Relative age studies of lava flow samples from Deccan traps

Preliminary studies on application of thermoluminescence in geological dating of lava flow samples of Deccan traps making use of the presence of trace levels of uranium and thorium in the Deccan are described. The ratio of natural thermoluminescence to alpha activity being proportional to the geological age of the lava flow, it has been possible to identify individual flows in an area exposing composite flows, and to know their relative placement. Relative placement of various flow in Koyana area in Maharashtra State as deduced from TL studies has led to show the existence of a faulted sequence in the area. (M.G.B.)