TITLE:
Fault Segmentation, Fracture Networks and Fold Development in the Western Katrol Hill Fault, Central Mainland Kachchh
AUTHORS:
Babulal Vaghela, Chirag Jani, Gaurav Chauhan, Chirag Parmar, Ishaan Parmar, Mahesh Thakkar, Darshit Padia
KEYWORDS:
Katrol Hill Fault, Drag Fold, Fractures
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Geology,
Vol.16 No.3,
March
25,
2026
ABSTRACT: This study presents a detailed structural and fracture analysis of the western segment of the Katrol Hill Fault (KHF) and its surrounding region within the Kachchh Rift Basin in western India. Through the application of integrated geological and structural mapping, remote sensing, field investigations and paleostress analysis, this study identifies a complex fault system, oriented east-west to ENE-WSW/ESE-WNW. This system is characterized by asymmetric flexures and a network of strike-slip and oblique-slip faults. Multiple fracture types, including extension joints, veins, en-echelon shear fractures and pinnet joints, reflect successive deformation phases under evolving transtensive stress regimes oriented from N-S to NNE-SSW, influenced by magmatic intrusions such as the Nanamo Hill plug and fault activity. Fault-related folds exhibit both normal and reverse drag styles, governed by heterogeneous displacement fields along faults, with conical drag folds and brecciation, indicating mechanical heterogeneity within lithologies. The integration of field data, remote sensing and paleostress reconstruction elucidates the kinematic evolution, fault segmentation and fracture network development in the Kachchh Rift Basin, providing valuable insights into seismic hazard assessment and regional tectonic interpretations.