Magnetic Fabric Analysis of Sheared Rocks along the Alaknanda-Dhauliganga Valley: Insights into the Structural Deformation and Evolution of the Main Central Thrust in the Himalayan Region

Magnetic fabrics derived from the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) depict the preferred alignment of grains and crystal lattices in minerals contributing to magnetic susceptibility. These fabrics serve as reliable indicators of strain in deformed terrains. Early research primarily focused on rocks lacking visible fabrics, such as granites and quartzites. However, there has been a recent surge in the application of magnetic fabric analysis to Himalayan rocks, particularly for insights into tectonic activity. In the present study, structural and magnetic data along the Alaknanda-Dhauliganga valley is presented majorly focusing on the sheared rocks of the MCTz. The aim of the present work is to elucidate the utility of magnetic fabrics in resolving the ambiguity of the MCT, distinguishing between the Munsiari Thrust (MCT-I) and Vaikrita Thrust (MCT-II). The analysis shows a gradual change in compactional oblate fabric along with the parallel alignment of thrust-induced magnetic fabrics, reflecting its geometry and proximity to intense deformation zones. Here, a notable change in the degree of anisotropy (P_j) is also observed as the rocks transition towards the thrust zones. This transition is accompanied by a shift to a quantitatively more prolate fabric, indicating a change in nature of strain. The study observes an anisotropy degree (P_j) ranging from 1.1 to 3.2, with mostly positive shape parameter (T), except near MCT where negative values are noted. Additionally, we also investigate contributors of magnetic fabric by estimating the mean magnetic susceptibility (K_m) for all the samples and cross-verify the results with petrographic and magneto-mineralogy studies. Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM) was also employed to identify magnetic carrier types. This study also shows a strong correlation between macroscopic features and magnetic fabrics indicating dominance of structural deformation (independent of magnetic mineral assemblages) in the region. In conclusion, the study highlights that strain within the studied area varies with distance from areas of intense deformation, and these variations are distinctly characterized by changes in magnetic fabrics.