Petrophysical properties of the Himalayan granitoids: Implication on composition and source

The paper reports the characterization of density, magnetic susceptibility, magnetic anisotropy, seismic wave velocities, attenuation as well as mineralogy and major element chemistry of the four generation of granitoids from the Indian Himalaya. Based on these petrophysical properties, only the Cretaceous granitoids of the Trans-Himalayan region by virtue of their mantle affinity and domination of magnetite and/or magnetite–ilmenite series qualify to be the I-type granitoid. On the other hand, rest of the 3 suites of granitoids have a crustal affinity and can be categorized as S-type granitoids enriched with ilmenite and/or hemo-ilmenite series. Beside this general classification, some anomalous petrophysical properties can be related to distinctive mineralogy, stages of magmatic crystallization, and intensity of deformation in different class of granitoids. For example; (i) presence of heavy minerals like hornblende and magnetite accounts for the significantly high density and seismic wave velocity of the Cretaceous granitoids; (ii) fractional crystallization of mantle melts leads to hornblende-rich granitoids (rich in magnetite) in the earlier stage where biotite-rich granitoids (low magnetite) crystallize in the later stage, thus explaining bimodal distribution of magnetic susceptibility in Cretaceous granitoids; (iii) in S-type granitoids, high quartz content (45%) account for the lowest density recorded in Saruna Proterozoic granitoids whereas high content of micaceous minerals reduce the seismic wave and are responsible for the lowest S-wave velocity in the Early Palaeozoic Mandi granitoids; (iv) further, the effect of texture is seen as varying attenuation character of P- and S-waves on grain size. In general, the higher the grain size, the greater the attenuation. Once again Cretaceous granitoids negate this well established relation. Incorporation of this anomalous dependence of physical properties on mineralogical, tectonic fracturing, texture will help the translation of geophysical maps to more a realistic region specific crustal tectonic evolution models.

Research Highlights
► Hornblende and magnetite account for higher density and seismic wave velocity.
► High content of micaceous minerals drastically reduces the seismic wave velocity.
► In S-type granitoids, higher quartz content (~45%) account for the lowest density.
► Cretaceous granitoids exhibit bimodal distribution of magnetic susceptibility.
► Cretaceous granitoids exhibit different properties as compared to other granitoids.