Stratigraphic Zonation for The Carbonate Distribution

of Field E6-3, Cycle V in Central Luconia

Nurul Shazleen Husna Saad
Bachelor of Technology (Hons) Petroleum Geoscience
Universiti Teknologi Petronas
Tronoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan
Email: husnasaad96@gmail.com

Abstract— The aim of this thesis is to divide the stratigraphic

zones of Well E6-3 based on the biostratigraphy, seismic and well
data. The stratigraphy for Central Luconia Province is mainly
recorded based on the “Cycles” which only shows the major events
of unconformities in this province. The development of these cycles
rely on the seismic interpretation, and little dependency on the
fossils dating. This thesis first examines the petrography
characteristics of thin sections, then proceed with seismic 2D
interpretation and well log analysis.

The Miogypsina sp. and the Austrotrillina large benthic

foraminifera have helped with the determination of age boundary
and thus locate the separation of stratigraphic cycles. Miogypsina
sp. indicates Middle Miocene age while the foraminiferal
assemblages suggest that the depositional environment was a
warm tropical shallow-marine at the fore-reef shelf zone. Seismic
data and well log data also reconfirms that the top of carbonate is
at 1688.51 metres.

The theoretical results are found to be consistent with the

observations.

Keywords- stratigraphic zonation, carbonate, Central Luconia. Figure 1: Location of the E6 Field (in red circle), Central
Luconia offshore Sarawak. (Photo from unpublished
INTRODUCTION
report).

1.1 BACKGROUND the lithostratigraphy and biostratigraphy of E6-3 wells, which

Central Luconia Province (Figure 1), offshore Sarawak is a
Miocene subsurface carbonate deposits that form productive
hydrocarbon repositories. In Central Luconia, a fourfold
subdivision has been introduced from the recognition of various
depositional environments. They are the protected
environment, reefoid environment, shallow marine
environment and deeper open marine environment [1]. More
than 200 carbonate buildups have been seismically mapped by
Sarawak Shell Berhad and some 70 buildups have been tested
[2][3][1]. There are about 20 carbonate buildups are proven to
contain commercial quantities of non-associated gas [3].
This study relies on the acquired thin sections that has been
prepared for a reconstruction of the depositional history as well
as the sequence of stratigraphic events in a Miocene carbonate
in Central Luconia Province. A 2D seismic and well data is
also used to reconfirm the study. This research is focusing on
ranges from depth of 5840.5 ft to 6347.5 ft (E6-3). A
stratigraphic zonation scheme is developed based on the data
available.
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT
Based on the literature reviews, it is found that the
stratigraphy of Sarawak has some gaps that needs to be filled
in. This is elaborated as below:
• Specific fossils live in specific environments and
within a certain time frame. For Central Luconia Province, the
age control is mainly recorded based on the cycles (sequence
stratigraphy) which shows the major events of unconformities
in this area. Very little calibration has been made with the age
dating from the fossils, leaving uncertainties in the cycles
history.
• For consistent identification, it is necessary that the
“Cycles” are dated and correlated by biostratigraphic methods
although they are recognized on the basis of depositional
environments [4].
1.3 OBJECTIVE
The aim of this research project is to divide the
stratigraphic zones for the interval depth of 5840.5 ft to 6347.5
ft (E6-3). This is done by correlating and assigning relative ages
of rock strata by using the fossil assemblages contained within
them, with the help from seismic data and well data. Apart from
that, to analysis the appearance and extinction of the fossils
found and relate to depositional environment changes.
Concerning on the first appearance and last appearance of a
fossil’s species. Lastly, to determine the top of carbonate.
1.4 SCOPE OF STUDY
In this study, the stratigraphy in Field E6 is focusing on the
carbonate sedimentology, biostratigraphy, seismic
interpretation, and well data analysis for a depth range of
5840.5 ft to 6347.5 ft.
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 GEOLOGICAL SETTING
Situated in the South China Sea, the Luconia province is [5]
(Fig. 2) in a middle position between areas of large-scale
tectonic activity characterized by subsidence and faulting in the
north and zones of pronounced Early to Mid-Tertiary
compressional tectonics in the south [1]. According to Zampetti
et al. [5], It is a rather stable shelf of the island of Borneo at
present. Zampetti et al. [5] also stated that its geological setting
in the Oligocene and Miocene time is not very well-constrained.
It was described by some authors to be part of a NE-SW
oriented shelf of Borneo [6][7]. There is other hypothesis that
in the Oligocene the continental sliver of Luconia lay offshore
Borneo and subsequently crushed on to the microcontinent
during the subduction and subsequent collision that formed the
Rajang belt of northern Borneo [8][9].
Figure 2: Map showing (A) Middle Miocene (15 Ma)
reconstruction of South East Asia modified after Lee and
Lawver [6] and showing location of the Central Luconia
Province. The southern part of the South China Sea is
configured approximately as it is currently. The Luconia
Province (black box) is attached to northern Borneo.
2.2 REGIONAL HISTORY OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA
Formation of the South China Sea marginal basin was
led by rifting of the continental lithosphere of Sundaland [2].
Hutchison [2] said that this peninsular continental collision
from Eurasia was characterized by an extensive Palaeocene
landmass that extended into western Sarawak and
northeastwards as far as the West Baram Line (Figure 3) [2].
Figure 3: Map of regional setting with regional sea level. The
map also shows major fault lines in the South East Asia region
that has contribute to basin formation. Light blue area in
Luconia is approximate limit of Central Luconia carbonates
[10].
2.3 EVOLUTION OF THE LUCONIA PROVINCE
The easternmost segment of the Sunda Shelf is where
continental shelf of Sarawak is located [11]. Murphy and
Hutchison [10] claimed that the shelf is extremely expansive,
measuring 300 km from coast to shelf edge, and shows a
generally smooth and delicate geology.
The continuous opening of the South China Sea from
Middle Oligocene to Middle Miocene has controlled the
tectonics and sedimentation in offshore Sarawak [11].
According to Murphy and Hutchison [11]; the Luconia
Platform, which is isolated from the Baram Delta Province to
the east and the Rajang Delta Province to the west, is a micro-
continental block bounded by transform faults. Thus there are
two (2) major faults that bound the Luconia Province, which is
the NNW-SSE trending West Balingian Line and the steeply
NE dipping West Baram Line [12]. Based on Jamaludin [13],
the parallel striking direction of normal faults during
syncarbonate stage is thought to control by the movement of the
ancient Baram Line. As the faults in the carbonate platforms in
Luconia are oriented in NW-SE directions, thus it is more likely
to be assigned to the movement of Baram Line in the NW-SE
direction. Massive collapse at the slope of the carbonate
platforms might be resulted from the movement of Baram Line,
located few kilometers away from these studied platforms [13].
As a result from the stable area throughout the Tertiary era,
carbonate deposition and reef grows, coeval with clastic
deposition in the Baram and Rajang Deltas. The basin fill
consists of several kilometres of sediments from Oligocene to
Recent age, ranging from coastal plain to deeper marine
sequences, representing eight (8) regressive depositional
cycles.
2.4 THE ORIGINAL DEVELOPMENT OF “CYCLES”
Ho Kiam Fui [4] proposed that the stratigraphy succession
of Sarawak is divided into eight (8) Cycles. Cycle I and II is
usually lumped together and is characterized by coastal plain
sequences. According to Harris Doust, 1981, Cycle III consists
of shale with thin limestone and sandstone streaks,
nevertheless, in the uppermost part there are patchy growth of
thicker limestones. Next, Cycle IV is where extensive
subsidence occurs. Cycle IV, V and VI carbonate grows on a
transgressive carbonate ramp. Hageman et.al [14] stated that the
Cycle VI to VII boundary was defined as a mid-Pliocene
transgression. Last but not least, The Cycle VII to VIII
boundary is intra Late Pliocene near the extinction datum of
Globigerinoides obliquus extremus and D. pentaradiatus (2 and
2.5 Ma) [15].
Figure 4: A stratigraphic cross section over the
Central Luconia Province [3].
2.4 Larger Benthic Foraminifera as Age Indicator
The interpretation of past shallow-marine carbonate
environments and their community composition in Sarawak has
shown an increase in habitat diversity from the Eocene to
Miocene [16]. Mesophotic/oligophotic foraminifera/algae-
associated slope environments are typical for the Eocene study
areas. Starting from the Oligocene into the early Miocene,
coral-reef–associated environments (reef shoals and patchy
reefs) is seen to emerge sometime when coral-reef framestone
is found. Nevertheless, in the Miocene time,
foraminifera/algae-associated environments do not disappear.
Mihaljevi et al. [16] mentioned that due to their frequent
occurrence, high abundance, and restricted stratigraphic ranges,
the LBF is an excellent tool for biostratigraphical analysis in
shallow-marine tropical rocks or deposits. Hence, foraminiferal
assemblages can be assigned to a Large Benthic Foraminifera
zone with an accuracy of up to 3 million years [17].
METHODOLOGY
A total of 231 thin sections is provided together with a 2D
seismic data from the E6-3 well. A well log data is also
analysed for this research study.
3.1 Petrography Analysis
Lithological components and fossils were determined through
the comprehensive petrography analysis.
3.2 Index Fossil Analysis
Utilizing index fossils to determine the age of carbonate rocks
and to distinguish the stratigraphic boundaries.
3.3 Seismic 2D Interpretation
Petrel software is used to load the LAS file and view seismic
data. Procedures such as locating well, picking horizon is done
in order to allow zonation to proceed later on.
3.4 Seismic-to-well tie
In order to convert time domain to depth domain, a manual
seismic-to-well tie is done. This will then enable to correlate
between the depth in seismic and in well fairly.
3.5 Well Data Analysis
The use of Gamma Ray and Photoelectric effect are useful in
determining the lithology of formation. Gamma Ray is a log of
the total natural radioactivity, measured in API units. Shales
and clays are responsible for most natural radioactivity, so the
gamma ray log often is a good indicator of such rocks.
3.6 Correlation
By using the biostratigraphy, seismic and well log data,
correlation is done to know the specific depths at which the
stratigraphy changes take place.
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Lithostratigraphy
There are three (3) types of lithology found in the E6-3, which
are Limestone, Dolo-Limestone and Dolostone. Limestone is
made up by the calcite, which shows a pinkish appearance
under the thin section observation. Dolo-limestone is a mixture
of Calcite and Dolomite minerals. Dolostone is a rock
dominated with Dolomite minerals.
4.2 Age Dating
Two (2) index fossils, Austrotrillina sp. and Miogypsina sp.
is used as an age boundary tool because of their restricted
stratigraphic ranges.
Austrotrillina sp. first occurrence is on depth 1840 metres
while its last occurrence is at 1934.7 metres. Austrotrillina sp.
zone ranges indicates Aquitanian age in Early Miocene Epoch
[16].
On the other hand, Miogypsina sp. first occurrence is at
1781.8 metres and last occurrence at 1934.7 metres. It is an
indicative of Langhian to Serravallian age (Middle
Miocene)[19]. Miogypsina became extinct at about 12½ Ma
[15].
Figure 5: Austrotrillina sp. from depth 1859.8 m.
Figure 6: Miogypsina sp. from depth 1788.1 m.
4.3 Depositional Environment
The depositional environment is found to be protected to
shallow marine. Austrotrillina sp. prefers a low energy, well-
lighted, normal salinity, euphotic-mesophotic zone in inner
ramp whereas Miogypsina sp. prefers low energy, well-lighted,
normal salinity, and a euphotic to mesophotic zone in inner
ramp [18].
Figure 7: The depositional environment characterised by
two index fossils, Miogypsina sp. and Austrotrillina sp.
4.4 General Seismic Interpretation
A NE-SW seismic cross section through E6 field is shown as
below. From the cross section, it is portrayed that the carbonate
is overlain by siliciclastic progression. The top of carbonate
starts at depth about 1464.73 milliseconds. It is about 1688.51
in metres. Whereas the base of carbonate may be halt at the
depth of about 1900 seconds. This can be delineated by
Figure 8: Interpreted 2D seismic section showing the
horizon pick and division of three (3) stratal zone.
observing the high amplitude seismic response. This is because,
carbonate rock has a very high compressional wave. Thus, it
makes it distinctive to identify. There is some area within the
top and the base of carbonate which experience dimming,
called as the pull-up effect. It happens because of the difference
in relative seismic velocities of strata, the seismic wave travels
relatively faster in carbonate rock.
 From the Figure 18, it can be said that Zone 1 is the
transgressive system tract which carries the mud influence. This
also lead to argillaceous carbonate rock which results in tight
layer reservoir. It can be deduced that the deposition of Zone 1
is in calm and low energy environment, shown by its parallel
seismic reflector. The amount of sediment and accommodation
space is equal, thus exhibits parallel reflectors. Next, the
carbonate growth, which is marked by Zone 2, is a mixture of
carbonate and mud. The seismic reflector is sub parallel, which
indicates that the depositional environment is influenced by
relatively high energy. Last but not least, Zone 3 might be the
basement rock or might still the carbonate growth, but seismic
velocity is dispersed in that zone, may be because of deeper
depth.
4.5 Well Log Interpretation
Carbonate rock has low Gamma Ray reading while shale has
high Gamma Ray. Photoelectric effect is also interpreted which
shows clay has high PE value. The well log data is displayed in
metre (m) unit. At the depth of about 1746 metres, the boundary
is well displayed showing the trends in the Gamma Ray and
Photoelectric Effect value. Thus, it is concluded that 1746 m is
the base of shale.
Figure 9: Gamma Ray, Photoelectric Effect, Permeability and
Porosity reading that shows a clearer trends in lithology
difference.
4.6 Integrated Stratigraphic Zonation
The figure shows a combination of seismic, well and
also biostratigraphy in delineating the stratigraphy boundary.
Ultimately, there are 3 stratigraphic zones for the Well E6-3,
named as Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3.
Zone 1 comprises depth from 1400.5 metres until
1688.4 metres. Its seismic reflector exhibits high frequency,
low amplitude, continuous and parallel seismic reflector. This
is also believed to be influenced from an equal amount of
sediment and accommodation space. The Gamma Ray reading
for this interval is the highest, maximum of 175 API. No fossils
data is available here. Zone 2 is believed to be the transgressive
Cycle V shale which inhibits further growth of carbonate.
Next, Zone 2 with depth range from 1688.5 metres
until 2133 metres, depicts sub parallel. It indicates that the
depositional environment is influenced by relatively high
energy and low frequency and amplitude compared to in Zone
1. The average Gamma Ray reading is small, with 33 API being
the smallest. This concludes that here is the Cycle IV carbonate
because carbonate has low GR value. However, the upper part
of Zone 2 is still influenced by the shale deposits above it,
because the GR reading for the upper part of Zone 2 has
fluctuating high and low GR sometimes. This interval is where
the index fossils of Middle Miocene age is being found.
Finally is Zone 3 which starts from 2133.6 metres until
below. The reflector seems to be from sub parallel until bit
chaotic behavior. Its disrupted seismic velocity may be because
of deeper depth influence. There is no GR data here, but it is
deduced that Zone 3 is the Cycle I, II, and III basement highs
that serves as a host for carbonate growth.
Figure 10: Integrated Stratigraphic Zonation using Fossils,
Seismic Data and Well Data.
CONCLUSION
There are three (3) stratigraphic zones for Well E6-3 that is
correlated based on biostratigraphy, seismic and well data.
It is found that the index fossils, Miogypsina and
Austrotrillina helps to distinguish the age of rock. It can be
concluded that the majority of the depositional environment is
on the leeward direction. The depositional sequence of the
formation is started with a basement high, then carbonate
platform growth during episode of sea level fall and lastly
overlain by a transgressive flooding surface that is the shale
sequence. Last but not least, the top of carbonate is identified at
1688.51 metres.
FURTHER STUDY
Stable isotope analysis using Strontium-isotope should be
conducted to further reconfirm the stratigraphic history of E6-3
in this study. Core data should also be provided and studied in
order to improve correlation. However, the highly expensive
core data might also be a restrain. Further studies using
palynology will also be a bonus point in doing correlation.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I would like to thank my supervisor, Mrs Siti Nur Fathiyah
Binti Jamaludin and fellow lecturers in the Geoscience
Department for the opportunity to conduct this study and their
guidances and supports they provided throughout the course of
my final year project. Not to forget, my gratitude to all
postgraduate students in assisting me with the lab works. Last
but not least, I would like to thank all my family and friends for
their endless moral support.
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