Holocene Tectono-Sedimentary Evolution of the Haryana Plains, India

Studies of landforms, pedology, sedimentology and neotectonics in the Haryana plains and the adjoining regions (Indo-Gangetic Basin) suggest the presence of a large river (Yamuna River) in the area since >3000 B.C. that joined the Ghaggar River (Sarasvati) on its NW border. During 3000-2100 B.C., the Yamuna River was flowing along the Chautang River course, as the Drishadvati River, migrated northwestward slowly by ~120 km, moved back southeastward by ~30 km due to tilting of the region and avulsed to its present position. The Sutlej River in the NW of the present area, was a tributary of the Ghaggar River (>1900 B.C.). This river was shifted further away northwestward by 1900 B.C. and became an independent entity. Eight terminal fans were formed by the activity of different longitudinal faults in the central parts of Haryana plains between 1.5-4.7 Ka. Extensive northward and eastward migration of (Aryan) population living in the Sarasvati River floodplain coincides with drastic decrease in the river discharges due to onset of drier palaeoclimate at 3000 B.C. and neotectonic activities leading to significant changes in river courses during the period 2100-1900 B.C.