Laterite profile study of highly weathered ultramafic rocks from the southern part of Southeast Sulawesi

Abstract

This study was carried out in South Konawe Regency, namely in the southern portion of the Southeastern Arm of Sulawesi, with sampling sites made in four different Block areas: (1) Lati Block (Lalembuu-Tinanggea), (2) Torobulu Block, (3) Bangun Jaya Block, and (4) Laonti Block. Determining the profile of laterite deposits created by weathering processes in ultramafic rocks is the goal of this research. The research approach employed is to identify the physical characteristics of their outcrop layering order from top to bottoms of the laterite deposits, such as their color, texture, layer thickness, and mineral composition. In contrast to laterite deposits generally, laterite deposits developed in the South Southeastern Arm of Sulawesi exhibit a unique profile. In particular, the Southeast Sulawesi Arm region’s tectonic activity is closely related to the potency for the development of laterite deposit profiles. The laterite profile types in the research area can be identified by the overburden of each profile, which consists of limestone, sandstone, and a thin layer of coal.