Recent Researchers in Sedimentary Basins: Implications in the Exploration of Natural Resources

Present volume is the outcome of the National Symposium organised by the Department of Geology, Banaras, Hindu University during Oct. 28-30, 1996 to commemorate its platinum jubilee year together with the XIII convention of the Indian Association of sedimentologists. In order to provide useful scientific interaction for the cause of development of applied research in sedimentology, the focal theme "Recent researches in Sedimentary Basins: implications in the Exploration of Natural Resources" was selected. It is well known that sedimentary processes that form mineral deposits are controlled by tectonics, paleogeography, depositional environment and provenance. Facies analysis and sedimentary basin evolution currently form the most important exploration tool. Modelling of basins are useful for mining and exploration of mineral resources. Various papers related to these aspects were presented and discussed in the symposium. The proceeding volume comprises 29 selected papers which are grouped into five subdivisions-hydrocarbons, atomic minerals, metallic and non-metallic minerals, ground water and basin analysis. The key-note addresses delivered by eminent sedimentologists/geoscientists during the symposium have also been included. The volume provides information that shall be useful to all those interested in the study of sedimentary basins and their mineral potentials. It is expected that this work will fulfill the gap in our existing knowledge and stimulate geoscientists concerned with the problems of basin analysis. I sincerely hope that this compendium would be much useful to the students and other geoscientists engaged in teaching, research and exploration of natural resources.