An alternative stratigraphic scheme for the Sarawak Basin

Abstract

The present stratigraphic scheme for the Tertiary of Sarawak (Ho, K.F., 1978. Stratigraphic framework for oil exploration in Sarawak. Bulletin of the Geological Society of Malaysia, 10, 1–14), which subdivides the entire sedimentary succession into eight sedimentary cycles, is based on the genetic sedimentary cycle concept. Each cycle starts with a transgressive basal part, followed by a regressive unit, which is in turn overlain by the basal transgressive unit of the next cycle. The limitation of the present scheme is, however, in its general applicability; for instance, when one tries to identify the equivalents of marine surfaces within non-marine sediments. This is critical for some areas in Sarawak where the sediments were deposited predominantly within lower coastal plain to upper coastal plain environments, normally barren of foraminifera. Among other inadequacies of the scheme is the lack of basin-wide association between the cycle boundaries and seismic reflectors. In practice cycle boundaries, picked on the composite well logs, often do not agree with the seismic pick. The scheme is, however, well accepted and continues to be used. The alternative stratigraphic scheme for the Sarawak Basin, which will be discussed in this paper, is based on sequence stratigraphic concepts, with the utilisation of unconformity or its correlative conformity as the stratigraphic boundary. This scheme has been generated as the result of a programme of basin-wide seismic mapping of the Sarawak Basin. Seven regional unconformities within the Tertiary sedimentary sequences have been mapped. The sedimentary units between the unconformities can be recognised as ‘Sequences’. The oldest unconformity is that between the basement (Belaga Formation) and the overlying Tertiary sediments, mainly of Late Oligocene age. Since the sediments in the basin are mainly of Tertiary age, the oldest unit of the succession is referred to as the Tertiary One Sequence (T1 S). The next younger sequence is called Tertiary Two Sequence (T2 S) and so on. The proposed scheme, which is based on a more conventional and multi-disciplinary approach, can be understood and appreciated, not only by palaeontologists, but by all members of exploration and production teams. The scheme should be able to facilitate prediction of stratigraphic levels, not only after the well has been drilled, but also prior to drilling.