MUZAFFARABAD, Aug 12: A team of geologists has claimed to have observed a volcanic activity, though on a very small scale, in the Kesarkot and Hanjana areas of Leepa valley in the month of March this year.

Leepa valley is located some 100 kilometres southeast of Muzaffarabad.

“The lava erupted on the surface, emitting smoke for three days, following which residents of the area reported it to our (Geology) department,” Prof Dr Mohammad Rustum of the AJK University told reporters here on Friday.

He said a team of geologists comprising besides him Prof Dr Mohammad Sabir Khan and M.Phil scholars Mohammad Saleem Mughal and Fahad Hameed visited the valley for geological survey and investigations.

“We collected rock samples from solidified lava for chemical and physical analysis and carried out microscopic study and chemical analysis of some selected samples,” he said, adding, the field and laboratory data suggested that rocks were formed from lava flow.

According to Dr Rustum, the Silica (SiO2) content in rock samples was 71 per cent.

The team also carried out geophysical investigations of Leepa, Reshian and Lamnian areas and geophysical data showed presence of a deep fault in the Leepa valley along which the lava flow occurred, he said.

Dr Rustum emphasized the need for additional investigations in order to avoid any hazardous problems in the area.

However, he said the AJK University required funds and assistance from the government to carry on investigations in the area.