Wuyan Fm

[Original Publication: Middlemiss, C.S. 1910. A revision of Silurian-Trias sequence in Kashmir. Record Geological Survey of India, 40(3): 206-260.]

Limestone. The Wuyan Formation is mainly constituted of bedded limestone, thin calcareous shale, and rare sandstone. In upper part it contains oolitic levels in Amarnath and Baltal areas.

Arora et al., (1995) reported Rhynchonella sp., Myophoria sp., and Speriferina from the Wuyan Formation. About 130 m above the base, in the Pastanah section, Montlivaltia sp. and Stylophyllum have been reported in a bed having an appreciable lateral extent. The upper part of the Wuyan Formation contains ill-preserved ammonoids and belemnites in Baltal and Amarnath cave areas. Arora et al., (1995) assigned Carnian age to the Wuyan Formation. However, on regional considerations the coral-bearing part can be correlated with the coral reef of the Hangrang Fm (Mid Norian) and sandstone level with the Nunuluka Fm and belemnites level with the Kioto Gr (Group) of the Spiti Valley.

The Wuyan Formation was deposited in a shallow marine environment. Presence of corals indicates clear and warm water in a shallow basin. Beach-like conditions were acquired during the deposition of the sandstone. A relative deepening with reduction in the supply of terrigenous material took place during the deposition upper most part of this formation.