A re-interpretation of gravel spreads in the Jaisalmer region, Thar Desert, India

Gravel deposits have a wide distribution in the Thar Desert. The presence of these gravels has led to the persistent idea that ‘mighty rivers’ once flowed in the desert (Oldham, 1893; Ghosh, 1977; Bakliwal, 1988). This paper demonstrates that gravel spreads around Jaisalmer are not related to Quaternary fluvial activity. They are weathered lags derived from conglomerate beds within the Lathi and Jaisalmer Formations of Mesozoic age. It is suggested that other gravel ridges of Nagaur (Misraet al., 1980) and Bikaner Districts are also pre-Quaternary in age.