NAGARJUNASAGAR SRISAILAM
TIGER RESERVE

Geology

The principal formations of Nallamalais are Kurnool - Kadapa formations. The Kurnool formation is of upper Pre-Cambrian and is mainly in the central basin of Nallamalais. Major portion of the area is covered by the old geological formation known as the Archaens.

Rock

Srisailam quartzite’s forms a rugged plateau with bluish, gray brown and purplish colors. There are almost horizontal beds of sedimentary rocks with a remarkable flat-topped appearance ending abruptly in sharp edges. Shale and lime stones deposits of Macherla form part of this Tiger Reserve. The Nallamalais are also reputed to have Diamonds.

Soil

Four kinds of soil may be distinguished. The black cotton soil of the plains occurs to the greatest extent. Alluvial soil is next important from the point of view of agriculture, such soils occur in small extent on the banks of the river. Alluvial deposits are of two kinds, a brown loamy soil and lighter coloured, heavier and more calcareous for agriculture. The red and brown sandy soil occurs along the base of the Nallamalais and the other quartzite hill ranges; in local language it is called Regar soil. The red and mixed soils appear to be the products of decomposition and disintegration of rocks of gneissic composition or of sandstones and quartzite’s supplemented by infiltration of clay from the shale formations.

Minerals

Nallamalais is the basket of many minerals like Diamonds, Copper, Lead, Iron wore, Steatite, Limestone, Manganese, Barytes, Carbonate of Soda, Earth salt and White mica are found abundantly.