Abstract

The Palar basin represents a virgin area in terms of exploration with a poor seismic coverage limited to only the NELP area of ONGC and a no well control. In this context, a morphotectonic analysis of Palar area had been attempted mainly on basis of prevalent drainage data to delineate the tectonic elements of the area. Based on the morphotectonic analysis, a centrally placed E-W trending ridge had been hypothesized that acts as tectonic divide between the northern and southern parts of the basin. This ridge is considered to be a a result of Post Cretaceous post rift compression in contrast to the other ridges that were formed due to Early Cretaceous rifting episode. A number of geomorphic highs had been delineated in this ridge that are probably culminations and can be considered exploration targets