Palaeo-environmental reconstruction of the Bhuban rocks of the Bhuban Formation, Surma Group exposed in the Midum Kham: an insight from ichnology

Lalengzuali, Lalramengi Fanai , A. Lalrammuana, Lalhruaitluanga, Lalremruata, Dennis Lalhruaitluanga, Orizen MS Dawngliana, J. Malsawma, Paul Lalnuntluanga

Science Vision 26 (1), 38-46 | Published on 11 June 2026 | https://doi.org/10.33493/scivis.26.01.06

Abstract

The Bhuban rocks exposed in Midum Kham, Aizawl District of Mizoram, contains a rich ichnofossil assemblage. The present study aimed at establishing the palaeo environmental conditions of the sedimentary rocks of the study area. The trace fossils recorded comprise 14 ichnospecies of 9 ichnogenera have been identified which include Arenicolites carbonarius, Cochlichnus anguineus, Diplocraterion parallelum, Ophiomorpha nodosa, Palaeophycus tubularis, P. striatus, Planolites isp., Skolithos linearis, Skolithos verticals, Skolithosisp., Teichichnus rectus, Thalassinoides horizontalis, T. suevicus and T. paradoxicus. Ethologically these ichnogenera display dwelling and feeding activities of the infaunal organisms. Arenicolites, Ophiomorpha, Diplocraterion, Skolithos are the members of the Skolithos ichnofacies while Palaeophycus, Planolites and Thalassinoides are the members of the Cruziana ichnofacies. These ichnofacies indicate an upper shoreface to offshore transition shallow marine palaeoenvironment with fluctuating energy conditions during the deposition of the rocks of the Bhuban Formation of Mizoram.

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