Lithofacies and Sedimentology of Baghanwala Formation (Early-Middle Cambrian), Eastern Salt Range, Pakistan

A detailed sedimentological study of the Baghanwala formation from, the Sikkiwala Kas (58.5 m) and the Choa Saidan Shah-Khewra section (30 m) in the eastern salt range was carried out, six lithofacies were identified: sandstone interlaminated with mudstone (LF1), medium to coarse-grained sandstone (LF2), fine-grained sandstone interbedded with mudstone (LF3), medium grained sandstone with flaser, wavy and lenticular bedding (LF4), sandstone intercalated with siltstone and mudstone with salt pseudomorph (LF5) and mudstone with sandstone intercalations (LF6). A variety of sedimentary structures has been recorded. These include salt pseudomorph, ripple marks, trace fossils, mud cracks, lenticular, wavy and flaser bedding. The sandstone facies are composed of thin, channelised bedding which were mainly deposited in shallow marine environment. The remaining part exhibits relatively higher porosity as evidenced by the study of thin sections. Therefore, LF2 and LF3 of the Baghanwala formation have the potential to be considered as a candidate of reservoir quality based on petrography and well logs. This part appears to be a good reservoir and may be exploited for its hydrocarbon potential in the subsurface in the eastern Potwar.