Bulletin of the Geological Society of Malaysia, Volume 67, June 2019, pp. 53 – 65

The Setap Shale Formation on either side of the Baram Line Divide: Facies aspects and tectonic implications

John Jong¹, Franz L. Kessler^2,*
1 JX Nippon and Gas Exploration (Malaysia) Limited, Malaysia
2 Goldbach Geoconsultants O&G and Lithium Exploration, Germany
*Corresponding author email address: franzlkessler32@gmail.com

Abstract: Intermittent field work carried out over the years has revealed that the Oligocene to Miocene Setap Shale formation is of different character on either side of the (West) Baram Line in northern Sarawak. Within the Baram Delta Block (BD), the sequence contains shallow water carbonates, a green sand and siltstone rich in foraminifera and other marine biota. On the other hand, to the south of the Baram Line, in the Tinjar/Luconia Block (TL), the Setap Shale contains multiple slumps and turbidite complexes. Shallow water carbonates are missing within TL outcrops. The intriging contrast in paleo-environment and facies variations point to a complex tectonic activity likely related to the Baram Line strike-slip movements during the time of Setap Shale deposition. However, the source of the Setap Shale sediment in the northern Sarawak region remains relatively unknown, a conundrum to be resolved with further research studies.

Keywords: Setap Shale, Oligo-Miocene, Sarawak, claystone

DOI : https://doi.org/10.7186/bgsm67201907