Rajeev Gandhi College Research Journal Research Scapes, Bhopal, Research Scapes An International Multidisciplinary Journal, Bhopal

The Quaternary tract of Narmada basin covers an area of abut 12950 sq.km starting from west of Jabalpur (230070790530) to east of Handia (220 29’; 760 58’) for a distance of about 320 km. It is found to be ideal locus of Quaternary sedimentation in Central India, as witnessed by multi-cyclic sequence of Quaternary terraces in the valley. The total estimated thickness of Quaternary sediments in the central sector of Narmada is about 325 m. where the level of Ash bed occurrence has been identified at the depth between 75-83 m of Quaternary column of valley. The Quaternary blanket consists of sediments of three domains viz. glacial, fluvio- glacial and fluvial, which were deposited in distinct environments during Quaternary time. The Boulder Bed (20 to 260 m.) below ground level is of glacial origin, comprised of thick pile of sediments occupied at the base of rock basin and were deposited by glacial activities in dry and cold climatic condition during early Pleistocene time. The fossiliferous bed Boulder conglomerate (260 to 278 m. above m.s.l.) is of fluvio-glacial origin and top four formations in increasing antiquity are Sohagpur, Shahganj, Hoshangabad and Janwasa ( 278 to 350m. above m.s.l.) are of fluvial origin and represent the complete sequence of Quaternary sedimentation in Narmada valley & Central India Khan & Sonakia (1992).