Earth Science Fieldwork Along Jaintapur-

Afifanagar-Jaflong Section, Sylhet

Report Submitted by
Name: Munif Al Islam
Class Roll: FH-166-013
Exam Roll: 104909
Reg. No: 2020817091
Session: 2020-21
Submission Date: 28/03/2023

Department of Disaster Science and Climate Resilience

Faculty of Earth and Environmental Science
University of Dhaka
Acknowledgement
At first, I would like to express my gratitude to Almighty ALLAH for giving me the opportunity
and overall ability to seize the opportunity of going to this field work. This field work along
Jaintapur-Afifanagar-Jalong section was quite an experience for me. I learnt many things as well
enjoyed much while learning new things. This field work was a good chance to close the gaps
between me and my friends along with my teachers as well due to our intimate interactions
during our field work.
I would also like to express my appreciation and keen gratitude to our Honorable Chairman Sir,
Dr. Md. Zillur Rahman, Chairman of Disaster Science and Climate Resilience, University of
Dhaka for arranging such prospect for us and also supervising everything, even the minor details
such as telling our bus driver to drive safely. Such notion is much appreciated.
My earnest gratefulness our beloved teacher Abrar Hossain, Assistant Professor of Disaster
Science and Climate Resilience, University of Dhaka for his sincere support and supervision
throughout the whole field trip. He helped each and every one of us in every step of our field
work.
I would also like to express my gratitude for our respected teacher Shamima Ferdousi Sifa,
Lecturer of Disaster Science and Climate Resilience and Md. Khandakar Aurib, Lecturer of
Disaster Science and Climate Resilience for their informative lectures, warm supports and
wholesome attitudes. They have helped us in all our difficulties and enlightened the brightness
within us.
I am also thankful to the committee of transport and medical for their great and quick voluntary
service and to all my classmates and group members for their sincere and valiant efforts. My
appreciations also extend to the personnel of Disaster Science and Climate Resilience, the cooks
and office assistants. Lastly, I would like to thank everyone who joined this trip and make this
trip successful

I
Abstract
The field work was held in Jaintiapur-Afifanagar-Jaflong sections which are situated in Sylhet
division and the report is an overview of the earth sciences field work. The study area lies
between 25°04’ and 25°11’ North Latitudes and in between 92°00’ and 92°12’ East longitudes.
The main purpose of the field work is to get familiar with different types of geologic structure,
observe the stratigraphic succession of Sylhet Trough, study lithology of the formations and
identify hazards of the investigated area. The Sylhet trough of northeastern Bangladesh is a
tectonically complex province of the Bengal Basin bounded by the Indian Shield, the Shillong
Plateau.
The Kopili Shale formation is the oldest exposed rock in our studied area, the middle unit of the
Jaintia group of sediments (We had also found Sylhet Limestone due to uplift at Jaflong. But
they aren’t exposed elsewhere). The Kopili Shale formation is overlain by from older to
younger- Kopili Shale, Barail group (Jenum and Renji), Surma Group (Bhuban and Bokabil),
Tipam group (Tipam Sandstone, Girujan Clay and Dupi Tila) and Dihing (Sonatila Gravel)
sediments.
The purpose of the study was not only studying the stratigraphic succession of the area but also
to know about the associated natural hazards environmental problems of that area. The study
helped to know the common hazards of this area (landslide, mudslide, flashflood, earthquake
etc.), their causes and effects on the inhabitants and environment. We had also surveyed some
local people to know deeper about the occurrence of the hazards and disasters and how much
these natural calamities affect the community.

II
Table of Contents
Acknowledgement I

Abstract II

Table of Contents III

Chapter 1: Introduction 1

1.1 Study Background:.............................................................................................................................. 2

1.2 Study Objective, Purpose and Scope: ................................................................................................. 4

Chapter 2: Geology of the Studied Area 5

2.1 Tectonic Evolution of Bangladesh ...................................................................................................... 6

2.2 Tectonic Evolution of Bangladesh and Sylhet: ................................................................................... 7
2.3 Stratigraphy of Sylhet Trough........................................................................................................... 10
2.4 Lithologic Description of the Investigated Formation ...................................................................... 11
2.4.1 Sylhet Limestone ................................................................................................................... 11
2.4.2 Kopili Shale ........................................................................................................................... 11
2.4.3 Barail Sandstone: ................................................................................................................... 12
2.4.4 Surma Formation ................................................................................................................... 12
2.4.5 Tipam Sandstone .................................................................................................................... 13
2.4.6 Girujan Clay ........................................................................................................................... 14
2.4.8 Dihing Formation ................................................................................................................... 15

Chapter 3: Field Methods 16

3.1 Stratigraphic Investigation ................................................................................................................ 17

3.2 Measuring Rock Beds ....................................................................................................................... 19
3.3 Geological Map Preparation ............................................................................................................. 20
3.4: Social Survey: .................................................................................................................................. 20

Chapter 4: Hazard and Environmental Problems of the Studied Area 21

4.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 22

4.2 Hazard and Environmental Problems ............................................................................................... 23

Chapter 5: Conclusion 25

5.1 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................................ 26

III
 Chapter-1
Introduction

Chapter Contents-
1.1 Study Background
1.2 Study Objective, Purpose and Scope

1
1.1 Study Background:
Sylhet is one of the prime cities of Bangladesh which is located in between 24°36′ and 25°11′
North latitudes and 92°30′ and 91°38′ East longitudes. Our study area (Jaintiapur–Afifanagar–
Jaflong section) situated between 25°04′ and 25°11′ North Latitudes and in between 92°00′ and
92°12′ East longitudes. It lies in north-eastern part of Bangladesh to be more precise. It is about
45 km North-East from the Sylhet city and 25km in the East-West direction from Lalaghat to
Dauki river and about 0-2 km in Meghalaya-Bangladesh border to Sharighat. The investigated
areas are:
1. 1.Dupi Gao
2. Shari River Section
3. Lalakhal-Afifanagar
4. 4.Jaintiapur
5. 5.Tamabil
6. 6.Jaflong

Figure 1.1- Location Map of Sylhet District

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Sylhet has many geological features. We have chosen Jaintapur Upazila and its surrounding for
its exposed geological features. We can very easily see the stratigraphic succession right from
Dihing Formation all the way to Sylhet Limestone. Jaintapur is 45 Km far from Sylhet city and
25 Km from Lalaghat to Dauki River. Jaintapur Upazila covers 280.27 Sq Km.Which Is
sorrunded by Meghaloy State, Kanaighat Upazila and Gowainghat Upazila. It is almost 300 km
far away from Dhaka. Our investigated area includes Afifanagar, Jaintiapur-Tamabil road
section, Dupigaon area, Shari-river section, Dauki fault section and Jaflong hill area.

Figure 1.2- Location Map of Jaintapur, Sylhet

The transportation system of from Dhaka to Jaintapur is heavily depended on Road Transport
such as buses. Railways also play a vital role in Dhaka Sylhet transportation. Sylhet also has a
International airport named Sylhet Osmani International Airport.As it produced tea and other
crops heavily it is considered one of the most important districts of Bangladesh

3
1.2 Study Objective, Purpose and Scope:
The primary goal of our field work is to gain a thorough understanding of geological properties
(such as land types, stratigraphic succession, deformations, constitutional elements of bedding
and so on) and the various types of risks that exist in that location through firsthand experience.
Although we were taught this course in our classroom setting, but such knowledge can’t be much
beneficiary without up-close encounter. This field trip enriches our knowledge of the courses we
studied at our classroom by hands-on experience, we learned about the stratigraphic sequence of
Sylhet. via (group: Tipam, Surma, Barail, Jaintia), research the lithology of the formations, the
area's risks (flash flood, landslide, flood etc.), and evaluate the sources of natural disasters, as
well as their effects and losses on the population, environment, and society.

The study location was chosen due to its potential of exposed stratigraphic layers.Many rivers
(including Shari, Piyan, Ranga Pani, and others) had cut through it. The time of trip was chosen
at the start of the winter season because the water level was low at the time making the outcrops
plainly visible. The study's purpose was to reduce losses and environmental damage in these
areas for which an effective disaster management approach is required. The research also assised
us in identifying environmental issues in the study area. Another primary goal of this tour was to
learn about the area's economic resources.
Climate and Soil Condition of Study Area: Climate refers to the meteorological conditions
that prevail in a certain location over a certain amount of time. The climate of Sylhet is humid
subtropical, with a hot and humid summer and a frigid winter. Heavy monsoonal rainfall is very
common in this area. Almost 90% of the annual average rainfall of 5048 mm occurs within May
to September. The annual temperature of the area is 23.6 °C (Source: en.climate-data.org)

Figure 1.3- Annual climate data of Sylhet 2022

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 Chapter - 2
Geology of the Studied Area

Chapter Contents-

2.1 Tectonic Evolution of Bangladesh

2.2 Tectonic Evolution of Sylhet Trough
2.3 Stratigraphy of Sylhet Trough

5
2.1 Tectonic Evolution of Bangladesh
The Bengal basin is located in the northeastern region of the Indian Penisula. It lies between the
Indian shield and the Indo-Burmese Mountain Belt Range. The Bengal basin is surrounded by
the frontal belt of the Indo-Burmese range on the east, Precambrian Indian Shield on the west,
and the Shilong Plateau on the north.

Figure 2.1 - Tectonical framework of the Bengal basin

There are three provinces of geotectonic:

1. The Stable Shelf
2. The Central Deep Basin
3. The Fold Belt
The Bengal basin formed from the collision of Indian Plate and Eurasian Plate. The southeastern
part of Bangladesh didn’t exist at that time. Only the northwestern part of Bangladesh (Bogra-
Rangpur-Dinajpur area) existed. It was formerly a part of a large supercontinent named
Gondwana which included Antarctica, Australia, and other continents in the southern
hemisphere.

Figure 2.2 - Gondwana formation Figure 2.3 - Collision between Indian and Eurasian Plate

6
2.2 Tectonic Evolution of Bangladesh and Sylhet:

Since the Oligocene age, major sediments were shed off of the rising Himalayas due to large
river system filling up the basin. Then during Neogene, rapid rise in the Himalayas along with
rapid subsidence in the basin to the south resulted in the deposition of a huge sedimentary pile
which eventually developed a megadelta named the Ganges Brahmaputra Delta. The delta
building activities continue along the central part of the basin, although the eastern part of the
basin has since been uplifted into a folded mountain belt i.e. Sylhet-Chittagong Hills. The delta is
one of the world’s largest deltas.
The uplift of the Himalayan Mountains outbuilt the deltaic mass creating major river system
which are fundamental to Bangladesh’s geological evolution. Bangladesh is divided into two
major tectonic units. They are: the northwest's Stable Precambrian Platform and the southeast's
Deep (Geosynclinal) Basin. These two units are separated by a short northeast-southwest
trending zone that runs almost through the middle of the country called the Hinge Zone.

Figure 2.4 - Tectonic zones of Bangladesh

The Bengal Basin is located at the northwestern section of Indian Penisula, West Bengal. It is
situated between latitude 25°-20°30' and longitude 87°30’ – 90° 30’. The basin is extended into
the offshore region of Bay of Bengal towards the south. The main tectonic and structural zones
of the basin are:
1. Basin Margin Fault Zone
2. Shelf Zone
3. Hinge Zone

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Basin Margin Fault Zone:
This fault zone separates the western crystalline/metamorphic complex of Precambrian age from
the shelf sediments. The fault zone is apparently the result of the shelf distension of Early
Cretaceous, most likely associated with the eruption of Rajmahal Basaltic Lavas.

Shelf Zone:
The Bengal Foreland Shelf is more than 100 km wide in the north and slightly narrowed in the
south. The Tertiary sedimentary prism thickens and merges with the deep shelf beyond the hinge
zone. The basin deepened progressively during the post-Paleocene epoch.

Hinge Zone:
This zone is a very thin and elongated zone that is extended across the county. It connects the
heavy post-Eocene depositions in the east with the shelf zone in the west. High gravity and
magnetic low are also connected with the hinge zone.

Tectonic Setup of Sylhet Trough and Surroundings

Sylhet is one of the major cities of the Northeast section of Bangladesh. It is made up of a
succession of sedimentary rocks from Mesozoic and Ceonozoic periods, having a thickness of
around 12 to 16 km (source: Johnson and Alam, 1991) The geometry and origin of the basin is
related with the plate tectonic movements of Eurasian plate, Indian plate and the Burmese micro
plate.
At the start of Eocene, the deep basinal area was dominated by the deep-water sedimentation.
Then during the Middle Eocene to Early Miocene due to the collision of Indian plate and Burma
and Tibetan plate a major switch in sedimentation pattern occurred. The rapidly increasing influx
of elastic sediments into basin increased the rate of subsidence of the basin. This led to
environmental changes such as- in the deep basinal part, deep marine sedimentation dominated
and in the eastern part of the basin, deep to shallow marine conditions dominated.
By Middle Miocene, with continuing collision events between the plates and uplift in the
Himalayas and Indo-Burman Ranges, a huge number of elastic sediments came into the basin
from the northeast and east. The depositional settings continued to vary from deep marine in the
basin to shallow and coastal marine in the marginal parts of the basin throughout the Miocene.
Later on, the Bengal Basin from the west and northwest were becoming filled by large amounts
of sediment; and major delta building processes continued to develop the present-day delta
morphology.

8
Since the Cretaceous, both the paleogeographic settings and source areas were changing. The
present basin configuration with the Ganges - Brahmaputra delta system on the north and the
Bengal Deep Sea Fan on the south was established during the later part of Pliocene and
Pleistocene; and delta progradation since then has been strongly affected by orogeny in the
eastern Himalayas. Pleistocene glacial activities in the north accompanied sea level changes in
the Bay of Bengal (Alam, M, Alam MM, Curray JR, Chowdhury ALR, Gani MR)

Figure 2.5 - Tectonic Framework of Bangladesh and Adjoining Area (source: Banglapedia)

9
2.3 Stratigraphy of Sylhet Trough
Stratigraphy means the branch of geology concerned with the order and relative position of strata
and their relationship to the geological timescale. (Source: Oxford Languages) It means the
arrangement of rocks in layers or strata. It provides the basis for historical geology, and its
principles and methods have been applied in fields such as petrology and archaeology.
Stratigraphic studies focus mainly on sedimentary rocks, but may also include stratified igneous
or metamorphic rocks. A common goal of stratigraphic studies is the subdivision of a sequence
of rock strata into Mapp able units, determining the time relationships that are involved, and
correlating units of the sequence or the entire sequence with rock strata elsewhere. The
stratigraphic sequence found in our Jaintiapur TamabilJaflong study area is slightly different
from the stratigraphic sequence of the Sylhet crater. The sedimentary formation found in our
study area is the stratigraphic sequence found in our study area JaintiapurTamabilJaflong,
slightly different from the stratigraphic succession of the Sylhet crater. The sedimentary
formations found in our study area are-
1. Dihing formation
2. Dupitila formation
3. Girujan clay
4. Tipam sandstone
5. Surma group
6. Barail sandstone
7. Kopili shale
8. Sylhet limestone

Figure 2.6 - Stratigraphic Succestion of NE Bangladesh, Sylhet Trough

10
2.4 Lithologic Description of the Investigated Formation
The Oldest formation found in our study area was Sylhet Limestone and the youngest formation
was Dihing Formation.
2.4.1 Sylhet Limestone: Sylhet Limestone formation is the oldest and most established rock in
our examined area. It was found at longitude N25°10’54” and latitude E92°1’4” exposed on
beside the Dauki River along Bangladesh-India Border on 15 February, 2023. The hard
limestone (Figure 2.7) is highly jointed, fossiliferous, subvertical thick bedded. The Dauki fault
was identified by the following conditions -
• Fault Breccia present
• Uplift and unexpected shift
• Missing Tura Sandstone
• Mylonitization
• Difference in Sedimentary Facies

Figure 2.7 - Fossiliferous Sylhet Limestone

2.4.2 Kopili Shale: P Evans (1932) introduced the name Kopili Stage for the upper unit of the
Jaintia Series after the Kopili river in Assam, India (source: Banglapedia). We have found this
formation at Latitude N25°10’45.4” and Longitude E92°1’00” on 13 February, 2023. This
formation is dark to grey coloured, lamination to thickly bedded and highly jointed shale. Some
fine to medium grained reddish sandstone was also found. Presence of gypsum was prominent in
this formation. The depositional environment of Kopili Shale Formation is Marine Environment.

Figure 2.8 - Outcorp of Kopili Shale

11
2.4.3 Barail Sandstone: This formation is an Oligocene lithostratigraphic unit comprising several
formations. P Evans named the rock unit as the Barail Series after the Barail Range of Assam and this was
later emended by B Biswas to the Barail Group (Source: Banglapedia) This formation was found at
Latitude N25°8’26.3” and longitude E92°7’54.9” Barail Sandstone consists of pinkish coloured
fine to medium grained, moderately consolidated predominantly shale with minor sandstone.
This is the only Oligocene outcrop in Bangladesh.

Figure 2.9 - (a) Outcorp of Barail Sandstone, (b) Laterite Exposure

2.4.4 Surma Formation: Surma Group lies unconformably over the Barail Group and is
underlain conformably by the Tipam Group. The unit is subdivided into the Bhuban Formation
and the Boka Bil Formation. This formation was observed between latitude N25°6’34” and
longitude E92°10’38.3”. A local unconformity was seen between the Surma group and Tipam
formations in Jaintiapur, Sylhet. Surma’s lithology consists of yellowish-brown sandstone and
blueish gray shale. Shale with trough lenticular bedding (Figure 2.10(a)), Herringbone structure
(Figure 2.10(b)) and flasher bedding(Figure 2.10(c)), wavy bedding (Figure 2.10(d)) was found
which indicates the type of depositional environment was shallow marine to deltaic.

Figure 2.10 - (a)Lenticular Bedding, (b) Herringbone Struecture

12
 Clay
Sand

Figure 2.10 - (c) Flasher Bedding, (d) Wavy Bedding

2.4.5 Tipam Sandstone: Tipam Group a Pliocene lithostratigraphic unit in the Bengal Basin
comprising several formations. FR Mallet used the name Tipam Series after the Tipam Hills
(27°16'N; 95°30'E) of Assam in India. (source: Banglapedia) It was found and observed at
Latitude N25°6’22.2” and Longitude E92°10’34.2”. Tipam Sandstone consists of predominantly
yellowish-brown, medium to fine grained, moderately friable, moderately to well consolidated
sandstones with minor greyish blue shales. Cross bedding, Clay galls, Potholes, Ripple marks,
Nodular sttuctures was also found which indicates that the type of depositional environment was
fluvial.

Figure 2.11 - (a) Outcorp of Tipam Sandstone (b) Potholes, (c) Ripple Marks

13
2.4.6 Girujan Clay: This formation is exposed in the Shari River bank having a confrontable
contact with the younger Dupitila formation. The name Girujan Clay Stage was given by P
Evans after a small stream at Digboi (27°23'N; 95°38'E) in Assam. (Source : Banglapedia) This
formation develops conformably and gradually form the older Tipam sandstone. The rocks of
this formation is consisted of bluish grey clay. Mottled clay was also seen in this formation.
Girujan Clay was found between N25°5´53.5´´ to N25°6’23.4” and E92°8’38.9” to E92°8’59.3”
longitude and

Figure 2.12 - (a) Outcrop of Girujan Clay Formation, (b) Pillow structured Mud Crack

2.4.7 Dupitila Formation: Dupitila Formation a Pliocene-Pleistocene mappable body of rock in the
Bengal Basin. P Evans named it after the Dupitila hills in the Hari (Shari) river (25°06'N; 92°08'E) valley
of Sylhet district. (Source: Banglapedia) It was first witnessed at Dupigao on the left bank of Shari River.
The rocks of this formation consist of yellowish-brown, medium to fine grained, medium to well
consolidated predominantly shales with minor sandstone. The deposition of this formation is mostly of
Fluvial environment. This formation copes with sedimentation on the vast fronts of river plains with
floodplains and waterway sedimentations. We have also found various sedimentary structures such as
potholes, Nodular structure, ripple marks, cross beddings in this formation which signifies the fluvial
deposition environment.

Figure 2.13 - (a)Outcorp of Dupitila

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 Figure 2.13 - (c) Nodular Structure, (d) Ripple marks in Dupitila Formation

Figure 2.13 - (e) Clay gall, (f) Cross bedding found in Dupitila Formation

2.4.8 Dihing Formation: Dihing Formation was studied at the location N25°7´48.4´´ and
E92°7´54.1´´ on February, 2023.
Dihing Formation a Pleistocene mappable body of rock. It has scattered occurrence in the Bengal
Basin and is merely of local importance. FR Mallet gave this name after the Dihing river
(17°16'N; 90°24'E), near Jaipur in Assam. (Source: Banglapedia) This formation has an
unconformable contact with the Surma group and Barail group. It consists of yellowish gray,
medium to coarse grained sandstones. It also has an abundance of pebbles and also some boulder
sandstones. The rocks in this formation are mostly poorly consolidated. These gravel beds
indicate a time gap between the Pliocene Dupitila formation and recent alluvium. The boulder
and cobbles suggest a strong river current deposition. The strata are also reddish due to presence
of iron.

Figure 2.14 - Dihing Formation

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 Chapter-3
Field Methods

Chapter Contents-
3.1 Stratigraphic Investigation
3.2 Measuring Rock Beds
3.3 Geological Map Preparation
3.3 Social Survey

16
3.1 Stratigraphic Investigation
The stratigraphic investigation was very educational for all of us. The strategies were fantastic
and entertaining to use. Our wonderful teachers had guided us through the entire procedure. A
variety of techniques were used to finish the stratigraphic investigation. The base guide's stations
have all been identified. The Global Positioning System (GPS) was used to pinpoint the station's
location. We measured the height of the bed. lithologic characteristics, stratigraphical
investigation, dip-strike, structural research, and took photographs for this investigation.

Figure 3.1 - Finding Coordinates by GPS

On the first day, we researched area from station 1 to station 10, where we tracked down
sandstone at Dupigaon, along the Shari River. We found many evidences that proved that place
was dupitila formation. We had also seen contact between Dupitila formation and Girujan Clay
formation at station 9 and also another contact between Girujan Clay formation and Tipam
Sandstone at station 10, all on day 1. Then second day, we started our journey from Tipam
sandstone at station 11. The primary distinctions between Tipam Sandstone and Dupitila
Formation is that the sandstones of Tipam are more compacted and fine-grained than Dupitila.
Then we moved on to Surma at station 12 where we had found various types of bedding at
Afifanagar. On day-3, we investigated the Surma, Barail, and Kopili shale deposits. We started at
station 15 and completed at station 36. We discovered the Dihing formation at Surma, which is a
marker of unconformity, namely angular unconformity. There was a pebble and a boulder in the
Dihing formation. Yellowish to reddish brown sandstone with very fissile shale was found in the
Barail group. Kopili Shale is a densely packed dark grey shale. It formed in a marine
depositional environment. Then on the last day, we found Sylhet Limestone on day 4 at Jaflong
which led to end of our field trip

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Day Station Latitude Longitude Amount of Dip Dip Direction
1 1 N25°5’46.5” E92°7’4.6” 52° S-W
2 N25°5’44.7” E92°7’14.3” 74° S-E
3 N25°5’43.9” E92°7’16” 60° S-E
4 N25°5’44.1” E92°7’22.1” 15° N-E
5 N25°5’39” E92°8’1.3” 78° S-E
6 N25°5’31.7” E92°8’31.9” 44° S-W
7 N25°5’41” E91°8’40” 80° S-W
8 N25°5’50.8” E92°8’38.8” 58° S-W
9 N25°5’53.5” E92°8’38.9” Contact
10 N25°6’23.4” E92°8’59.3” Contact
2 11 N25°6’22.2” E92°10’34.2” 56° S-W
12 N25°6’34” E92°10’38.3” 58° S-W
13 N25°6’46” E92°10’51.9” 20° N-W
14 N25°6’54.6” E92°10’55.2” 30° N-E
3 15 N25°8’3.8” E92°7’50”
16 N25°7’59.9” E92°7’51.6” 40° S-W
17 N25°7’58.4” E92°7’54.1” 51° S-W
18 N25°8’8.6” E92°7’58.1” 52° N-W
19 N25°8’15.5” E92°8’6.4” 58° S-E
20 N25°8’16.” E92°8’6.3” 38° S-E
21 N25°8’26.4” E92°8’0.7” 60° N-E
22 N25°8’26.3” E92°7’54.9”
23 N25°8’33.2” E92°7’50.8” 36° S-E
24 N25°8’24.6” E92°7’46.6” 40° S-W
25 N25°8’24.5” E92°7’31.5” 56° N-E
26 N25°8’22.4” E92°7’17.9” 66° S-E
27 N25°10’24.2” E92°4’56.4” 15° S-W
28 N25°10’42.4” E92°4’32.8”
29 N25°10’43.5” E92°4’29.7” 21° N-E
30 N25°10’35.9” E92°4’21.9” 24° N-W
31 N25°10’31.2” E92°3’15” 20° S-W
32 N25°10’43.9” E92°2’30.3” 20° N-E
34 N25°10’51.2” E92°1’59.9” 14° N-W
35 N25°10’42.3” E92°1’41.5” 38° S-W
36 N25°10’36.9” E92°1’40.7” 18° S-E
4 37 N25°10’45.4” E92°1’00”
38 N25°10’54” E92°1’4”

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3.2 Measuring Rock Beds
Beds are the layers of sedimentary rocks that are distinctly different from overlying and
underlying subsequent beds of different sedimentary rocks. Layers of beds are called strata. They
are formed from sediments being deposited on the Earth's solid surface over long periods of
time. (Source: Wikipedia) We measured the strike and dip direction along with the amount of dip
using the Clinometer. It was the most utilized equipment of our field trip. We used hammer to
burrow down bedding planes then using a scrapper, cleaned the bed surface. Then we took our
reading from clinometer and note it down in our field notebooks.

Figure 3.2 - Using Clinometer

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3.3 Geological Map Preparation
The first stage functioned as our home base for the duration of the field trip. Each field
station/spot we investigated, as well as the area and 28 the GPS, were recorded and plotted on
the base guide. The height of the beds (strike and dip) and the depth of the plunge were plotted
on the base guide, which had been calculated previously with the clinometer. Close to the Dip
bearings, the lithology of each point has been delineated. On the evening of February 14, 2023,
we arrived at our base camp. After a few long stretches of leisure, we began working on our
collection maps. The gridlines on the directions helped us readily locate our examination zones.

Figure 3. 3 - Geological Map

3.4: Social Survey:

A social survey is most usually used to describe research conducted on a social platform or using
survey software to obtain sample data via a structured questionnaire or interview. Because it
regards individuals as members of society, a social survey facilitates in the study of social or
public issues and occurrences. Key informant interview and Focus group discussion are
acronyms for Focus group discussion and Key informant interview, respectively. The goal of key
informant interviews is to collect information from a diverse group of persons with firsthand
knowledge of the neighborhood, such as community leaders, professionals, or citizens.
A critical risk assessment approach is social review. We started by splitting into two groups.
During the time, we learned about their convictions, discernments, and preconceptions. Locals
have firsthand knowledge of potential hazards in certain places. By chatting with them, we
identify a few risks. They say that flame floods are common in that area. It is caused by heavy
rain and an upstream surge of slope water. Locals claimed they had gotten no prior notice of the
incident. Their crops were damaged by the massive flood. We gathered information about post-
disaster concerns. The most well-known, they claimed, was a lack of drinking water due to their
reliance on a well. Yet, it drowned as a result of the flash flood. We spoke with people from a
wide range of professions, including service providers, business owners, day laborer, farmers,
and others. They stated that the floods occurred in 1995 and 2003, when they suffered the most
damage. They push for improved early warning and disaster management in their community.

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Chapter-4
Hazard and Environmental Problems of
the Studied Area

Chapter Contents-
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Hazard and Environmental Problems

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4.1 Introduction
Hazards are events that pose a potential threat to humanity and its well-being. Bangladesh is
highly vulnerable to hazards due to its geographical location, particularly those of climatological
and hydrological origin.
Bangladesh can be regarded as of the most perfect places for both natural and manmade disasters
to occur. Each year our motherland is affected by either natural disasters like flood, cyclone,
river bank erosion, landslide, tornado, nor’ wester, earthquake, saline water intrusion or
manmade disasters like infrastructure collapse, fire, water logging, ground subsidence due to
ground water withdrawal and transport accidents. Some emerging hazards like landslide, fire,
salinity intrusion, arsenic contamination, infrastructure collapse and earthquake are creating
anxiety all over the country. Global Assessment Report (2011) published by UNISDR reveals
that Bangladesh is in 1st and 6th position in terms of vulnerability of flood and cyclone
respectively.
Despite the fact that indigenous knowledge is the primary method of disaster management in
Bangladesh, the Disaster Management Bureau, the Directorate of Relief and Rehabilitation, and
the Comprehensive Disaster Management Program (CDMP) are integrating science-based
knowledge to create a better risk reduction procedure for the entire country across all hazards
that the country is currently facing. Reducing Disaster Risk Improved land use planning for
municipalities/pourashavas, ward level contingency planning, construction-related personnel
training, upgrading decaying structures, and modernization and capacity building of the Fire
Service and Civil Defense are other effective government programmes. In terms of structural
measures, Bangladesh is keeping up with the times. The government started Cyclone
Preparedness Program (CPP) in 1973 to shape volunteerism in an institutional framework. 3777
cyclone centers have already been constructed in coastal area of our country among which 3449
are in usable condition.

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4.2 Hazard and Environmental Problems
Sylhet is a very hazard-prone area. We identified a slew of natural and man-made risks. Flash
floods, landslides, mudslides, and earthquakes are the most common natural disasters in our
study area (Jaintiapur-Tamabil-Jaflong). Some common issues of Sylhet are-
• Flash flood
• Flood
• Landslide and slumping
• Earthquake
• Air pollution
• Noise pollution
• Gravel withdrawing
• Drinking water problem
• Deforestation
Pollution is becoming more prevalent as a result of irresponsible human behaviour that affects
the environment. Deforestation and overgrazing are rapidly spreading. Sylhet, Bangladesh, is a
flood-prone city. One of the most common risks in the area is flash flooding. Flash floods occur
throughout the monsoon season as a result of heavy rains. It usually occurs during the months of
June and August. Large quantities of water surge downhill from India to these places, causing
flash floods. It's not for long. The water will be gone in about a day. Crop damage has been
caused by flash floods.

Figure 4.1 - Disaster Map of Bangladesh

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During the stormy season, landslides also occur in the review area. Heavy rains and free dregs
are the reasons for the reduction in mountain vegetation. Avalanches pose a considerable risk to
those who live at the slope's base. Avalanches claim the lives of many people. Their homes and
goods are destroyed. There are numerous separation sites in the Sylhet Trough, such as the Dauki
insufficiency, plate limit issue, focal limit issue, and Madhupur issue close to the Himalayan
Mountain range, all of which have generated seismic disturbances nearby.
The quarrying of ocean stone is a man-made disaster. This location provides stones to people all
throughout Bangladesh. Persons linked with the quarry have obtained public authority licences,
and the property has undergone major alterations as a result of the quarry. The unexpected and
arbitrary course of stone selection is a no-brainer concern for the climate and habitats throughout
the region. People remove rock, causing the climate to disintegrate. Rock pounding is also
tremendously damaging to the environment. Stone marketing is another source of environmental
degradation, and this type of job pollutes the air.

Figure 4.2 - Flood hazard map of Bangladesh

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 Chapter-5
Conclusion

Chapter Contents-
5.1 Conclusion

25
5.1 Conclusion
The Sylhet valley in North-East Bangladesh was the study location, and the investigation was
very beneficial, illuminating, and exciting. We gained knowledge of the lithology,
geographic conditions, sedimentation, bedding practises, and previous geologic history of the
Sylhet trough. During the late Cretaceous to the Eocene, an inclination set on a detached
continental coast in the Sylhet basin, a sub-basin of the Bengal Basin in northeastern
Bangladesh. There have been some impressive Eocene-Recent accumulation measurements
found in the Bengal Basin geosynclinal basin. The Surma basin subsidence and the ongoing
uplift of Shillong made the declaration of such a deep layer of silt necessary. The Himalayan
orogeny had a number of structurally negative effects that affected the depositional history of
the region.
We focussed on the danger characteristics and the susceptibility of the concentrated region,
as well as several catastrophe designs, in addition to topographical information and analysis.
Throughout the area, deforestation is constantly increasing. Individuals are residing in lower-
income neighbourhoods, which might account for the high death toll. A prominent source of
air pollution in the area is stone quarries. We identified the sources of both man-made and
organic danger. The meeting with the locals brought up their unanimity and shortcomings as
well as their fear of repeating the previous calamities. Consideration was given to the
vegetation and agricultural practises close to the local population's way of life.
The north-eastern region of our nation is breathtaking in its beauty. This place was
influenced by nature in every way. The concentrated area has the potential to become one of
Bangladesh's most spectacular tourist destinations, and it should be protected for its natural
beauty.

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 References

The Energy Resources of Bangladesh – Badrul Islam

Geology of Bangladesh – Klaus-Ulrich Reimann, K. Hiller
en.climate-data.org
en.banglapedia.org
Wikipedia.com

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