Geology of the Nepal Himalaya

This book addresses the geology of the entire Himalayan range in Nepal, i.e., from the Gangetic plain in the south to the Tethyan zone in the north. Without a comprehensive look at the various Himalayan zones, it is practically impossible to fully grasp the processes at work behind the formation and development of the spectacular Himalaya. However, the goal is not merely to document all the scientific ontology but rather to reveal a sound basis for the prevailing concepts. Both the early literature on Himalayan geology and contemporary trends are fully covered. For the first time, the origin, use, and abuse of common Himalayan geological terms such as the Siwaliks, Lesser Himalaya, Main Boundary Thrust, Main Central Thrust, and Tethys are discussed. The book will help readers to progress from a cognitive approach to a constructive one by linking various types of knowledge, such as seeking relations between various geological structures as well as between earlier thoughts or views and contemporary approaches.

Comprehensively covers the classic continent-continent collision zone at the very heart of the Himalaya

Chapter 1 Introduction.- Part 1 Geological Setting and Physiography.- 2 Geological Setting of Himalaya.- 3 Physiography of Nepal.-
Part 2 Geology of Neighbouring Regions.- 4 Northwest Himalaya.-
5 Southeast Himalaya and Adjacent Indian Peninsula.- Part 3 Lesser Himalaya.- 6 Introduction to Lesser Himalaya.- 7 Lesser Himalaya of Mahakali-Seti region.- 8 Lesser Himalaya of Karnali-Bheri region.-
9 Lesser Himalaya of Gandaki region.- 10 Lesser Himalaya of Bagmati-Gosainkund region.- 11 Lesser Himalaya of Koshi region.-
12 Lesser Himalaya of Arun-Tamar region.- Part 4 Higher Himalaya.- 13 Introduction to Higher Himalaya.- 14 Higher Himalaya of Mahakali-Seti region.- 15 Higher Himalaya of Karnali-Bheri region.- 16 Higher Himalaya of Gandaki region.- 17 Higher Himalaya of Bagmati-Gosainkund region.- 18 Higher Himalaya of Koshi region.- 19 Higher Himalaya of Arun-Tamar region.- 20 Models of Himalayan metamorphism.- Part 5 Tethys Himalaya.- 21 Introduction to Tethys Himalaya.- 22 Tethys Himalaya of Mahakali region.- 23 Tethys Himalaya of Karnali-Bheri region (Dolpa).- 24 Tethys Himalaya of Ganaki region (Thakkhola).- 25 Tethys Himalaya of Gandaki region (Manang).- 26 Tethys Himalaya of Koshi region (Mount Everest and neighbourhood).- Part 6 Siwaliks.- 27 Introduction to Siwaliks.- 28 Siwaliks of Mahakali-Seti region.- 29 Siwaliks of Karnali-Bheri region.- 30 Siwaliks of Gandaki region.- 31 Siwaliks of Bagmati-Gosainkund region.- 32 Siwaliks of Koshi region.- 33 Siwaliks of Arun-Tamar region.- Part 7 Terai, intermontane basins, and neotectonics.- 34 Terai and intermontane basins.- 35 Neotectonics.- 36 Conclusions.

In a comprehensive treatment of the quintessential continental collision zone at the heart of the Himalaya, this survey has detailed regional descriptions, geological maps and cross-sections, and fresh observational data to inspire future research projects.