Facies Analysis and Sequence Stratigraphy of Plio-Pleistocene Fan Delta Deposits in the East Arm Sulawesi, a case study of Biak Formation, Luwuk, Banggai

Abstract

Abstract Fan delta deposits were found widespread in the east arm of Sulawesi as the area experienced tectonic uplift during Plio-Pleistocene continental collision, known as Bongka Formation in the western part and Biak Formation in the eastern part. One of key outcrops for Biak Formation was observed in Biak Village, North Luwuk District, Banggai Regency, thus served as the lithotype location for the Biak Formation. The outcrop was a roadcut and had a 50 m long and 25 m high. In general it shows a coarse-grained heterolithic inclined strata dipping southward and overlain by horizontal strata of similar facies. Its sequence stratigraphy was analyzed by examine its facies, facies association, petrography, and paleontology, along a 1:100 scaled measured section. Six lithofacies were identified, namely conglomeratic coralline limestone, conglomeratic coralline limestone, parallel bedding – gradation conglomerate-sandstone, gravely sandstone, conglomerate-sandstone – conglomeratic corraline limestone and gradation conglomerate-sandstone with horizontal bedding. Their lithofacies deposited during Late Pliocene in a transition – inner neritic environment. Their facies association made several depositional system tracts, showing a complete cycle of Highstand System Tract (HST), Sequence Boundary/Correlative Conformity (SB/CC), Lowstand System Tract (LST), Transgressive System Tract (TST), Transgressive Surface (TS) later capped by younger HST and LST. Result of this study suggesting repetitive cyclic depositiona tracts dictated by sea-level eustacy and tectonic uplift. This location served as an ideal outcrop as a textbook example to study sequence stratigraphy in an outcrop scale.