Geologic map of Bhutan

Abstract

We present a new, 1:500,000-scale geologic map of the kingdom of Bhutan, and surrounding areas of India and southern Tibet. The map is a compilation of the most complete and most recent mapping datasets available, and presents an unprecedented amount of structural data when compared to previous published geologic maps of Bhutan. The map is a combination of: 1) new data presented in this study; 2) compilation of small-scale, published geologic maps of specific areas of Bhutan, Tibet, and parts of India; and 3) compilation of specific areas of published, country-scale geologic maps of Bhutan. Mapping detail is focused primarily on Subhimalayan, Lesser Himalayan, and Greater Himalayan rocks, with a lower level of detail on Tethyan Himalayan rocks. We present new 3-part stratigraphic divisions for the Siwalik Group and the structurally-lower Greater Himalayan section, and compile detailed stratigraphic divisions and structural geometries for the Lesser Himalayan section and Paro Formation. We also compile detailed mapping of the Yadong cross-structure and other structurally-complex areas of southern Tibet, and present new locations for the South Tibetan detachment. Our map compilation also highlights specific areas in Bhutan that would benefit from future geologic mapping. It is our hope that this map will be a valuable tool to be utilized by Bhutanese geologists, future researchers visiting Bhutan, and travelers and trekkers as well. We also hope that this map will serve as a new starting point for future mapping in Bhutan and throughout the Himalayan orogen.