Abstract

The Deccan Syneclise is assumed to host a substantial thickness of Proterozoic, Gondwana and Mesozoic sediments covered by Deccan traps. This paper is an attempt to develop a sub-trappean structural model of the southern part of Deccan Syneclise and delineate promising areas for exploration integrating gravity, magnetotelluric and remote sensing studies validated with field evidences. Results of the studies indicate NW-SE oriented Archean shear zones exposed south of Deccan Syneclise continue under the traps forming the primary structural elements in the sub-trappean basement. These undergo multiple reactivations to form a number of lows for sediment accumulation. The Kaladgi sediments are found to continue in the southern part of the Koyna Rift as scattered zones of about 2.8 km thick Proterozoic sediments that are associated with adsorbed gas anomalies. The northern part of the Koyna Rift is devoid of any sediment. Kuruwadi Rift, though forming another gravity low doesn