Upper Mustang, also known as the Kingdom of Lo, is a region located in the Himalayas of Nepal. The geology of Upper Mustang is unique and diverse, owing to its location in the Himalayan mountain range, which is characterized by a complex tectonic history.
The region is situated in the Tibetan Plateau, and the geology of the area is primarily composed of sedimentary rocks. The region was once a shallow sea, and the sedimentary rocks found in the area are a result of the deposition of marine sediments that occurred over millions of years. The sediments are composed of sandstone, shale, and limestone, with occasional volcanic rocks.
The Himalayan mountain range is a result of the collision of the Indian subcontinent with the Eurasian plate. Upper Mustang is located in the central region of the Himalayas, and the rocks in the area have been subjected to significant tectonic forces. The region is characterized by the presence of thrust faults, which have caused the rocks to be folded and faulted extensively.
One of the notable geological features in Upper Mustang is the presence of a paleo-sea, which is believed to have existed in the area millions of years ago. The sediments deposited in this sea can be observed in the form of layered rocks, which are visible in the canyons and valleys of the region.
In summary, the geology of Upper Mustang is primarily composed of sedimentary rocks, with occasional volcanic rocks. The region has a complex tectonic history and is characterized by extensive folding and faulting, resulting in a unique and diverse landscape.
Upper Mustang, also known as Lo Manthang, is located in the Mustang district of Nepal. It is a remote region in the Himalayas and has a unique geological history.
The area is primarily composed of sedimentary rocks, which were formed millions of years ago when the region was covered by an ancient sea. These sedimentary rocks are made up of layers of sandstone, shale, and limestone. The sandstone and shale layers were formed from sediment deposited by the sea, while the limestone layers were formed from the accumulation of shells and other marine organisms.
In addition to the sedimentary rocks, there are also several volcanic rocks in the region, which are remnants of ancient volcanic activity. The volcanic rocks include rhyolite, andesite, and basalt, and they were formed during different periods of volcanic activity over millions of years.
The Mustang region has also been affected by tectonic activity, which has resulted in the formation of the Himalayan mountain range. The Indian Plate is pushing against the Eurasian Plate, causing the Himalayas to rise at a rate of about 5mm per year. This ongoing tectonic activity has resulted in the formation of numerous faults and folds in the rocks of the region.
Overall, the geology of Upper Mustang is complex and varied, and it has been shaped by a combination of ancient marine environments, volcanic activity, and ongoing tectonic forces.