Geomorphic evidences and chronology of multiple neotectonic events in a cratonic area: Results from the Gavilgarh Fault Zone, central India

•The neotectonic activity of the Gavilgarh Fault Zone, central Indian craton, wasanalysed.•The S–L index, sinuosity, W/D ratio, and hypsometric integral of rivers across GFZ were analysed.•The northern side was uplifted in Quaternary by reverse fault movements along GFZ.•Four phases of faulting were identified by OSL dating and knick-point migration rate.

The ENE–WSW trending Gavilgarh Fault Zone (GFZ) is an important tectonic lineament within the Central Indian shield. Geomorphological mapping and spatial analyses of rivers were carried out to elucidate the imprints of active tectonics on the fluvial systems of this region. The sinuosity index, width–depth ratio of river valleys, longitudinal profile, S–L index and hypsometric index of the rivers flowing from north to south across the GFZ lineament suggest that the northern side of GFZ was tectonically uplifted. Luminescence dating of sediments from river terraces and calculation of knickpoint migration rates in the rivers indicate occurrence of multiple neotectonic events in GFZ at ca. 65–80 ka, ca. 50 ka, ca. 30–40 ka, and ca. 14 ka. Evidences of neotectonic activity, presence of active geothermal springs, and occurrence of recent earthquakes along GFZ suggest that this lineament is tectonically active and there is a need for proper seismic monitoring of this fault zone.