Journal of Petroleum Geology, vol.

25 (2), April 2002, pp 123-150

123

DEPOSITIONAL AND DIAGENETIC HISTORY OF THE

KERENDAN CARBONATE PLATFORM, OLIGOCENE,
CENTRAL KALIMANTAN, INDONESIA
A. H. Saller* and S. Vijaya**
The Kerendan carbonate platform (Oligocene Berai Limestone) covers a subsurface
area measuring approximately 11 by 16 km in the westernmost Kutei Basin, Central
Kalimantan. Aggradation of the Kerendan platform occurred during a major Oligocene
transgression, and is contemporaneous with aggradation and backstepping of the Barito
shelf margin which was located approximately 30 km to the south. The Kerendan platform
is approximately 1,000 m thick, and comprises three aggrading seismic sequences identified
by the downlap of basinal strata at the platform margin and downlap of transgressive
strata within the platform. Carbonate deposition started in the Late Eocene, and ended
when the upper limestone sequence drowned and was covered with shale in the Late
Oligocene (approximately 28.6 Ma). Three depositional areas can be distinguished in
seismic sections: (1) a platform interior (lagoon); (2) a slightly raised platform rim (1-2
km wide); and (3) a basinward-dipping platform margin and slope. The margin of the
platform is identified by inflections on the seismic profiles where the relatively flat platform
top begins to slope basinward.
Depositional models from outcrops combined with core from three Kerendan wells
were used to extrapolate depositional facies onto the seismically-defined platform.
Platform-interior (lagoon) facies consist largely of fossiliferous wackestones and
packstones, and porosities are generally lower than 5%. The platform rim is characterized
by interbedded bioclastic wackestones, packstones, grainstones and boundstones, with
grainstones increasing toward the platform margin. Porosity preferentially occurs in
packstones, grainstones and boundstones. The platform-rim deposits have greater porosity
(5-13%) than the platform interior because the platform rim is more grainstone-rich, and
because acidic waters compacting out of basinal shales concentrated dissolution near the
platform margin. Pore types include vuggy porosity, microporosity within grains, and
intercrystalline porosity in dolomite in the upper part of the platform rim. Different pore
types have resulted in variable but locally very high permeabilities (greater than 100
mD). Permeabilities decrease with depth as vuggy pores decrease, and microporosity
becomes dominant.

*Unocal Corporation, Sugar Land, Texas 77478, USA.

author for correspondence, asaller@unocal.com
**Unocal Indonesia, Balikpapan, Indonesia.

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Kerendan carbonate platform, Oligocene, Central Kalimantan

INTRODUCTION
Upper Eocene and Oligocene carbonate shelves and isolated platforms are important
stratigraphic features in SE Asia (Wilson et al., 1999), but only a few have been described
in the subsurface (Grtsch and Mercadier, 1999). Although outcrops can provide large
surfaces of exposure, subsurface data have other advantages including (1) clear illustration
of large-scale geometries from seismic data; (2) continuous vertical sections in wells not
complicated by poor exposure; and (3) porosity and diagenetic features which are not
overprinted by surface weathering.
An Oligocene carbonate platform is present in the westernmost part of the Kutei Basin
in Central Kalimantan (Figs. 1 and 2; van de Weerd et al., 1987) and has been characterized
using a grid of 2D seismic profiles and wells with cores. The platform is composed of
carbonates assigned to the Oligocene Berai Limestone. The purpose of this paper is to
describe the geometry, facies, diagenesis and porosity evolution of this Oligocene carbonate
platform.
EXPLORATION HISTORY
Oil production in eastern Borneo (East Kalimantan) started in the late 1800s. The
Tanjung field (Fig. 1) was discovered in the Barito Basin in 1939. More than 600 MM brl
of oil were originally in place here, and more than 100 MM brl of oil have been produced
from Paleocene and/or Eocene alluvial sandstones of the Tanjung Formation (Kusuma
and Darin, 1989). In the early 1970s, Unocal signed a Production Sharing Contract (PSC)
for the Teweh Block which included the northernmost Barito Basin and westernmost Kutei
Basin (Fig. 1). Seismic data were acquired and several wells were drilled in this block in
the 1970s. The Kerendan #1 well (Fig. 2) was drilled in 1982 and tested significant volumes
of gas from Oligocene platform carbonates (van de Weerd et al., 1987). A more extensive
grid of seismic data was acquired between 1985 and 1987. Field geological programmes
also studied outcrops to help determine the stratigraphic and structural evolution of Tertiary
strata in the area. Several more wells were drilled in the Teweh Block in 1988 and 1989,
including Kerendan #2 and Kerendan #3 (Fig. 2), both of which penetrated the platform
carbonates and recovered more than 100 m of core. Kerendan #2 was drilled in a platform
interior location, and Kerendan #3 was drilled on the platform rim and margin.
GEOLOGICAL SETTING
The structural and tectonic evolution of the Kutei Basin has been discussed by many
authors including Hamilton (1979), van de Weerd et al. (1987), Moss et al. (1997),
Chambers and Daley (1997), and Cloke et al. (1999). Moss et al. (1997) suggested that
the basins basement includes fragmented Upper Cretaceous microcontinental, ophiolitic,
and accretionary prism material intruded by Cretaceous plutons. Rifting occurred in this
region in the late Paleocene and early to mid Eocene (van de Weerd et al., 1987; Moss et
al., 1997). The Upper Eocene and Oligocene apparently represent a sag phase with
widespread carbonate deposition (van de Weerd and Armin, 1992). Collision and the
subduction of blocks beneath NW Borneo resulted in uplift of the Crocker-Rajang and
Central Kalimantan Mountains in the Late Oligocene and Early Miocene (Sandal, 1996;
Moss et al., 1997). Large volumes of clastics were shed off these mountains during the
Late Oligocene and Early Miocene, and those sediments can be seen on seismic sections
to prograde from NW to ESE in Central Kalimantan (Saller et al., 1993). Eocene through
Lower Miocene strata in Central Kalimantan were folded and thrust faulted during the
Middle to Late Miocene.

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125

Fig. 1. Tertiary sedimentary basins in Borneo, with the location of Unocal and partners 1990
Teweh Block and the Kerendan platform in Central Kalimantan.

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Kerendan carbonate platform, Oligocene, Central Kalimantan

Fig. 2. Oligocene paleogeography in the Teweh Block area. The Kerendan platform is located
~30 km north of the margin of the Barito shelf (after Saller et al., 1993).

Fig. 3. Schematic cross section of Upper Eocene through Lower Miocene stratigraphy across the
Teweh Block. Upper Oligocene and Lower Miocene deltaics prograded from the
WNW to the ESE (after Saller et al., 1993).

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127

Fig. 4. Map of the Kerendan platform showing the location of seismic lines and depositional
areas. Part of line KT85-10 is shown in Fig. 5.

The general Tertiary palaeogeography of eastern Borneo was discussed by van de Weerd
and Armin (1992) and Wilson and Moss (1999). Wilson et al. (1999) described other
outcrops of Eocene, Oligocene and Miocene carbonates in NE Borneo and Sulawesi, and
put together a series of depositional and stratigraphic models. Van de Weerd et al. (1987)
discussed the depositional setting of the westernmost Kutei Basin including the Teweh
Block in Central Kalimantan. Saller et al. (1992,1993) described Upper Eocene and
Oligocene shelfal strata from outcrops and the subsurface of the adjacent northern Barito
Basin.
The Kerendan platform is located approximately 30 km north of the Barito shelf margin
which was aggrading and backstepping during the Oligocene (Figs. 2 and 3). The description
of outcrop sections and the analysis of seismic data from the Barito shelf has allowed
sequence stratigraphic and depositional models to be developed for Upper Eocene and
Oligocene carbonates and clastics (Saller et al., 1993). Four major Oligocene sequences
were identified on the Barito shelf (Fig. 3), and each sequence (200-500m thick) has been
delineated in outcrops and on seismic lines. The sequences are: (1) Upper Eocene to Lower
Oligocene (34.0-38 Ma), (2) middle Oligocene (29.7-32.0 Ma), (3) lower Upper Oligocene
(28.2-29.7 Ma), and (4) Upper Oligocene (N3; >24-28.2 Ma) (Saller et al., 1992, 1993).
Ages are based largely on strontium isotope ratios and the strontium isotope ratio versus
time curve of Miller et al. (1988). All numerical ages in this paper are relative to the Haq
et al. (1988) time scale.
SEISMIC INTERPRETATION OF KERENDAN
The Kerendan platform has been studied on a grid of seismic sections (Figs. 4 and 5).
The seismic data show that the platform is approximately 1,000 m thick, and contains
three aggrading seismic sequences with boundaries distinguished by downlapping basinal

Fig. 5. Seismic line KT85-10 (above) uninterpreted; (below) interpreted with sequences and depositional areas.
Two-way travel-time (in seconds) is shown at the right.

128
Kerendan carbonate platform, Oligocene, Central Kalimantan

Fig. 6. Structural cross section between Kerendan wells 1, 2 and 3. Numbers are ages in Ma from strontium isotope analyses
and the Miller et al. (1988) curve.

A.H.Saller and S.Vijaya

129

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Kerendan carbonate platform, Oligocene, Central Kalimantan

Fig. 7. Schematic cross section of the Kerendan platform showing depositional facies.

clastic reflectors at the platform margins, and mounding and local downlap of transgressive
carbonate strata within the platform (Fig. 5). The platform top covered an area measuring
approximately 16 km long and 11 km across. Maximum depositional relief of the Kerendan
platform was approximately 1000m at the end of platform growth. The depositional dip of
the platforms slope was low during deposition of the lower platform (upper Eocene), and
increased to approximately 15o during deposition of the uppermost carbonate sequence
(Fig. 5). Apparent relief on the platform and slope may have been increased by compaction
of basinal shales; however; most shales occur above the platform, and hence their
compaction would not have affected the platform morphology. The entire platform was
structurally tilted (down to the SSW) during the Middle to Late Miocene.
Three seismic facies tracts can be distinguished in the uppermost carbonate sequence
on the platform: (1) a slightly deeper platform interior (lagoon); (2) an elevated platform
rim; and (3) a basinward-dipping platform margin and slope (Figs. 4 and 5). The margin of
the platform is identified by the inflection point on the depositional profile where the
relatively flat (depositionally horizontal) platform rim begins to slope basinward. Seismic
sections show relief at the top of the platform that suggest that the outer 1-2 km of the
Kerendan platform was a topographically elevated rim (Figs. 4 and 5). The lagoonward
margin of the platform rim was identified by the lagoonward dip of the top Berai Limestone
reflector and thinning of the upper Berai Limestone from the rim to the interior (Fig. 5).
The platform interior is characterized by high-amplitude, parallel and continuous reflectors;
whereas the platform rim is characterized by lower amplitude, more discontinuous reflectors.
Carbonate platform facies were predicted prior to drilling Kerendan #2 and #3 by using
seismic characteristics and outcrop models from Saller et al. (1992, 1993).

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131

DEPOSITIONAL ENVIRONMENTS AND HISTORY

Well penetrations have helped to date the three sequences identified in the seismic data
as well as to confirm lithologies predicted from the outcrop models. Based on
biostratigraphic analysis of cuttings, the lowest carbonate sequence is Upper Eocene and
includes interbedded sandstones, shales and limestones (Figs. 6 and 7). The middle sequence
consists of platform carbonates which are mainly Lower Oligocene (Tertiary large
foraminifera stage Tcdof Adams, 1984) based on biostratigraphy of cuttings. The upper
carbonate sequence is middle to Upper Oligocene (33-28.6 Ma), based on the
biostratigraphy (Tertiary large foraminifera stage Te of Adams, 1984) and strontium
isotope dates on coralline algae and large foraminifera in cores, using the curves of Miller
et al. (1988)(Fig. 6).
The facies tracts identified in the upper carbonate sequence in seismic data can be
distinguished in core. The platform-interior facies cored in Kerendan #2 consists mainly
of fossiliferous wackestones and packstones with large foraminifera (rotalines and many
miliolines including Borelis), coralline algal fragments, molluscs, and some thin, branching
corals (Plates 1A-C and 2A-D: see pp. 144 - 150). Cores from Kerendan #3 indicate that
the platform rim was dominated by fossiliferous packstones and grainstones (Plates 1D-F,
2E-H and 3A-F). Coralline algal fragments and large rotaline foraminifera are the main
grain types. The third facies tract is the basinward-sloping platform margin and slope.
Outcrop analogues suggest that deposits in this area include coral-rich wackestones,
packstones and boundstones passing downdip into lithoclastic conglomerates interbedded
with carbonate mudstones and shales (Saller et al., 1992, 1993). Where penetrated by the
Kerendan #3 well, the edge of the platform margin facies tract is coral-rich. No subaerial
exposure surfaces were identified in core.
DEPOSITIONAL HISTORY
A summary of the Oligocene and Miocene depositional history interpreted for the
Kerendan platform is shown in Fig. 8. Lower to Middle Eocene terrestrial clastics (sands,
shale and coals) were deposited during rift and sag phases of the palaeo-Barito and western
Kutei Basins. Upper Eocene carbonates and clastics (Fig. 7) formed the base for the isolated
carbonate platform deposited during the Early and middle Oligocene. A period of platformwide deepening after the Early Oligocene (Tcd) platform resulted in deposition of a layer
of dark carbonate mudstones across the platform (Figs. 6 and 8A). The uppermost carbonate
platform developed distinct facies tracts (platform interior, platform rim, and platform
margin/ slope) as the platform top approached sea level (Fig. 8B). Deepening of the platform
at approximately 28.6 Ma resulted in deposition of more open-marine, coral-rich
wackestones, packstones and boundstones (some shaley) across the platform (Fig. 8C).
Prograding prodelta shales followed by shallower deltaic strata covered the Kerendan
platform during the latest Oligocene and Early Miocene (Fig. 8D). The deeper marine
prodelta shales supplied the topseal required for the gas reservoir.
DIAGENESIS
Diagenesis has greatly altered the Kerendan platform carbonates. Most porosity in the
Kerendan platform is secondary, formed during diagenesis (Plates 1D-F; 2G,H; and 3).
Subaerial exposure and freshwater diagenesis were not identified in cores. Major diagenetic
processes affecting the Kerendan carbonates included: (1) the conversion of highmagnesium calcite to low-magnesium calcite; (2) development of microporosity in highmagnesium calcite grains; (3) dissolution and/or neomorphism of aragonite; (4) calcite

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Kerendan carbonate platform, Oligocene, Central Kalimantan

Fig. 8. Schematic summary of the depositional history of the Kerendan platform.

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133

Fig. 9. Qualitative summary of diagenesis in the Kerendan platform.

cementation; (5) mechanical compaction; and (6) pressure solution. Diagenetic processes
that are locally important include dolomite precipitation and vuggy dissolution. Fig. 9
qualitatively summarizes the timing and intensity of diagenetic processes based on
petrographic data.
At the time of deposition, high-magnesium calcite (> 4 mole % MgCO 3) was present in
coralline algal fragments, echinoderm fragments, many large rotaline and milioline
foraminifera, and some carbonate muds. Generally, the conversion of high-magnesium
calcite to low-magnesium calcite occurs with no identifiable petrographic change
(Friedman,1964; Land et al., 1967; Gavish and Friedman, 1969). Much of the porosity in
the Kerendan platform consists of microporosity within originally high-magnesium calcite
grains, and this could be related to: (1) dissolution during stabilization of high-magnesium
calcite to low-magnesium calcite, (2) partial selective dissolution before stabilization, (3)
partial selective dissolution during deeper burial after stabilization, or (4) a more pervasive
early microporosity that was filled during burial in some grains and not others (similar to
Saller and Moore, 1989). The preferential occurrence of microporous grains in packstones
and grainstones suggests that dissolution was the product of fluids which flowed
preferentially through grain-rich rocks; however, dissolution could have occurred during
early or late burial.

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Kerendan carbonate platform, Oligocene, Central Kalimantan

Aragonite was originally present in coral fragments, some green algae, and some
molluscs, but all of the aragonite has been either dissolved or calcitized. Most moulds of
aragonitic grains have been filled with carbonate cement, but a few are open. Dissolution
and/or calcitization could have occurred in freshwater conditions shortly after deposition,
or in burial fluids during moderate to deeper burial. Calcitized corals have highly variable
isotopic compositions, which do not clearly indicate a particular diagenetic environment
(Fig. 10). Lack of recognized subaerial exposure surfaces suggests that most diagenesis
did not occur in meteoric water.
Calcite cement has occluded substantial amounts of porosity in the Kerendan platform
carbonates, and fills many intergranular, vuggy, intragranular, mouldic and fracture pores
(Plates 1D-F; 2E-H and 3A-E). Calcite cements are generally equant, though prismatic
cements occur in some fractures and early reefal cavities (Plate 2E). Most early cement
zones are iron-poor, but some outer zones are iron-rich. Iron-rich cements are more common
within, and near to shale-rich intervals, suggesting that the shales were the source of the
iron.
Most cements appear to postdate aragonite dissolution and compaction. Cementation
after aragonite dissolution is indicated by the loss of boundaries between original aragonite
grains and original porosity (Plate 2F), and also the collapse of internal sediments in corals
after aragonite dissolution. Some cements are cut by fractures and others fill fractures
indicating cementation before and after fracturing (Plate 3B). Abundant grain-to-grain
pressure solution (Plate 2G) indicates that there was little intergranular cementation prior
to deep burial and the onset of pressure solution, because intergranular cements help lime
grainstones and packstones to resist compaction.
Samples of calcite cements, other carbonate components, and bulk rock were used for
stable carbon and oxygen isotopic analyses (Fig. 10). Modern meteoric waters from rivers
in Kalimantan (the Rivers Barito, Mahakam and the Benangin, which is a small tributary
of the Barito) have stable oxygen isotopic compositions (d18O values) of -6.4 to -9.5
(SMOW), and Tertiary meteoric waters probably had similar compositions. Two travertines
analyzed from modern caves in the Teweh area had d18O values of -8.0 and -10.9 (PDB),
which are consistent with precipitation from waters with d18O values of -5.8 and -8.8
(SMOW) at 28oC (using the equation of Friedman and ONeil, 1977). In contrast, two
subsurface waters from the Kerendan platform had d18O values of +6.2 and +8.0
(SMOW). Well data suggest that the Kerendan platform is currently at approximately
120 oC. Using a geothermal gradient of approximately 3oC/100 m (estimated by S. Brand
and R. Sweeney, 1984, pers. commun.), carbonates of the Kerendan platform may have
been as hot as 170 oC.
Calcite cements filling aragonite moulds in the Kerendan platform have d18O values of
-3.5 to -6.2 (PDB)(Fig. 10). Calcite cements filling aragonite moulds in the Teweh area
outcrops have d18O values of -4.6 to -11.1 (PDB). Fracture-filling calcite cements are
generally isotopically lighter with Kerendan samples having d18O values of -7.5 to -11.2
(PDB), and outcrop samples having d18O values of -8.2 to -12.3 (PDB)(Fig. 10).
Most cements have d13C values of -2 to +2 (PDB). The wide range of stable oxygen
isotope compositions indicate that carbonate cements either precipitated over a wide range
of temperatures or in waters with large isotopic variations or both. However, the wide
range in temperatures and isotopic compositions of waters that could have affected Kerendan
carbonates make a unique interpretation of the isotopic data difficult.
POROSITY EVOLUTION
In general, carbonates progressively lose porosity during burial (Schmoker and Halley,
1982), and much porosity loss in the Kerendan platform was probably related to deep
burial. The erosion of Lower Miocene deltaic strata overlying the Kerendan platform

Fig. 10. Stable isotopic composition of samples of Oligocene carbonates in the Teweh block.

A.H.Saller and S.Vijaya

135

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Kerendan carbonate platform, Oligocene, Central Kalimantan

Fig. 11. Model for porosity development in the Kerendan platform during burial.

together with vitrinite reflection data suggest that the Kerendan platform was buried about
1,500m deeper than it is at the present (total depth of approximately 4,300 m; S. Brand
and R. Sweeney, 1984, pers. commun.). Carbonate mudstones and wackestones have
porosities of 60-80% when deposited (Enos and Sawatsky, 1981). Micritic rocks probably
underwent significant mechanical compaction, although this is difficult to quantify. Two
types of pressure solution are common: grain-to-grain, and stylolitic (Plates 2A,G and
3F). Both lead to reduced porosity directly, and also indirectly by dissolving CaCO 3 which
then precipitates into pores as cement.
Late saddle (baroque) dolomite cement is concentrated in the upper part of the Berai
Limestone in the Kerendan #3 well where it is associated with vuggy dissolution and
sometimes partially fills vugs (Plate 2F). Saddle dolomite is generally associated with
deep burial environments (>60 oC; Radke and Mathis, 1980). Dolomite cements filling
vugs have d18O values of approximately -8.0 (Fig. 10). Using the dolomite/water curves
of Land (1985), the Kerendan dolomite cements could have precipitated at approximately
145 oC from waters with d18O of +6.2 (SMOW)(similar to present-day formation waters).
If precipitated from waters with an isotopic composition similar to modern seawater (d18O
of 0), the dolomite cements would have precipitated at approximately 87 oC. Both
scenarios are consistent with dolomite precipitation during deep burial (>2,000m).
Several observations suggest that much of the dissolution porosity, especially the
nonfabric-selective dissolution, is related to acidic waters compacting out of adjacent shales
during moderate to deep burial (200-3,000 m). First, porosity is highest near the margins
of the Kerendan platform where acidic waters emanating from shales would be most
abundant. Second, much of the porosity, especially nonfabric-selective, is petrographically
late, when maturation of organic material might have generated acidic waters which were

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137

Fig. 12. Graph of porosity versus permeability for platform-interior limestones

cored in well Kerendan #2.

expelled from the shales during compaction. Third, saddle dolomite is associated with the
dissolution, and it formed during deeper burial. Fourth, the isotopic composition of
Kerendan formation waters (+6.2 and +8.0, SMOW) is consistent with waters generated
during the smectite to illite transition (Land, 1983). Creation of acidic waters by organic
reactions during burial was postulated by Surdam et al. (1984) and Crossey et al. (1986).
A model for late burial fluids being expelled from adjacent shales and forming porosity
near the margins of the platform is shown in Fig. 11.
DISTRIBUTION OF POROSITY AND PERMEABILITY
The distribution of porosity and permeability in the Kerendan platform is a function of
facies-selective and nonfacies-selective diagenesis. The platform-interior limestones cored
in Kerendan #2 have low porosity and permeability -- generally less than 5% and 1 mD,
respectively (Fig. 12) (average porosity of 2.9%; arithmetic mean permeability of 0.36
mD; geometric mean permeability of 0.06 mD).
Platform-rim limestones cored in Kerendan #3 had an average porosity of 5.4%,
arithmetic mean permeability of 4.4mD, and geometric mean permeability of 0.39mD
(Fig. 13). Two main types of porosity were present here: nonfabric-selective and fabricselective. Nonfabric-selective porosity (5-13%) occurs 20 to 45m below the top of the
carbonate buildup, while fabric-selective porosity was dominant below that. Nonfabricselective porosity includes vugs up to 1cm across (Plates 1-3 and Fig. 14). Permeability
measured in full-diameter core samples of vuggy rocks was 1-100mD (Upper samples
in Fig. 13); however, most vugs were filled with drilling mud (Plate 1D,E) which could
not be removed, and hence true subsurface permeability was much greater. Facies-selective
porosity (commonly 5-15%) is dominant deeper in the platform, and mainly consists of

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Kerendan carbonate platform, Oligocene, Central Kalimantan

Fig. 13. Graph of porosity versus permeability for platform-rim limestones

cored in well Kerendan #3.

microporosity within grains (mainly coralline algal grains) in packstones and grainstones
(Plates 1F, 2E-H, 3: Fig.14). Measured permeability in samples dominated by fabricselective microporosity is generally less than 2mD even in samples with 15% porosity
(Lower samples in Plate 2F and Fig. 13).
Outcrop facies models combined with seismic stratigraphic interpretations permitted
us to construct a reservoir model for the Kerendan platform with only three well penetrations.
The platform is characterized by porous platform-rim facies (penetrated by Kerendan #1
and #3) and nonporous platform-interior facies (penetrated by Kerendan #2) similar to
those found at outcrops (Saller, 1992, 1993). A three-month production test in platformrim limestones in Kerendan #1 indicated that the gas reservoir had substantial lateral extent
(greater than 1.5 km). Resistivity logs indicate a similar gas/water contact in the Kerendan
#1 and #3 wells, which supported a single gas column that is continuous from Kerendan
#1 to #3. The gas column probably extends around the platform rim down to the gas/water
contact in the southern part of the platform.
DISCUSSION
Depositional facies at Kerendan are very similar to those at nearby outcrops (Saller et
al., 1992, 1993). In the Kerendan platform and nearby outcrops, platform-margin and
shelf-margin limestones are generally wackestones, packstones and boundstones with robust
corals, large foraminifera and coralline algae (Figs. 7 and 15). Platform-rim and shelf-rim
strata are dominated by packstones and grainstones with large rotaline foraminifera and
coralline algae (fragments and rhodolites)(Figs. 7 and 15). Lagoonal carbonates are mainly
wackestones and packstones with large foraminifera (including many miliolines), molluscs,
and thin-branching coral (Figs. 7 and 15).

A.H.Saller and S.Vijaya

Fig. 14. Kerendan #3 gamma-ray and density porosity logs, depths 9,300 to 9,650 ft,
with information from cores.

139

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Kerendan carbonate platform, Oligocene, Central Kalimantan

Fig. 15. General depositional model for Oligocene shelfal carbonates in Central Kalimantan
(after Saller et al., 1993).

The upper Kerendan platform is relatively symmetric with raised rims on both sides.
This is similar to the Lower Oligocene carbonate platform currently exposed in the Gunung
Anga area (Fig. 2; Saller et al., 1993); however, many Oligocene carbonate platforms in
SE Asia are asymmetric, such as the Tonasa Formation in Sulawesi (Wilson et al., 2000)
and the Malumpaya platform in the SW part of the Philippines (Grtsch and Mercadier,
1999). The symmetry of the Kerendan and the Gunung Anga platforms suggests that they
were not substantially affected by syndepositional tilting, localized clastic influxes or
significant windward versus leeward variations in carbonate production during the main
phases of deposition.
Subaerial exposure and classic sequence boundaries (Van Wagoner et al., 1988) were
not recognized in the Kerendan platform. Rather, the key stratigraphic boundaries within
the platform are intervals characteristic of more rapid accommodation and deepening similar
to those reported by Saller et al. (1993). In seismic sections, those boundaries are
characterized by irregular and mounded reflectors overlying depositionally horizontal
reflectors. Outside of the platform, reflectors terminate against the Kerendan platform
(Fig. 5). Regional geologic information indicates that these are deep-marine shales that
represent the distal toes of a clastic system; therefore, those reflectors are best viewed as
seismic downlaps (Saller et al., 1993). Hence, the margin of the Kerendan platfom is a
seismic downlap surface which could represent sedimentation during highstands or
lowstands of sea level, and may include both. Schlager (1989, 1999) noted similar features
which are difficult to interpret within the models of Van Wagoner et al. (1988).
Biostratigraphy and strontium isotope chronostratigraphy have provided relatively highprecision dating of the Kerendan platform and Central Kalimantan outcrops. The timing
of the Kerendan sequences, and especially the end of platform deposition, do not correlate
clearly to other stratigraphic events nearby or in other parts of SE Asia or in other parts of
the World. The end of carbonate deposition at Kerendan at 28.6 Ma does not correlate
clearly with major step-backs on the nearby Barito shelf (29.7 and 28.2 Ma; Saller et al.,
1993). Strontium isotope dating precision of +/- 0.3 Ma (Saller et al., 1993) would allow
overlap of the 28.6 and 28.2 Ma ages; however, those ages are repeated in several samples

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141

in each location suggesting the difference is real and not an artifact of analytic precision.
Likewise, the end of Kerendan carbonate deposition does not apparently correlate to the
end of other carbonate platforms or shelves in southern Sulawesi (Wilson et al., 2000),
southern Philippines (Grtsch and Mercadier, 1999), or other parts of SE Asia (Wilson,
2002). Also, the deepening associated with drowning of the Kerendan platform does not
correspond with a large-scale eustatic sea-level rise, as per Haq et al. (1988). Lack of
synchroneity in the depositional events suggests that local structural movements were the
dominant controls on sequence development. The drowning of the Kerendan platform is
thought to be related to subsidence caused by loading associated with the approaching
delta complex (Saller et al., 1993). Lack of pronounced subaerial exposure features suggest
slow, low-amplitude variations in eustatic sea level during the Oligocene.
Carbonate platforms have drowned repeatedly during geologic history; however ,the
reasons for this are often difficult to determine precisely (Schlager, 1989, 1999). Clearly,
rapid subsidence and/or eustatic sea-level rise contribute to carbonate platform and reef
drowning (Erlich et al., 1990; Greenlee and Lehmann, 1993; Saller et al., 1993). However
nutrients and muds associated with approaching deltas can decrease light penetration and
rates of carbonate growth, and hence contribute to carbonate platform drowning (Hallock
and Glenn, 1986; Wilson and Lokier, in press).
The Kerendan platform is covered by deepwater prodelta shales, indicating deepening
immediately after carbonate deposition. Strontium isotope ages in uppermost platform
and lowest shaley strata in Kerendan #2 (Fig. 6) suggest that more than 200 m of shallowmarine to deep-marine sediments were deposited in ~100,000 years at the end of Kerendan
platform deposition. That suggests that relative sea level (eustatic sea level + subsidence)
rose by more than 200 m in 100,000 years when the Kerendan platform drowned. Shaley
sediments associated with an approaching delta were present around the Kerendan platform
and may have decreased carbonate production by nutrient poisoning (Hallock and Glenn,
1986) or decreased light penetration due to the muddy waters (Wilson and Lokier, in
press); however, rapid structural subsidence appears to be the main reason for the drowning
of the Kerendan platform.
CONCLUSIONS
(1)
(2)
(3)

(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)

The Kerendan platform covers an area approximately 11 by 16 km, and has an

inferred thickness of approximately 1000 m with slope angles increasing to
approximately 15o by the end of deposition.
The platform developed during three periods of carbonate growth: Late Eocene
(Tb; with clastics), Early Oligocene (Tcd) and middle Oligocene (33-28.6 Ma).
During deposition of the upper sequence, the platform had an elevated, high-energy
rim where grain-rich sediments were preferentially deposited. At the same time, the
platform interior was lower energy, and micrite-rich sediments were deposited. The
platform was drowned and was covered by prodelta shales during the Late Oligocene
(approximately 28.6 Ma).
No subaerial exposure surfaces have been identified in cores from the platform.
The platform was buried to depths of more than 14,000 ft (4,300 m) which degraded
most depositional porosity.
The platform rim has porosities of 5-13%, whereas the platform interior generally
has less than 5% porosity.
Porosity is concentrated along the platform rim (a) because of the more grainstonerich facies, and (b) because acidic waters, which apparently compacted out of
adjacent basinal shales, concentrated vuggy dissolution near the platform margin.
Microporosity within grains is dominant in the platform rim at greater depths.

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Kerendan carbonate platform, Oligocene, Central Kalimantan

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We thank many people at Unocal and Unocal Indonesia who helped us during this
study including: Rich Armin, Andrew van de Weerd, Paul Ware, Al Crawford, Gregor
Dixon, John Coleman, Pat Corbett, and Sumar Mahadi. The manuscript was improved
thanks to JPG reviews by Giancarlo Rizzi (Baker Atlas), S. Qing Sun (C&C Reservoirs)
Jon Noad (Shell, The Netherlands) and Moyra Wilson (Durham University). We thank
Unocal Indonesia and Pertamina for permission to publish this paper.
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F. Coralline algal-foraminifera wackestone/ packstone with stylolites (white arrows) and kaolinite (black arrows) filling styloliterelated and vuggy pores. Porosity is patchy (irregular surfaces) and mainly small moulds and microporosity (#3, 9,513 ft).

E. Coral-foram packstone with vuggy porosity, fractures (black arrows), and matrix porosity (dark gray). Vugs (V) are often
filled with reddish drilling mud. Minor kaolinite cement (white arrow) is present (#3, 9,474 ft).

D. Coral boundstone with vugs filled with reddish drilling mud (V) and vug filled with coarse calcite cement (white; C). Coral
morphologies include massive (M) and laminar (arrows). Micritic grey internal sediments (I) are also present (#3, 9,417 ft).

C. Shaley large foram wackestone with a mudstone-filled burrow (B). White grains are mostly large rotaline foraminifera (#2,
9,381 ft).

B. Burrowed fossiliferous wackestone/packstone with fragments of coralline algae, some of which are rhodolites (light brown,
some shown by arrows)(#2, 9729 ft).

A. Coral boundstone with thin-branching (T) and laminar (L) coral in shaly micritic matrix (#2, 9,433 ft).

Plate 1. Core photos from wells Kerendan #2 (A-C) and #3 (D-F).

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Kerendan carbonate platform, Oligocene, Central Kalimantan

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Kerendan carbonate platform, Oligocene, Central Kalimantan

Plate 2. Thin section photomicrographs from wells Kerendan #2 (A-D) and #3 (E-H). Samples were
impregnated with blue resin prior to thin sectioning so porosity appears blue. Thin sections were
stained with a potassium ferricyanide/Alizarin red S solution, so iron-poor calcite is pink, iron-rich
calcite is purple, iron-rich dolomite is light blue, and iron-poor dolomite is unstained.
A. Wackestone/ packstone with intensely compacted large rotaline foraminifera (F) separated
by dark pressure-solution contacts (#2, 9,526.3 ft).
B. Wackestone with gastropod (G), milioline foraminifera (M), and other small bioclasts (#2,
9,714 ft).
C. Wackestone/packstone with milioline foraminifera (M) including Borelis (B), rotaline
foraminifera (R), and coralline algae (A). Some miliolines and coralline algal fragments
have been partially dissolved causing them to appear dark blue (#2, 10,199 ft).
D. Long thin coralline algae (red; a) and echinoderm fragment (e) in a dolomitic micrite matrix
(#2, 9,519 ft).
E. Coral boundstone with bored internal cavity (edges shown by arrows), partly geopetally
filled with peloidal internal sediments (I). The remaining cavity was lined with cloudy,
radiaxial cement (R), and then filled with clear calcite cement (L). The bored internal cavity
cuts across a coral (C; #3, 9,442.6 ft).
F. Coral (C) truncated by vuggy dissolution (arrow). The resulting vug was lined with equant
to bladed calcite cement (E), and then filled with blocky calcite cement (T) and iron-rich
baroque dolomite (B; light blue; #3, 9,446.7 ft).
G. Bioclastic packstone with a microporous large foraminifera (L) that has been compacted
into a stylolite (arrow). Porosity is adjacent to the stylolite in some places (white arrow)
indicating that the stylolite was present before dissolution and collapse of the foraminifera
(#3, 9,577.5 ft).
H. Coral boundstone with fossil fragments and micrite. A fracture in the middle of the photo is
partly filled with equant calcite cement (pink) and is partly open (#3, 9,412.2 ft).

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Kerendan carbonate platform, Oligocene, Central Kalimantan

Plate 3. Thin section photomicrographs of platform-rim facies from well Kerendan #3.
A. Small vug (blue) in a bioclastic packstone/grainstone with large rotaline foraminifera (L).The
vug truncates a stylolite (arrow) suggesting that dissolution occurred after the stylolite formed
(9,586.4 ft).
B. Bioclastic packstone/ grainstone with partial to complete dissolution of some grains resulting
in mouldic porosity (M). An open fracture (F) extends down the middle of the photo. Some
coralline algal fragments are present. Sample has approximately 15% porosity (9,621.8 ft).
C. Bioclastic packstone/grainstone with partial dissolution of encrusting rotaline foraminifera
fragments (F) resulting in microporosity (blue). Note echinoderm fragment (E) (15% porosity,
9,621.8 ft).
D. Bioclastic packstone with dolomite (D) and partial dissolution of fossil fragments including
a large fragment of coralline algae (A)(9,458.4 ft).
E. Bioclastic packstone with microporosity (blue) in a fragment of coralline algae (A)(9,619.2
ft).
F. Grainstone with approximately 16% porosity and 1 mD permeability. Many original grains
were fragments of coralline algae that have undergone partial dissolution resulting in
microporosity (dark blue). Echinoderm fragments (E) commonly have syntaxial cements
(arrow)(10,208.5 ft).

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