Chapter 6 Geological framework of the Andaman–Nicobar Islands

Abstract

AbstractThe Andaman–Nicobar archipelago that forms the western margin of the Andaman Sea is a sediment-dominated accretionary wedge (outer-arc island) associated with a convergent margin tectonic setting. The Andaman accretionary ridge consists of two stratigraphically and structurally distinct terranes, juxtaposed and telescoped into a north–south-trending high-relief fold-thrust belt formed along the obliquely subducting eastern margin of the Indo-Australian oceanic lithospheric plate. The geology and structure of the ridge reflect the complexity of the evolving tectonics and stratigraphy of an accretionary wedge. Pre-Cretaceous meta-sedimentary rocks, Upper Cretaceous ophiolites and Palaeogene–Neogene sedimentary formations indicate rapid, spatial and temporal changes in lithology, sedimentology, sedimentary and tectonic environments, and palaeogeographic setting. This chapter outlines the current geodynamic setting, evidence for the history of accretion and regional geology and introduces the regional stratigraphic framework.