock particles and dissolved
ions and flows down slope along a Waterfall: The height of the observed
clearly defined path, called a channel. waterfalls in Sahasradhara section was
Thus, streams may vary in width from a more or less 90 feet (Fig 4.22).
few centimeters to several tens of
kilometers (Fig 4.20).

Figure 4.22: Waterfall.

Figure 4.20: Stream. Rapid: Rapids are areas of shallow,

fast-flowing water in a
Water Slump: A slump is a form of stream. Rapids tend to form in younger
mass wasting that occurs when a streams, with water flow that is
coherent mass of loosely consolidated straighter and faster than in older
materials or rock layers moves a short streams (Fig 4.23).
distance down a slope and create a
concave upward planar surface (Fig Rapid
4.21).

Figure 4.23: Rapid.

Figure 4.21: Water Slump.

Page | 34
Attitude of Beds

St. GPS Lithology S.D. D.D. A.D.

N 22⁰39’53.8” Alteration of yellowish brown a.S0⁰E a.Due W a.DewW
S1 E 91⁰38’58.1” bedded sandstone and bluish b.S50⁰E b.S40⁰W b. 69⁰
gray, thinly to thickly laminated c.S35⁰E c.S55⁰W c. 66⁰
shale with sand dominating.
S2 N 22⁰40’00.1” Nodular shale A A A
E 91⁰39’03.9”
S3 N 22⁰40’08.0” Alteration of yellowish gray
E 91⁰39’05.6” bedded sandstone and bluish S52⁰E N38⁰W 14⁰
gray, thinly to medium laminated
shale with sand dominating.
S4 N 22⁰40’10.8” Alteration of yellowish brown
E 91⁰39’04.9” bedded sandstone and bluish S20⁰W S70⁰E 12⁰
gray, thinly to thickly laminated
shale with shale dominating.
S5 N 22⁰40’18.2” Bluish grey shale dominating
E 91⁰39’20.2” argillaceous. S65⁰W S25⁰E 6⁰

S6 N 22⁰40’27.2” Alteration of yellowish brown

E 91⁰39’29.4” bedded sandstone and bluish N30⁰W N60⁰E 36⁰
gray, thinly to thickly laminated
shale with shale dominating.
S7 N 22⁰40’33.9” Bluish gray moderately
E 91⁰40’18.4” compacted shale. N72⁰E N18⁰W 40⁰

S8 N 22⁰40’27.8” Alteration of yellowish brown

E 91⁰40’19.7” bedded sandstone and bluish N55⁰E N35⁰W 49⁰
gray, thinly to thickly laminated
shale with shale dominating.
S9 N 22⁰40’25.0”
E 91⁰40’25.5” N56⁰E N34⁰W 50⁰

S10 N 22⁰40’27.5”
E 91⁰40’27.5” N60⁰E N30⁰W 55⁰

Table 2: Lithology and attitude of beds and GPS of studied sections along
Sahasradhara-Balukhali Chara section.

Page | 35
Microwave Road-Cut Section

Date: 7 February

Start time: 8.30 A.M

Weather: Foggy Day

Start point:

GPS of start point:

Latitude: N 22⁰ 36’08.8”

Longitude: E 91⁰40’41.1”

GPS of end point:

Latitude: N 22⁰36’47.6”

Longitude: E 91⁰41’23.2”

Page | 36

Lithology
The lithology of this area includes
sandstone, shale and silty shale.
Silty shale: This rock is composed of
bluish gray colored, thinly to thickly
laminated, medium to fine grained silt
and clay size particles (Fig 4.26).

Sandstone: This rock is composed of

yellowish brown colored, fine to
medium grained, very thinly to thickly
bedded, loose compacted sand size
particles (Fig 4.24).

Figure 4.26: Silty Shale.

Figure 4.24: Sandstone.

Shale: This rock is composed of bluish

gray colored, thinly to thickly
laminated, clay sized particles (Fig
4.25).

Figure 4.25: Shale.

Page | 37

Sedimentary Structures
The sedimentary structures that
observed here are given below-
Bedding: A bedding is a term used for a
structure occurring in granite and
similar massive rocks that allows them
to split in well-defined planes
horizontally or parallel to the land
surface, thickness more than 1cm.
Ball-and-pillow structure: Ball-and-
pillow structures are masses of clastic
sediment that take the form of
isolated pillows or protruding ball
structures. These soft-sediment
deformations are usually found at the
base of sandstone beds that are
interbedded with mudstone.
Ball-and-pillow structure

Figure 4.29: Ball-and-pillow structure.

Figure 4.27: Bedding.

Cross lamination:
Lamination:
Lamination is a small scale sequence of Cross lamination
fine layers that occurs in sedimentary
rocks. Laminations are normally smaller
and less pronounced than bedding.
Thickness less than 1 cm.

Figure 4.30: Tabular cross lamination

in sand lens.

Figure 4.28: Lamination.

Page | 38
 Spur: A ridge that protects sharply from
Geomorphic Features the crest side of a mountain, a hill
The main geomorphic features are being extending from a prominent range of
described below- hills or mountains (Fig 4.33).

Valley: Valley, elongate depression of

the Earth's surface. Valleys are most Spur
commonly drained by rivers and may
occur in a relatively flat plain or
between ranges of hills or mountains
(Fig 4.31).

Valley
Figure 4.33: Spur

Rapid: Rapid is a part of stream where

current is very fast and rough (Fig 4.34).
Figure 4.31: Valley

Ridge: A ridge or mountain ridge is a

geological feature consisting of a chain Rapid
of mountains or hills that form a
continuous elevated crest for some
distance. The line along the crest formed
by the highest points, with the terrain
dropping down on either side, is called
the ridgeline (Fig 4.32).
Ridge
Figure 4.34: Rapid.

Figure 4.32: Ridge.

Page | 39
Lithologic succession: The lithologic succession of station 8 at Microwave Road-Cut
Section is given below (Fig 4.35).
Thickness

Grain Size

Figure 4.35: Lithologic Succession of Microwave Road-Cut Section.

Page | 40
Attitude of Beds
St. G.P.S Lithology S.D. D.D. A.D.
Alteration of yellowish brown highly
S1 N 22⁰36′08.8″ weathered massive sandstone and N12⁰W N78⁰E 19⁰
E 91⁰40′41.1″ bluish gray thinly to thickly laminated
silty shale. Shale dominating rock.

N 22⁰36′14.8″ Alteration of yellowish brown very fine

S2 E 91⁰40′58.6″ grained thickly bedded sandstone and N52⁰E N38⁰W 70⁰
bluish gray thinly to thickly laminated
silty shale.
Alteration of yellowish brown bedded
S3 N 22⁰36′16.5″ sandstone and bluish gray highly fissile S40⁰E S50⁰W 52⁰
E 91⁰41′02.3″ with presence of silt lens along the
shale bedding planes.
N22⁰36′05.9″ Alteration of yellowish brown fine
S4 E91⁰41′11.36″ grained thinly to thickly bedded S30⁰E S60⁰W 50⁰
massive sandstone and bluish gray
thinly to thickly laminated shale.
S5 N 22⁰36′20.0″ Bluish gray colored thinly to N25⁰E N65⁰W 17⁰
E 91⁰41′17.4″ thickly laminate highly
weathered shale.
S6 N 22⁰36′16.6″ Alteration of yellowish brown thickly
E 91⁰41′08.3″ bedded sandstone and bluish gray S46⁰W S44⁰E 12⁰
thinly to thickly laminated shale.
S7 N 22⁰36′22.2″ Alteration of yellowish brown thinly to
E 91⁰41′07.6″ thickly bedded sandstone and bluish S78⁰E S12⁰W 12⁰
gray thinly to thickly laminated shale. S45⁰E 12⁰
S8 N 22⁰36′24.5″ Bluish gray thinly to thickly laminated S60⁰E S30⁰E 18⁰
E 91⁰41′10.1″ shale.
S9 N220 36′43.3″ Bluish gray thinly to thickly laminated N360W N540E 90
E910 41′18.2″ shale.
S10 N220 36′44.6″ Bluish gray thinly to thickly laminated N200W N700E 600
E910 41′21.9″ shale.
S11 N220 36′47.6″ Bluish gray thinly to thickly laminated N400W N 500E 18⁰
E910 41′23.2″ shale.

Table 3: Lithology and attitude of beds and GPS of studied sections along Microwave
Road-Cut Section.

Page | 41
Mahishmara-Jhanmara Chara

Date: 8 February

Start time: 8.30 A.M

Weather: Foggy Day

Start point:

GPS of start point:

Latitude: N 22⁰ 37’58.1”

Longitude: E 91⁰40’00.5”

GPS of end point:

Latitude: N 22⁰36’47.6”

Longitude: E 91⁰41’23.2”

Page | 42
 Mudstone: A dark sedimentary rock
Lithology formed from consolidated mud and
lacking the laminations of shale (Fig
4.38).
The lithology of this area includes
sandstone, mudstone shale and silty
shale. Mudstone
Sandstone: Sandstone is a sedimentary
rock consisting of sand or quartz grains
cemented together, typically red,
yellow, or brown in color (Fig 4.36).

Figure 4.38: Mudstone.

Figure 4.36: Sandstone.

Shale: Shale is a soft, finely stratified

sedimentary rock that formed from
consolidated mud or clay (Fig 4.37).

Figure 4.37: Shale.

Page | 43
Lithologic succession: The lithologic succession of station 8 at Jhanmara-Mahishmara
Chara is being given below-

45
…………………………………………………………

40 …….…………………………………………………...

…………………………………………………………
35 -------------------------

------------------------
30
……………………..

25 ------------------------

20 ------------------------

- ------------------------
15
------------------------
Elevation

10 -----------------------

------------------------

00
F M C
Clay Silt Sand

Grain Size

Figure 4.39: Lithologic succession at station 8 in Mahishmara-Jhanmara Chara

section.

Page | 44
 Confluence: A confluence is the
Geomorphic Features
meeting of two or more bodies of water.
That is, the junction between two
streams. It is also known as a conflux.
Waterfall: A cascade of water falling
from a height, formed when a river or
stream flows over a precipice or steep
incline.
Sedimentary Structures
Gorge: A narrow valley between hills or
mountains, typically with steep rocky
walls and a stream running through it
(Fig 4.40). Bedding: Bedding is expressed by work
unit of granular tabular or lenticular
George form. Generally a bed or structure is an
individual layer of rocks more than 1cm
thick (Fig 4.42).

Figure 4.40: George. Figure 4.42: Bedding.

Plunge pool: A deep basin excavated at

the foot of a waterfall by the action of the
falling water (Fig 4.41).
Plunge Pool
Lamination: Lamination is a small scale
sequence of fine layers that occurs in
sedimentary rocks. Laminations are
normally smaller and less pronounced
than bedding.

Figure 4.41: View of a plunge pool from

above a waterfall.

Page | 45
Attitude of Beds

Station GPS Lithology S.D. D.D. A.D.

S1 N 22⁰37’58.1” Alteration of yellowish brown bedded

E 91⁰40’00.5” sandstone and bluish gray, thinly to 88⁰
thickly laminated shale with sand
dominating.
S2 N 22⁰37’57.0” Bluish gray thinly to thickly
E 91⁰40’04.8” laminated shale. S20⁰E S70⁰W 85⁰

S3 N 22⁰37’59.6” Alteration of yellowish brown bedded

E 91⁰40’08.4” sandstone and bluish gray, thinly to S8⁰E S82⁰W 48⁰
thickly laminated shale with dominating
of shale.
S4 N 22⁰38’03.1” Bluish gray, thinly to thickly laminated 47⁰
E 91⁰40’11.6” nodular shale. S48⁰E S42⁰W

S5 N 22⁰38’03.4” Alteration of yellowish brown bedded 40⁰

E 91⁰40’14.1” sandstone and bluish gray, thinly to S70⁰E S20⁰W
thickly laminated shale with dominating
of shale
S6 N 22⁰38’06.5” Alteration of yellowish sandstone bro
E 91⁰40’15.0” and bluish gray mudstone. wn S43⁰W 22⁰

S7 N 22⁰38’09.9” Bluish gray thinly thickly laminated Due

E 91⁰40’18.8” shale west 12⁰

S8 N 22⁰38’10.7” Bluish gray thinly thickly laminated

E 91⁰41’20.2” shale.

S9 N 22⁰38’12.1” Yellowish brown colored pinch out

E 91⁰40’20.7” of sand bed, thinly to thickly bedded N60⁰ N30⁰E 40⁰
sandstone. W
S10 N 22⁰38’15.1” Alteration of yellowish brown, thinly
E 91⁰40’23.2” bedded sandstone and bluish gray N30⁰ N70⁰E 70⁰
thinly to thickly laminated shale. W
S11 N 22⁰38’17.5” Bluish gray, highly compacted
E 91⁰40’22.6” mudstone and bluish gray, thinly to N30⁰ N50⁰E 80⁰
thickly laminated shale. W

Table 4: Lithology and attitude of beds and GPS of studied sections along Mahishmara-
Jhanmara Chara Section.

Page | 46
 CHAPTER FIVE
STRATIGRAPHY

5.1 General statement

5.2 Stratigraphic succession
5.3 Lithologic Description

Page | 47
 So, on the basis of lithological criteria
5.1 General Statement there are mainly two rock units here in
these areas which are

• Upper sandstone unit

Stratigraphy is the branch of geology
• Lower shale unit
concerned with the order and relative
position of strata and their relationship to
the geological timescale. It is the analysis
of the order and position of layers of
archaeological remains.

The sedimentary rocks of Sitakund

indicate that the Sitakund anticline formed
by the shallow marine sediments at upper
tertiary period. The sedimentary rocks
were mostly shale, sandstone and sandy
shale alteration which were exposed by
the road cutting and erosion by streams.
Absence of index fossil made it hard to
identify the accurate age of rock units of
the area but the hill range is the
continuation of Alpine-Himalayan
orogeny and the hill range were formed
during the Miocene epoch. The different
sedimentary unit were exposed throughout
road cut and stream section. Thick
vegetation and other weathering process
made confused to take reading. The
sedimentary unit in here has no difference
with overall lithology of Chittagong Hill
Tracts. Blue to the absence of index fossil
and lithological boundary no definite age
could be determined.

Page | 48
5.2 Stratigraphic Succession

Rock Unit Member Lithological Thickness Symbol

Description In Meter
Upper sandstone Sandstone The rock of this unit is 270+ .……….
unit yellowish brown, very fine
Shale to fine grained sands, thick to ………..
massive bed, Concretion is
Silty shale present with calcareous ………..
cement Bluish gray, thinly to
thickly laminated, highly ………..
compacted and weathered
nodular shale. ………..

Yellowish brown silty shale

with shale dominating.
Lower shale unit Shale The rock of this unit is 405+ -------------
bluish gray, thinly to thickly -------------
Sandstone laminated, loose compacted -------------
fissile nodular shale with the -------------
mudstone presence of silt lenses along -------------
the shale bedding plane. It is -------------
composed of clay and silt -------------
size particles. The -------------
cementing materials are -------------
argillaceous and -------------
ferruginous. -------------
-------------
Yellowish brown, very -------------
thinly to thickly bedded, -------------
fine to medium grained, -------------
highly compacted -------------
sandstone. ------------

Bluish gray, highly

compacted mudstone.
BASE NOT SEEN

Page | 49

Lithologic Description
Examining the accessible and available
outcrops, it can be said that, the
investigated area is a sedimentary rock
zone.
Upper sandstone unit
This unit is the youngest among all the
rock units in Sitakunda hill range. This
unit is composed of alteration of shale,
silty shale and sandstone. The dominant
rock type is sandstone. This unit is
totally disappearing in the western flank
because of a major faulting.
Sandstone: The sandstone unit is
yellowish brown in color. Both bedded
and massive sandstone are found
alternately with silty shale and shale. It
is fine to medium grained, moderately
sorted and highly compacted. The
mineral composition of sandstone is
quartz, feldspar, mica and dark colored
mineral.
Shale: The shale unit is bluish grey in
color, thinly to thickly laminated, highly
compacted and weathered nodular in
structure. It occurs as an alternation
Page | 50
with sandstone.
Silty shale: It is yellowish brown in
color with shale dominating unit.
Lower Shale Unit
The oldest rock of the Sitakund hill
range is shale unit. This unit has thick
sequence of shale, silty shale and sand
stone. Its dominant rock type is shale
and exposed in all the sections.
Shale: The shale is the most
dominant rock type of shale unit. It is
generally bluish grey in color and
thinly to thickly laminated, highly
compacted fissile nodular shale with
the presence of silt lenses along the
shale bedding plane. They are highly
fissile and composed of clay minerals.
Sandstone: This is yellowish
brown in color, very thinly to thickly
bedded, fine to medium grained,
highly compacted sandstone
Mudstone: Bluish gray, highly
compacted mudstone.
 CHAPTER SIX

STRUCTURE

6.1 General statement

6.2 Structures

Page | 51
6.1 General Statement 6.2 Structures

Structure is spatial and geometrical Major structures means the broad

configuration of rock components. scale feature of the regional structure.
Sitakund is a hilly region which is the The investigated area is affected by
south-eastern part of Bangladesh. major folding and faulting by
There is a macroscopic anticline in differential deposition.
this area which tends NNW-SSE
The macroscopic (large scale)
direction. Actually it is a single
features are-
anticline and doubly plunging
asymmetrical fold. Its western flank • Fold
is suffered by a major faulting and its • Fault
strike is almost parallel to the main
structure. We found joints, micro The mesoscopic structural features
faults, fractures etc. major structures are-
and some significant sedimentary • Joints
structures in different sections while • Unconformity
investigating the region. We found • Small scale fault
unconformity in the eastern flank
which express differential
deposition.

Page | 52
6.2.1 Fold
Folds are undulations in the stratified rocks
of the earth crust. One of the most
significant structures of the investigated
area is folding.
Sitakund anticline represents a large
anticline which lies in the western flank of
Bengal fore deep. The hill range is
asymmetrical structure. The axis of the fold
is running in NNW-SSE direction parallel
to the general trend of the regional strike
fold axis of Bangladesh. (Khan, 1983)
Page | 53
CRITERIA FOR FOLDING: From the
measurement of the area we found rock beds
dip in opposite directions along in an imaginary
line, which is called axis. It is observed that the
western most outcrops show overturning of
bed, probably due to the drag along fault plane.
Shale is the oldest rock unit in axial
region. So it forms the core of the fold.
Bed in the unit in opposite direction with
low amount of dip (between 30-5) at
place. It is an indication of an anticline
axis runs through the unit.
Older rock deep towards east and exposed
at the western part of the fold.
The western flank is steeper and shorter
than the eastern flank and the attitude of
beds of those flanks are not uniform.
The broad and early flat crustal part and
high dip of flanks are an indication of box
like anticline fold Sitakund.
6.2.2 Fault
A fault is a break in the rocks that make
up the Earth's crust, along which rocks
on either side have moved past each
other. A major faulting lie in the eastern
flank of the anticline has been
recognized on the basis of abrupt
change topography, lithology and
structural irregularity. These indicate a
major fault occurs in the eastern flank of
the anticline. By this we can say that,
Sitakund hill range fault running NNW-
SSE which is roughly parallel to the
axis of the anticline. Total Sitakund hill
range acted as hanging wall and the
western flank acted as footwall. This
foot wall is covered by alluvial plane.
But well exposed joints are found in at
Sahasradhara and Balukhali Chara
section and Microwave Road Cut
section. We found a prominent fault line
which is an indicator of fault. That was
found in western flunk of the anticline.
Criteria for Faulting: In Sitakund hill
ranges some observation ensure us to be
Fault Plane
Figure 6.1: Fault.
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presence of a fault and the criteria are
given here-
There some discontinuity in structure
in Sitakund anticline and an abrupt
change in attitude suggest that a fault
line may have located there. With
having a high amount of dip the Hill
range starts from western alluvial plain
suddenly. This sudden traction
indicates faulting and comparatively
high amount of dip in a short distance
at near the alluvial plain and hill range
may also suggest the faulting.
Although there is no repetition of strata
is founded, several mission of strata
indicates the presence of fault. The
western flank contains the Silty shale
unit but the eastern flank does not.
Besides the discontinuity of Massive
sandstone and Sandy shale unit
between two flanks can give the
confirmation of displacement of the
rock strata which indicates a major
fault.
6.2.3 Joints
Joints are brittle-fracture surfaces in
rocks along which little or no
displacement has occurred.
Joints are observed in more resistance
sandstone and shale of Bhuban
Formation. Joints are the most common
and abundant structure on the surface of
the earth. Sitakund hill range is a highly
jointed surface. Most of these joints
have been originated at the time of
folding.
Between our investigated areas
numerous joints are seen. But most
prominent one exposed joint is found in
microwave road cut section near the
Chandranath Temple. We have
observed that there are mainly three sets
of joints and they are-
• Strike joints
• Dip joints and
• Oblique joints

Figure 6.2: Joints.

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6.2.4 Unconformity
An unconformity is a surface of erosion
or non-deposition that generally
separates younger strata from older.
Unconformities represent gaps in the
geologic record; periods of time that are
not represented by any rocks. It is
regarded as a planar structure.
In the Barabkund Road Cut section,
there was an unconformity. The
unconformity was local
unconformity. The investigated
unconformity was composed of
conglomerate, shale and sandstone.
The rock of both sides of the
unconformity was sedimentary.
Unconformity Surface
Figure 6.4: Local Unconformity.
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Local unconformity: A local
unconformity is a disconformity of
small extent representing a short
interval of time. In the deposition of
continental sediments, such as,
gravels, sands and clays, the streams
may wander back and forth across the
basin of deposition. At time of flood
these streams may scour out channels
scores of feet wide and many feet
deep. As the flood subsides or some
days or even some years later, the
channel may be filled up again.
In Mahishmara-Jhanmara section we
also found local unconformity and it
represents a short interval of time.
The surface of unconformity was
composed of conglomerate, shale and
sandstone.
 CHAPTER SEVEN
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

7.1 Discussion
7.2 Conclusion
7.3 Reference
7.4 Geological Map

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7.1 Discussion
Geologically the Sitakund anticline is an
elongated, asymmetrical, box type
double plunging anticline; which is the
most prominent structures of Bengal
Basin. It is situated in the Bengal Fore
deep portion of the Bengal Basin,
located in the northwest part of
Chittagong district. The Sitakund
anticline has the position in the western
sub zone of the Folded Flank, which is
considered to be the most continuation
of the Chittagong –Tripura folded belt.
It is originated from the deformation by
the relative movement of the Indian
plate and Burmese sub plate, the
Sitakund anticline is trending in NNW-
SSE direction.
The western flank has been affected by
a major fault which is indicated not only
from the abrupt change of the
topography but also from some major
irregularities. The field study included
the determination of strike, dip and
amount of dip. The location of the
station was found out and marked with
corresponding lithology in the base
map.
The sedimentary rocks were mostly
alteration of Shale, Sandstone and Silty
Shale and exposed by the road cutting
and erosion by streams.
On the basis of lithological criteria there
are two units-
1. Upper sandstone unit,
2. Lower shale unit.
We found different types of
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sedimentary structures like primary
structure; bedding, lamination, and
secondary structure; load cast, groove
cast, nodular shale etc. There was
variation in the thickness of bedding
and lamination, this possibly indicates
different stages of channel activity. We
found many thinly to thickly laminated
shale and silty shale which can be
indicated as a product of deposition
and suspension cloud due to decrease
in turbulence in current velocity. We
also found sand lens that represents the
rock in Surma group formation. This
may also represent a varied
depositional environment like fluvial
environment. In some stations we
found massive sandstone, which may
indicate rapid deposition of a large
amount of sand from fluidized flow.
We also found some bluish grey
compacted mudstone in Microwave
Road Cut section. It may cause of no
bed movement and a calm and quiet
condition which can be generated by
shallow marine environment. Overall
analysis of lithologic variation of the
Sitakund anticline indicates that the
area is deposited under shallow marine
environment at upper tertiary
(Miocene) period. After all, we
observed four days in different sections
and by plotting the attitude of beds and
lithology we found the axis on the
Geological Map.
Although, we could not survey many
areas of Sitakund due to our time
limitations, we also couldn’t recognize
some structures due to the weathering
and erosion of the structures.

7.2 Conclusion
This whole report is prepared with the
systematic study of some particular
spots in Sitakund upazila. The total area
that we studied covering about 124-125
square kilometer.
To interpret the geologic condition of
any region one have to be sure about the
lithology as well as the structural
features of the certain area.
Sitakund anticline is a huge
anticlinorium containing 4 parallel sets
of fault lines along NNW-SSE direction.
The structure is likely related to
Himalayan orogeny.
The total area contains regular alteration
of sandstone and shale with a minor
proportion of other special sedimentary
rocks.
The main geomorphic features that we
have observed are the waterfalls,
streams, valleys, cliffs, pools and riffles
etc.
It is predicted that the area is also a
reservoir of petroleum and gas. We have
got evidence by observing the gas
seepage.
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The very first field tour is very essential
and effective to a geology student which
helps him to change the outlook. First
field tour also help to think about the
mother-nature and its processes acting
on the earth.
The Sitakund anticline has various
economic values. There is a significant
possibility of getting gas and oil after
some hundreds of year. Because the
sediments and bedding has not yet been
so compacted to drill and mining
constructions. It has been tasted by
some foreign oil companies.
This field trip was also very important
for our career as a geologist and we have
also enjoyed it greatly and it inspires us
to do better and teaches us to keep our
eyes open to see the history of many
billions of years of our planet, The
Earth.
7.3 Reference
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/256006040_Sequence_Stratigraphy_of_the_
Surma_Group_Sitakund_Anticline_Chittagong_Bangladesh

https://en.wikipedia.org

https://www.tulane.edu

BILLINGS, M.P., 1974: Structural Geology. 3rd edition

W.D. Thornbury, Principles of Geomorphology

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7.4 Geological Map

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