GEOLOGY OF JELAI TO POS BETAU,

PAHANG FOCUSING ON GEOCHEMICAL

PROPERTIES OF ANDESITE
Syazwan Bin Zainal Abidin
Bachelor of Technology (Hons)
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS
Tronoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan
Email: bayernean@gmail.com

Abstract- This paper reviews the first geochemical properties 1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT
analysis of andesite outcrop exposed along Jelai to Pos Betau. It aims
to construct a geological map of transect, validate observed
lithological changes with published geology of Peninsular Malaysia, The tectonic evolution of Bentong-Raub suture zone has
to describe the fracture system in andesite outcrop and delineate the been debated in several publication by describing and
geochemical properties of andesite and relate them to Anding Utara illustrating the major tectonic event involved through time. In
fractured basement reservoir. The geological analysis suggest that term of geochemistry properties especially andesite, only little
the observed serpentinite and chert represent remnant of Palaeo- publication is available. Therefore, this study is carried out to
Thethys sea that has been closed when Sibumasu collide with discuss the geochemistry properties of andesite at different
Indochina block. As for structural analysis, the andesite outcrop have
fracture system in direction of NW-SE with minor fracture system
outcrop location along the suture zone. From here, a better
aligning in NNE-SSW direction which is closely related with the understanding of andesite properties can be obtained and relate
tectonic evolution of Peninsular Malaysia. For the geochemical them with the regional tectonic history.
properties analysis, the plotting of normative mineral calculation
results on the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) 1.3 OBJECTIVE
volcanic rock classification indicates that the andesite in Pos Betau
falls in quartz andesite type. Anding Utara volcanic basement The objective of this project is to produce geological map of
reservoir rock also have the same composition which is andesite
transect at Pos Betau, Pahang; to analyse structural features of
shows that both of the rocks originate from the same magmatic
composition which is andesitic and intermediate lava.
andesite and relate them to pas tectonic evolution; to delineate
mineral composition of andesite through geochemical
Keywords- Andesite, Anding Utara, fractured basement. properties analysis; and to relate with Anding Utara fractured
basement reservoir.
INTRODUCTION
1.4 STUDY AREA
1.1 BACKGROUND STUDIES
The study area is located at boundaries between Perak and
In 2005, PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd make an oil Pahang. The road cut, Jalan Ringlet-Sungai Koyan is a part of a
discovery in the basement within Southern part of Malay Basin newly developed road in 2010 with 20 meters wide double
through the Anding Utara-1 exploration well. It is the first carriage ways. From campus, it is accessible from Cameron
basement play discovery in Malaysia. The hydrocarbon was Highland via Simpang Pulai and travel along the route to
stored in fractured and weathered basement which is believed Ringlet (Figure 1).
made up of andesite. Basement play is not new play in the South
East Asia region. A huge basement oil discoveries was made in
Cuu Long Basin, Vietnam back in 1986. The production rate is
around 250 000-300 000 bopd. Therefore, a modern analogue
should be carried out in order to analyse further the reservoir
properties of fractured and weathered basement which could be
useful for chasing the basement play in Malay Basin. An
outcrop of andesite at Pos Betau, Pahang has been selected to
conduct the analogue study.

Figure 1. Basemap of study area, Pos Betau
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 TECTONIC EVOLUTION OF PENINSULAR
MALAYSIA
According to Metcalfe [1], tectonic evolution of Peninsular
Malaysia initiated when the Indochina Terrane separated from
Gondwana in Early Devonian, where the Palaeo-Tethys sea
opened. The western part of Peninsular Malaysia, Sibumasu
Terrane formed part of the southern Palaeo-Tethys of
Gondwana. In Late Carboniferous-Early Permian, rifting in
Gondwana land, the birth of Meso-Tethys sea, resulting in
formation of Sibumasu Terrane, is concurrent with the initiation
of subduction of Palaeo-Tehthys beneath Indochina Terrance.
As the result, the Sukhothai Arc was formed on the margin of
Indhochina Terrane. Spreading of Palaeo-Tethys had stop by
this time and the ocean began to contract due to subduction.
The Sukhothai Arc continued to develop with andesitic
volcanism in East Malaya Block. The arc was separated from
Indochina by a narrow-back arc basin. Collapse and closure of
Sukhothai backarc basin, began in the Late Permian-Early
Triassic and was completed by the Late Triassic. Sibumasu
began to collide with the Sukhothai Arc (East Malaya Block) in
the Late Permian-Early Triassic and completed by late Middle
Triassic. During the initial collision of Sibumasu and East
Malaya Block, the leading edge of Sibumasu became depressed
as it was dragged into the subduction zone, forming a fore-deep
basin and accretionary complex. Thick early Late Triassic felsic
volcaniclastics accumulated in the Central Belt which suggest
that a change from andesitic volcanism in Permian to felsic
volcanism in the Triassic. The entire Peninsular Malaysia
remained above sea level from Early Jurassic until present day.
2.2 VOLCANIC ROCKS IN EAST MALAYA BLOCK
Volcanics and volcaniclastic rocks are common in the
Central and Eastern Belts of Peninsular Malaysia. According to
Metcalfe and Chakraborty [2], significant volumes of re-worked
tuffs and agglomerates of Permian and Triassic age can be seen
in the Central Belt together with intermediate to felsic volcanics.
Sukhothai Arc, which is the result of Sibumase and East Malaya
collision have produce Permian volcanics and volcaniclastics
including andesitic volcanics (Ghani [3]). Felsic volcanics are
younger in age (Middle Triassic) and are the products of I-Type
granitoids subduction. In Eastern Belt, most of the volcanic
products are associated with rhyolitic and andesitic pyroclastic,
tuff, agglomerate and minor lava flows of the Pahang Volcanic
Series. The geochemistry of volcanic in the East Malaya Block
evolve from intermediate (andesitic) in Permian to felsic
(rhyolite) in the Middle-Upper Triassic which reflects a
significance change in Sukhothai Arc.
METHODOLOGY
3.1 Data Gathering and Fieldwork
Research studies on tectonic of Peninsular Malaysia were
done in order to have a better understanding on how the andesite
has occurred in Pos Betau, Pahang and in the basement of Malay
Basin. Properties of basement that is suitable to become
hydrocarbon reservoir is gathered through external sources and
Cuu Long Basin, Vietnam where there is giant producing field
from the basement reservoir is taken to become the main
reference to understand the properties of basement reservoir.
The main purpose of the fieldwork is to observe the outcrop
physically in Pos Betau, Pahang. From here, sufficient samples
from the outcrop will be taken for laboratory works in order to
achieve the main objective of this project.
3.2 Geological Mapping
The map will indicate geological features in the outcrop
area. The exposed lithology at the outcrop will be shown by
certain colour and symbols on the map. Information such as
strike and dips, structural geology (fault, fold) and boundary of
the lithology can be projected on the bird view through
geological map.
3.3 Geochemical Analysis
Geochemical properties analysis will be conducted using the
x-ray fluorescence (XRF) to identify the major oxides
composition of andesite. From the XRF data, CIPW (Cross,
Iddings, Pirsson and Washington) normative mineral
calculation will be done to classify the rock samples according
to International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) volcanic
rock classification .
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
4.1 GEOLOGICAL MAP
Based on the geological observation made on the field,
there are series of lithologies that can be found in the study
area such as granite, schist, serpentinite, chert and andesite as
shown in (Figure 2).
The cross section of the study area (Figure 3) indicates a
subduction zone where the Sibumasu block subducted beneath
the Indochina plate resulting the features that can be observed
on the field. This collision formed the Bentong-Raub Suture
Zone that represent the remnant of Paleo-Tethys Ocean which
has been uplifted due to the collision and act as the boundary
between Sibumasu and Indochina block as interpreted by
Hutchison [4].
The first granitic outcrop are interpreted as the youngest
rock due to the granite intrusion during Late Triassic which
marks the end of Sibumasu and Indochina collision. The older
rock, Permian age andesite undergoes two episode of
deformation. It was first affected due to collision and later by
the granite intrusion. The oldest rock, which was represent by
the serpentinite and chert was the most significant features
observed in the field. These two rocks give indication of paleo-
oceanic environment that supports the Hutchinson interpretation
in 1975.
Figure 3. Cross-section A-A of study area
Figure 2. Geological map of study area
4.2 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS
A total of 286 strike and dip measurement were took from 3
different andesite outcrop which are Andesite 1, Andesite 2 and
Andesite 3. The strike and dip value is then used to construct
rose diagram for further analysis on the major force acting on
the andesite outcrop. After documenting all of the 1 and 3,
we were able to observe that the major force acting on the
andesite outcrops is coming from NW-SE direction which is
correspond to the 1, maximum force while the 3, the
minimum force is coming from NE-SW direction. For Andesite
2 and Andesite 3, we can observe that the major fractures are in
the direction of NW-SE while the minor fractures are aligning
in NNE-SSW directions. However, Andesite 1 shows multiple
directions for the fractures. This could be interpreted as the
result of younger granitic intrusion that intruded the andesite
body, causing it to undergo deformation since Andesite 1 is the
closest outcrop to the suture zone and forming a multiple
directions of fractures.
Figure 4. Rose diagram for fractures in andesite
4.3 GEOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES ANALYSIS
Sample of andesite in three different location was taken to
conduct the geochemical properties analysis through x-ray
fluorescence (XRF) to identify the major oxide presence in the
andesite sample. The location of each andesite sample location
was tabulated in Table 1 below.
Table 1. Location for andesite sample
Sample Location
Andesite 1 N 04 17 44.5
E 101 41 27.6
Andesite 2 N 04 18 45.5
E 101 40 32.5
Andesite 3 N 04 19 16
E 101 40 25.1
 Table 2. Major oxide data from XRF analysis for From this geochemical analysis result, andesite outcrop in
selected andesite samples from three location Pos Betau can be used as analogue for Anding Utara basement
reservoir since they have the same rock composition which is
Samples
Andesite 1 Andesite 2 Andesite 3 andesite. Result from XRF analysis of Anding Utara indicates
wt% three type of rocks, andesite, dacite rhyo-dacite Table 3 which
Si02 46.799 49.605 49.249 is same with the rock samples from Pos Betau outcrop, where
Al2O3 13.808 13.537 16.715 they falls in between quartz andesite and dacite rock type.
Fe2O3 11.827 14.615 10.335
TiO2 1.941 3.677 1.826 Table 3. XRF result from Anding Utara showing the rock types
Na2O 3.489 3.806 3.845 presence (Personal communication)
K2 0 0.304 1.628 0.92 Sample Anding Anding
Gansar
CaO 10.178 7.506 9.266 Utara Utara AUB AUB
MgO 6.67 3.401 4.873 (Depth:
(Depth: (Depth: (Depth: (Depth:
MnO 0.209 0.281 0.208 wt% 3220-
P2O5 0.233 0.456 0.244 2845- 2815- 3000m) 3600m)
3225m)
2850m) 2820m)
From the weightage percentage (wt %) of each major oxides
SiO2 44.80 40.60 50.50 59.20 54.80
from samples, CIPW (Cross, Iddings, Pirsson and Washington)
Norm normative mineralogy analysis was done by calculating Fe2O3 29.30 19.70 20.60 13.30 22.00
the composition of rock sample that estimates the idealised Al2O3 10.50 12.70 18.30 13.10 11.30
mineralogy of a rock according to the principle of geochemistry.
Result from normative calculation was then plotted on the QAP K2O 2.39 9.11 2.83 2.71 3.15
volcanic classification plot as shown in (Figure 5) below. BaO 0.00 6.20 2.14 4.04 1.29
CaO 7.85 3.42 1.17 2.82 2.55
SO3 1.28 2.46 0.89 1.73 1.03
P2O5 1.35 0.00 1.40 1.52 1.59
Total 97.47 94.19 97.83 98.42 97.71
Rock Rhyo- Rhyo-
Andesite Andesite Dacite
type* dacite dacite

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Conclusion

Several approaches such as geological analysis, structural

analysis and geochemical properties analysis were carried out to
achieve the objectives of this study. From geological analysis,
the study area along the road cut of Jelai Pos Betau is related
with subduction zone and consistent with Hutchison (1975)
interpretation. Several changes of lithologies can be observed
along the road. Start with granite which represent the Sibumasu
block, followed by graphite schist, serprentinite and chert that
could represent the accreationary prism formed due to
subduction, forming the Bentong-Raub Suture Zone and lastly
andesite, part of the East Malaya block. The structural analysis
shows a major compressional force acting in the study area may
be related with the closing of Paleo-Tethys sea that resulting in
collision between Sibumasu and Indochina terranes Last but not
least, the geochemical properties analysis through XRF
indicates that the volcanic rocks in the study area have the same
composition with the volcanic rock in Anding Utara basement
which is andesite. Therefore, volcanic outcrops in Pos Betau
Figure 5. IUGS volcanic rock classification for andesite can be used as an analogue for Anding Utara basement reservoir
samples by studying the fracture system and morphology of the outcrop.
 Eventhough there is lack of studies on geochemical
properties of volcanic rocks in Pos Betau area, we are able to
make initial prediction to relate the geochemical properties of
andesite in Pos Betau with volcanic rocks in Anding Utara
basement reservoir.

5.2 Reccommendation

Further studies should be carried on in this study area

focusing on the fracture system and morphology of the andesite
outcrop since it has the same geochemical composition with
Anding Utara fractured basement reservoir. A detail fracture
mapping of the outcrop by using the scan line method could be
done. From this data, simulation of reservoir properties in term
of porosity and permeability can be done. In addition, a detailed
thin-section analysis can be done in order to further identify the
type of volcanic rocks present in study area to support the
geochemical properties analysis that has been done.

REFERENCES

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Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 76 (2013), pp. 195-213.

2. Metcalfe, I. & Chakraborty, K. R. (1996). A stratigraphic log

of Semantan Formation along the Mentakab-Temerloh By-
Pass, Pahang. Geological Society of Malaysia, Bulletin 35,
(1996), pp. 3746.

3. Azman A. Ghani, A. A. (2009). Volcanism. Hutchinson, C.

S., Tan, D.N.K. (Eds.), Geology of Peninsular Malaysia,
University of Malaya/Geological Society of Malaysia,
Kuala Lumpur (2009), pp. 198210.

4. Hutchison, C. S. (1975). Ophiolite in Southeast Asia.

Geological Society of American Bulletin, 86 (1975), pp.
797-806.