Ladakh Batholith, Trans-Himalaya, India: Subduction Zone Magmatic Products and its Majestic Geoheritage Sites
摘要
The Ladakh Batholith, as an integral part of the Trans-Himalaya magmatic arc system, is sandwiched between the Indus Suture Zone (ISZ) in the south and the Shyok Suture Zone (SSZ) in the north. The Ladakh Batholith is well known for its subduction zone magmatic records, which consist of variety of igneous rocks viz. gabbro, diorite, granodiorite, granite, aplite and pegmatite intimately associated with volcanics and numerous other geological formations. The subduction of the Neo-Tethyan oceanic lithosphere under the Asian plate during the Cretaceous period resulted in the formation of multiple pulses of calc-alkaline granite magmas that co-existed with mantle-derived mafic magmas. These magmas interacted in deep-seated chambers forming as a series of polychronous, composite plutons making the Ladakh Batholith. This paper outlines briefly the magmatic processes and products responsible for the origin and evolution of the Ladakh Batholith. The Ladakh Batholith is also recognized for its unique geoheritage sites, which may attract many visitors interested in exploring its geological wonders.