Emplacement Dynamics and Magma Plumbing System Structure of the Dykes and Flows in the Saurashtra Region of the Western Deccan Volcanic Province

The Saurashtra region in Western India contains an extensive network of mafic dykes and lava flows, constituting a significant yet least explored part of the Deccan Flood Basalts. In contrast to the extensively studied dyke systems of the Western Ghats and Narmada–Tapi Swarm, the Saurashtra region retains indications of possibly independent and spatially variable magma plumbing systems. However, the relationships between dykes, potential feeder channels, and overlying flow units are not thoroughly understood. Previously, geochemical investigations identified both tholeiitic and alkaline magmas in this area, each characterized by distinct isotopic signatures, mineralogical compositions, and mantle origins.  

This study combines structural and magnetic fabric analyses to find out if the Saurashtra dykes are separate intrusive events, localized feeder systems for nearby flows, or components of a regionally interconnected magma transport network. These insights will shed light on their emplacement dynamics and tectono-magmatic significance within the broader Deccan framework.

Various dyke parameters, like orientation patterns, dyke length, thickness variations, segmentation, and cross-cutting interactions, will be systematically mapped out as a first step in the study. These features may reveal the intrusive mechanisms and in-situ stress conditions present during magma emplacement. Particular focus will be directed towards the spatial correlations between Saurashtra dykes and lava flows to ascertain potential feeder-flow links.

Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) will be used to determine magma flow directions and sense within dykes and flows. Combined with structural observations, AMS will help distinguish between lateral, vertical, or complex hybrid intrusion pathways and test for multiple functioning magma sources across the region. Complementary rock-magnetic investigations (hysteresis, domain-state analysis, Curie temperatures, and mineralogical characterization) will support interpretation by separating primary cooling signatures from secondary alteration.

If possible, geochronology and magnetic polarity data will be used to find eruptive phases and figure out if the intrusions are separate magmatic pulses or part of a multi-stage system in the larger Deccan province. Expected outcomes encompass extensive structural and magnetic datasets, improved constraints on dyke–flow connection, identification of possible feeder centers, and a more comprehensive understanding of Saurashtra’s intrusive within the Deccan magmatic framework. This work aims to enhance understanding of Large Igneous Province plumbing systems and the connections between intrusive and eruptive processes in volcanic areas by combining multiple datasets.