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Facies Modelling and Depositional

Environmental Studies of Cycle IV, V Field EX


in Central Luconia
Anwar Arsyad Bin Ahmad Fuzi
Bachelor of Technology (Hons)
Universiti Teknologi Petronas
Tronoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan
Email: anwarsyad@rocketmail.com

Abstract— A detailed petrographic study on the samples from 1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT
namely well A and well B of Field EX, Central Luconia, Offshore
Sarawak. Out of it, facies will be established which what will EX field is still under appraisal where the geology as a
become the basis for the depositional environmental study. Field
potential reservoir of this field is still poorly understood.
EX is still under appraisal which has been identified to be gas
reservoir with an oil rim with substantial volume. However, Previous study on the respective field has shown the presence
reservoir facies identification and its distribution are yet to be of the targeted porous permeable dolomite and the tight layer
well-defined. A little knowledge on the presence of an limestone which raises question on the overall performance of
impermeable dolomite layer which may affect the reservoir overall the reservoir as their characteristics and distributions are not
performance Thus, provided with thin section data of well A and known. Thus, a better understanding is needed to be achieved
B, core data, well data and seismic data, study had been conducted for Field EX of Central Luconia.
to gain a better understanding of the subsurface geology of Field
EX, Central Luconia. Up to date, along with the present seismic data, few wells
Keywords- Petrographic, microfacies, depositional environmental have been drilled in the study area of Field EX. Central Luconia
study. providing a glimpse of the subsurface geology. These 2 data
(seismic and well data) are fundamental in providing the
INTRODUCTION characteristic and behaviors of the subsurface which reflect
their geology as a potential reservoir (lithology, porosities,
permeabilities, etc.). However, this does not take the
1.1 BACKGROUND
microfacies aspect into account which analyze on its
petrography and paleontological criteria.
Central Luconia had been known for its natural gas
resources based off carbonate reservoir. Over the decades, a
Thus, in this study, we will be looking into the thin section
number of carbonate reservoirs had been developed and
samples in the effort of establishing its microfacies. Few sets of
produced, and yet, there still a number that are currently being
thin section samples from the well A and well B had been
appraised. One of which is the carbonate platform in Field EX.
brought in. These data are the fundamentals to this study
From the previous studies, the respective carbonate platform
whereby the analysis and the interpretations will be made,
had been appraised with hydrocarbon gas with oil rim on cycle
which will be the key in the facies and depositional
IV and V. However, limited knowledge of the carbonate
environment identifications. This would provide a better look
platform may be the setback from it being developed.
on the reservoir distributions and its paleoenvironment, thus
establishing a better understanding of the subsurface geology of
Given its importance as a hydrocarbon gas reservoir, Field
Field EX, Central Luconia.
EX still lacks an understanding on its facies and its
distributions, as well for its depositional environment. Thus,
1.3 OBJECTIVE
this study will revolve around the petrographic study of well A
which penetrates the carbonate platform EX at the depth
The objectives of the research are:
interval of 5568.2 ft. to 6133.5 ft. This well covers on the
targeted petroliferous Miocene carbonate of cycle IV and cycle
V. Petrographic studies conducted will be focusing on the 1. To gain a better understanding of the subsurface
component compositions and texture which will be the base for geology in Field EX, Central Luconia.
the facies and depositional environment identifications.
Through the integration of the seismic data, well data, and core 2. To identify the facies of the Miocene carbonate and its
and thins sections samples, this study will be conducted in the distributions of Field EX, Central Luconia.
effort of establishing a better understanding of the geology of
carbonate platform EX. 3. To provide a simplified depositional model based on
the identified microfacies.

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1.4 SCOPE OF STUDY was classified under 8 different stratigraphic cycles, separated
by the regressive cycles [5] [6].The Miocene carbonates
This study covers the microfacies study of thin section revolve around cycle III, IV and V [7].
samples of Well A and B. This study looked into the
petrographic elements of the carbonate sample from the depth 2.2 REGIONAL GEOLOGY OF CENTRAL
of 5568.2 ft. to 6133.5 ft. for well A and 5804.5 ft. to 6347.5 ft. LUCONIA
for well B which represent the cycles IV and V.
Petrographic analysis had been made upon the samples Central Luconia is positioned in the South China Sea and it
which evaluates its petrographic contents in the effort of is bounded to the east and west by Baram Delta separated by
establishing its facies while at the same time, petrophysical the West Baram Line and Rajang (West Luconia) Deltas [3] [8]
assessments on the reservoir properties (porosities, [6] [9]. It is situated in the intermediate position between the
permeabilities, etc.) also had been quantified in the effort of subsidence and extensional from the continuous opening of the
identifying the reservoir qualities over the Field EX of Central South China Sea Basin to the north and compressional
Luconia. Facies identified which were based on the Balingian Province to the south [9] [10] [8] [11] [6] [3] [7] [12].
petrographical findings will give us an insight into its extent
and distribution. This, in turn, will provide us with the From a study shown by [6], tectonic activities were
information on its depositional history thus leading to widespread during the early Miocene and decrease towards
conceptual depositional environment model. Pliocene [6]. One of the most prominent tectonic occurred
during the Oligocene to Early Miocene where the presence of
Towards the end of this project, these two elements had been NNE-SSW trending faults which triggers the formation of horst
established; and graben. The southern part of the Luconia Province is
characterized as an area underwent transition from coastal plain
(i) Facies distributions. to inner neritic deposits while the northern part were
(ii) Depositional environmental model. experiencing both inner and outer neritic [2] [7]. It was later
during the Middle Miocene when the presence of dextral strike-
slip faults which played a significant role which had induced
LITERATURE REVIEW the structural highs where carbonate platforms had formed on
[2]. Tectonic activities pace are found to decrease towards the
2.1 GEOLOGICAL SETTINGS OF STUDY AREA Late Early Miocene [7].

These tectonic activities that went throughout the


tertiary played a significant role in the basement control, they
serve as an onset for carbonate deposition which manipulate the
shape and size of the carbonate platform [12]. This will further
affect the carbonate distribution pattern and reservoir property
as a whole [7] [12] [11].

2.3 STRATIGRAPHY OF CENTRAL LUCONIA

Figure 1 shows The major provinces of the Offshore Sarawak [1]

The offshore of Sarawak had been subdivided into about 7


major provinces; SW Sarawak, West Luconia, Tatau,
Balingian, Central Luconia, Tinjar, and the West and North Figure 2 shows (A) The growth history of Carbonate Platform of Luconia Province, Offshore Sarawak.
Luconia Provinces as shown in Figure 1 [1] [2]. This study (B) The eight sedimentary cycles of the Luconia Province, Offshore Sarawak [6]
focuses into the Central Luconia where its size covering at
about 250 km by 240 km of area in particular and has been The Central Luconia is known to have undergone several
acknowledge as one of the largest of the southeast Asia series of sedimentation which has now becomes the basis for
carbonate provinces [3] [4]. the subdivision of stratigraphy into 8 regressive cycles
distinguished by major transgressions ranging in age from the
The offshore Sarawak houses to more than 200 carbonates Eocene to Present as shown in Figure 2 [3] [5] [6].
build ups that had been mapped [4]. To date, 55 fields have
proven to contain economical volume of hydrocarbon. These These cycles are numbered from I to VIII. Carbonate
carbonates reservoir ranges from the Early Miocene to Late deposition in the Luconia Province was first initiated during the
Miocene in age [4]. The Tertiary sediments of offshore Sarawak Early Miocene (Cycle III) but was most prolific during the

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Middle to late Miocene (Cycles IV and V) [7]. The end of Cycle
V is marked by the prograding Baram and Rajang-Lupar deltas
extended offshore burying portions of the Central Luconia
carbonate platforms [11].

2.4 CARBONATES OF CENTRAL LUCONIA

The formation of such carbonate reservoirs occurred


in episodes which are as follow; deposition on the Early
Miocene, extensive carbonate platform during the Mid
Miocene and finally the demise of the carbonate platform in the
late Miocene [3] [8] [4]. In general, the carbonate deposition
was prevalent throughout the Early Miocene to Late Miocene
[12] [4]. In a recent study by [7], the increase in reef build-up
pace towards the late Early Miocene owes to the fact that the
tectonic activities at that point of time starts slowing down. The
mid and the late Miocene carbonate had been accounted to be
the prolific compared to the others [7].

The end life of these platforms is dated towards the


late Miocene to Pliocene are closely related to the drowning of
the platforms from the rise of the sea level and basinal tectonic
along with the interplay between carbonate and deltaic
siliclastics deposition which buried the platform [10] [8] [13]
[9]. On the other hand, a different opinion had also been pointed
out by [4]which suggested that and subaerial exposure caused
by a sea-level fall had terminate the carbonate growth.

2.3 ARCHITECTURE OF CARBONATE PLATFORM

As previously stated, the basement morphology had


contributed to the carbonate deposition which in turn affect the Figure 3 shows The relationship between the rate of carbonate production and relative sea-level
distribution of the carbonate facies and also its reservoir fluctuations and its effect on its geometry [9]

properties [12]. [9]proposed that the architecture of the


carbonate platforms is manipulated by two major processes 2.3 DEPOSITIONAL ENVIRONMENT OF
which are (i) the rate of carbonate production (ii) relative sea- CARBONATE PLATFORM
level fluctuation (related to the subsidence). The interplay
between these two variables will affect the overall geometry of
the carbonate platform produced. These cases are depicted in
Figure 3.

According to [9], once carbonate deposition


commenced on the structural highs, the rate of carbonate
deposition exceeded the rate of subsidence resulting in a lateral
expansion of the carbonate buildup. The sediments have shown
fine grained muddy back-reef and lagoonal carbonates with
intercalation of tidal deposits. It is then followed by a
transgressional period which resulted in the development of the
build-in system and the disappearance of the reef flat. It is Figure 4 shows The depositional environment and its characteristics
further followed with the replacement of cycle IV deposits with
argillaceous open marine carbonates of the lower cycle V. According to [9], the depositional environment of Central
Major of time during the Cycle V, the rate of carbonate Luconia can be divided into 4 different zones; protected,
deposition on par with the rise of the sea level and experiencing reefoid, shallow open marine and deep open marine as shown
the Main Buildup Phase. However, towards the end of Cycle in Figure 4. Each have their own characteristics and properties
V, the Upper Cycle V experience an invasion of prograding as follows;
Baram and Rajang-Lupar deltas sediments burying the
carbonate facies which lead to the demise of the reservoir 1) Protected – it covers variety of zones which occur behind
system on the southern part. Towards the norther part, the the reef flat. It ranges in size relative to the whole complex
clastic sediments may grow up to cycle VI or younger. to the extent of covering up to 90% of the overall build-up.
In terms of its sediments texture and size it may vary
according to the depositional environment; supratidal flats,
mangrove swamps and lagoons. Commonly, texture of

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mudstone and wackestone in the sheltered part of the The fossil assemblage is an important indicator in the
lagoon. The restricted marine environment is reflected depositional environmental study. Given with the division of
through the abundant occurrence of imperforated benthonic the depositional environment of a carbonate platform, only
foraminifera. certain organisms may thrive under the specific environment
which suits their conditions and preference as shown in Figure
2) Reefoid – It exist as a narrow belt around the complex. It is 5. Thus, through the petrography study, fossil assemblage
reflected by the abundance occurrence of coral colonies present will be identified which will be the foundation to the
along with encrusting and branching calcareous algae, depositional environment identification.
encrusting and free benthonic organism such as
foraminifera, gastropods, echinoids, etc. the coral act as the METHODOLOGY
platform to which the other organisms attach themselves to.
They are prone to modification by the biological and early
diagenetic process which include micritization,
encrustation, cementation etc.

3) Shallow Open Marine – it exists on the seaward slope or the 3.1 Petrographic Analysis
submerged bank. The sediments may vary in 2 different
scenarios; reef derived debris mixed with normal marine
A microfacies analysis on thin section samples from well A
fauna and calcareous algae, or minimum reef debris with
and well B from the depths of 5568.2 ft. to 6133.5 ft. m and
abundant calcareous algal ball for the submerged bank.
5804.5 ft. to 6347.5 ft. The thin sections are impregnated with
They also may exhibit the rate of deposition through its clay
blue epoxy resin. The study had been conducted using the
content.
transmitted light microscopy under the polarized light. An
analysis was made based on its paleontological and
4) Deeper Marine Environment – it exists further down the petrographic components and thus be recorded accordingly.
slope from the ‘Shallow Open Marine’ or the deeply
submerged bank. Both environments reflecting a low reef
3.2 Petrophysical Logs Studies
debris. Carbonate mud, platy corals and planktonic
foraminifera represent the bulk sediment of the
The petrophysical logs data has been derived from the well
environment.
data. The derived data includes the porosity, permeability, etc.
which basically are the attributes contributing to the overall
2.3 CARBONATES OF CENTRAL LUCONIA
reservoir properties and qualities. Through these data, the tight
layers present will be identified.

3.3 Facies Identification & Its Distributions

Facies were built based on the petrographic analysis


conducted. The facies identified should reflect on the
microfacies contents and its texture. The vertical distributions
of the microfacies had been plotted on the respective well.

3.4 Depositional Environment Study

From the petrographic analysis and facies identification as


well supported by the seismic study, depositional environments
had been established and defined. Out of it, conceptual
depositional environment had been built accordingly.

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

4.1 SEISMIC STUDY

A quick stratigraphic study had been done upon the seismic


to identify on its depositional sequences. Based on the seismic
alone, the EX carbonate platform generally had been identified
with 5 depositional sequences as shown in Figure 6. Each of
these depositional sequences have their own geometry which
reflects on its carbonate production–sea level relationship
Figure 5 shows The depositional area of the respective fossil assemblage [14]
during its time of depositions.

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The EX carbonate platform buildup had been 4.2 MICROFACIES OF FIELD EX, CENTRAL
deposited during the cycle III, IV, and V of the Miocene. It LUCONIA.
started off on its 1st depositional sequence where the carbonate
productions were prevalent at the time of depositions. This had Petrographic study conducted had been conducted over well
resulted in the first emergence or ‘start up’ of the EX carbonate A which shows a variation in the texture, components,
platform. Proceeding the 1st depositional sequence, this had led properties (e.g. porosity, sorting, etc.). All observations had
to the 2nd depositional sequence where the carbonate been recorded accordingly.
productions had increased exponentially exceeding the sea
level. This had cause the prograding build out of the carbonate Generally, throughout well A of Field EX, the main
platform which in turn had resulted extensive lateral growth of lithology is limestone. However, on some depths, the presence
EX carbonate platforms. During the 3rd and the 4th stage of the of dolomite can still be noted. The texture seen throughout well
depositional sequence, the carbonate productions generally had A is ranging from mudstone to wackestone-packstone. The mud
slowed down which had led to the transgression ingrowth of the content may be considered as relatively high throughout the
carbonate platform as proven by the presence of onlap whole well. Even for packstone, they may range from 25%-
terminations. Finally, the 5th depositional sequence had marked 55%. Some of the prominent bioclastic components observed
the end of EX carbonate platform. During this stage, the rise in include benthic foraminifera, coralline, red algae, echinoderm
sea level had exceeded the carbonate production at which the and brachiopod. Mouldic porosity and microporosity had been
carbonate deposition cannot catchup with the rise in sea level identified as the main contributor to the porosity percentage.
which had led to the demise of the EX carbonate platform. The Diagenesis features are not that prevalent on the shallow depths
features during this stage includes the prominent inwards build- however as we get to the deeper depths, diagenesis features
in of the carbonate platform and the presence of pinnacle from compactions such as fractures, stylolites started to get
structures. However, this study concern is only on sequence 3, prominent.
4 and 5 where the studied well A penetrated.
A total of 9 microfacies had been identified over the EX
In terms of its depositional environment, based on the field of Central Luconia based on the petrographic findings.
seismic section alone, the depositional environment of well A Table 1 presents all 9 microfacies identified.
is generally at the backreef as seen in the seismic.

Figure 6 shows The depositional sequences of carbonate platform EX.

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Table 1 shows The microfacies of Field EX, Central Luconia

No. Descriptions
MF-1 Crystalline (MF-1)
This microfacies is dominantly made up of
crystalline cement. Some components which may be
present within this microfacies include large benthic
foraminifera, algae, coral and bryozoan. It is
Limestone in lithology. Overall, this microfacies
showing poor porosities as a result of cementations.
It is identified with backreef environment.

MF-2 Cycloclypeus wacke-packstone (MF-2)


This microfacies is dominated by the abundance of
Cycloclypeus sp. On some depth, it is accompanied
by other foraminifera such Operculinid sp.,
Lepidocyclina sp., etc. It is Limestone in lithology.
The grain size is medium-coarse (may range up to 4
mm) and it is poorly sorted. Fracture diagenesis are
prominent limiting the preservations of the
components. Overall, this microfacies showing poor
porosities. It is identified with deep marine
environment.

MF-3 Amphistegina wacke-packstone (MF-3)


This microfacies is characterized as having a highest
Amphistegina sp. percentage compared to other
benthic foraminifera. However, their percentage
may not vastly differ. It is Limestone in lithology.
The grain size is fine-medium (may range up to 2
mm) and it is poorly sorted. On some depth, the
prominent diagenesis present include fracturing
which proven by the presence of stylolite. Overall,
this microfacies showing poor porosities (some have
none). It is identified with backreef environment.

MF-4 Lepidocyclinid wacke-packstone (MF-4)


This microfacies had shown a high percentage of
Lepidocyclina sp. it does not comes in number but
rather in size. It is commonly accompanied by other
components such as brachiopods and echinoids. It is
Limestone in lithology. The grain size is medium-
coarse (may range up to 4 mm) and it is poorly
sorted. Prone to fracturing, proven by the fractured
components and stylolite present. Overall, this
microfacies showing poor porosities. It is identified
with backreef environment (close to lagoon)

MF-5 Operculinid-wacke-packstone (MF-5)


This microfacies is dominated by the abundance of
Operculinid sp. Commonly, in this microfacies,
Operculinid sp. would thrive with the absence of
other foraminifera. It is Limestone in lithology. The
grain size is fine-medium (may range up to 2 mm)
and it is moderately sorted. The components are
usually moderately-fully preserved. Overall, this
microfacies showing poor-fair porosities which
mostly contributed by inter-particle and inter-
crystalline porosities. It is identified with backreef
environment.

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MF-6 Encrusting wacke-packstone (MF-6)
This microfacies is identified with a dominant
percentage of Encrusting Foram Same as MF-5, in
this microfacies, Encrusting Foram. would thrive
with the absence of other foraminifera. It is
Limestone in lithology. The grain size is medium-
coarse (may range up to 5 mm) and it is moderately
sorted. Overall, this microfacies showing significant
high porosities which mostly contributed by inter-
particle porosities. It is identified with backreef
environment (close to lagoon).
MF-7 Algal wacke-packstone (MF-7)
This microfacies is marked by the present of algae
as the main component. Mostly, this microfacies
would have a high mud contents as a complement to
the algae. The lithology may vary from Limestone to
Dolomite. The grain size is very fine-medium (may
range up to 1 mm) and it is moderately sorted. This
microfacies is denser towards the bottom part of the
well. Overall, this microfacies showing fair
porosities. It is identified with backreef environment
(close to lagoon).
MF-8 Coral wacke-packstone/floatstone (MF-8)
This microfacies is characterized by the high
percentage in coral components. It is Limestone in
lithology. The grain size is medium-coarse and it is
moderately sorted. Overall, this microfacies had
shown a varying porosity percentage (poor-high
porosity). It is identified with backreef environment
(close to Reef Crest).

MF-9 Mudstone (MF-9)


This microfacies is identified with 100% mud
contents with an absence of allochems. It is
Limestone in lithology. The grain size is very fine
and it is well sorted. Overall, this microfacies
showing poor porosities. This microfacies is denser
towards the bottom part of the well. It is identified
with lagoon environment.

Figure 7 shows the microfacies distributions throughout the mud had filled up the spaces between the grain particles
whole well. inhibiting the porosities.

4.3 MICROFACIES INTERPRETATION AND ITS As it moves from the lagoon and closer to the backreef, it
DEPOSITIONAL ENVIRONMENTS starts to show the presence of algal components as seen in MF-
7. This is due to the fact that the depositional environments
In this section, the 9 identified facies had been grouped
getting shallower up to a point in the photic zone (light exposed
according to its depositional environment.
environment). This, in turn, promotes the growth of algal
4.3.1 Lagoon population.

The microfacies covered in lagoon depositional 4.3.1 Backreef


environment include MF-9 Mudstone where it is identified as
having a low energy fine grained deposit. This is in The microfacies covered in Backreef depositional
concordance with the backreef characteristic as having a low environment include MF-1, MF-4, MF-4, MF-5, MF-6, MF-7,
depositional energy. The well sorted and fine-grained of the and MF-8 where mostly are having wacke-packstone texture.

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These textures would reflect on the relatively higher From the identified 9 microfacies and its depositional
depositional energy of the backreef environment. They are environments, a plot had been made to represents its
characterized as having dominant benthic foraminifera content distribution throughout well A. The finalized plot is presented
followed by coral. These components are all deposited in situ in Figure 7.
(backreef in origin). Within this depositional environment,
most of which had shown medium-course grained with poorly From Figure 7, we may observe the facies distributions
sorted configurations. changes from mudstone and algal wacke-packstone dominated
in the bottom well towards the benthic foraminiferal wacke-
Within the backreef environment-closer to the lagoon, it wackestone and coral wacke-packstone/floatstone dominated
shows a higher MF-7 algal wacke-packstone and decreases on the upper part of the well.
towards the reef crest. Whereas, within the backreef
environment-closer to the reef crest, it shows a higher MF-8 This in turn reflects on depositional environmental changes
Coral wacke-packstone/floatstone and benthic foraminifera occurred throughout well A. Generally, well A have a backreef
which includes MF- 4, MF-6. depositional. However, we can observe progressive changes
occurred going from the bottom of the well towards the top of
4.3.1 Deep Marine the well, - from lagoonal environment to backreef-reef crest
environment.
the microfacies covered in deep marine depositional
environment include MF-2 Cycloclypeus wacke-packstone. It 4.4 DEPOSITIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MODEL
is characterized as having the presence Cycloclypeus sp. which
specifically thrive in the protected deep marine environment. Figure 8 shows the finalized depositional environment
The presence of MF-2 (deep marine in origin) in backreef is model for each of the microfacies identified. Well A of Field
reasoned with the fact that there has been an influx of EX has been identified with 3 depositional environments: -
Cycloclypeus sp. from the deep marine into the backreef during
1. Lagoon (MF-9)
the rapid rise in sea level in Sequence 5. That being said, it
2. Backreef (MF-1, MF-3, MF-4, MF-5, MF-6, MF-7,
would reflect a poorly sorted configuration. and MF-8)
3. Deep Marine (MF-2)
4.4 DEPOSITIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PLOT
For the backreef environment facies, some may thrive closer to
the lagoon (MF-7) and others may thrive closer towards the
Reef Crest (MF-4, MF-6, MF-8).

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Figure 7 shows The Microfacies and Depositional Environment Plot
MF-8 MF-1 MF-5
MF-6
MF-7

MF-3
Backreef environment near In the backreef In the backreef
the carbonate rim (Reef environment environment
Crest) In the backreef
environment
Low energy photic
environment of the backreef

In the backreef
MF-9 environment near to Reef
Crest

MF-4

Low energy environment of


the lagoon-backreef

In the backreef environment


near to Reef Crest

No. MICROFACIES of E6-2 DEPOSITIONAL ENVIRONMENT


MF-1 Crystalline MF-2
MF-2 Cycloclypeus wacke-packstone
MF-3 Amphistegina wacke-packstone
MF-4 Lepidocyclinid wacke-packstone
MF-5 Operculinid-wacke-packstone
MF-6 Encrusting wacke-packstone
MF-7 Algal wacke-packstone In a calm protected
environment of the Deep
MF-8 Coral wacke-packstone/floatstone Marine
MF-9 Mudstone

Figure 8 shows The depositional environmental model

in the algal percentage. MF-9 which is mudstone in texture had


CONCLUSION been identified to be deposited in the lagoon depositional
environment. It is characterized by the high mud contents. MF-
In conclusion, the subsurface geology of Field EX of 2 which is Cycloclypeus wacke-packstone is characterized by
Central Luconia will be established through the studies the presence of the Cycloclypeus sp. This benthic foraminifer
conducted. This will incorporate the petrographic and which specifically thrives in deep marine environment had been
paleontological aspect of the field sample along with its concluded to have a deep marine depositional environment. Its
petrophysical properties through the petrophysical log study. presence on well A (backreef) had been concluded to have
The petrographic study conducted will reveal the facies caused by the influx during rapid rise in sea level during
distributions, depositional history of the carbonates, and the sequence 5. Thus, it can be concluded through the depositional
paleoenvironment of Field EX, Central Luconia. environmental study of field EX, 3 depositional environments
had been identified; (1) lagoon (MF-9), (2) Backreef (MF-1,
Through the stratigraphic study, a total of 5 depositional MF-3, MF-4, MF-5, MF-6, MF-7, and MF-8), and (3) Deep
sequence had been identified; 1st sequence; 2nd sequence Marine (MF-2).
(build-out); 3rd sequence (build-up); 4th sequence (build up)
and 5th sequence (build-in). Each of these depositional FURTHER STUDY
sequences are the results of the interplay between sea level and We have already known for their vertical distributions from
carbonate production. This study had focused on depositional petrographic study of well A. However, there are still questions
sequence 3, 4, and 5. Seismic analysis had supported the on the its lateral distributions throughout the platform. Thus, the
backreef depositional environment as suggested from the next step would be to establish facies correlations between the
petrographic findings. 2 wells of the EX field, well A and well B. Both which had been
fitted with the 9 microfacies identified should be correlated
A total of 9 microfacies had been identified which shows through the seismic to see its lateral distributions
the texture ranging from mudstone to packstone.7 of these (complementing vertical distributions). From here on, the
microfacies; MF-1, MF-3, MF-4, MF-5, MF-6, MF-7, and MF- results obtained would provide us with a better understanding
8 are having wacke-packstone texture and had been identified of its geology throughout the EX field.
with backreef environment. They are characterized as having
high percentage of benthic foraminifera and coral. In the
backreef environment-closer to the lagoon, it shows an increase
9
ACKNOWLEDGMENT [10] P. Gutteridge, J. Garland, B. Vincent, S. Thompson, J.
Morgan, J. Turney and D. Jerram , Southeast Asian
All praises to the Almighty for his mercy and grace, I have
Carbonate system and reservoir development: An up-to-
been able to complete my Final Year Project. Firstly, I would
date synthesis,, Cambridge Carbonates Ltd, 2017.
like to express my deepest appreciation to my supervisor, A.P.
Dr. Jalal Douraghinejad for his guidance and support [11] V. Zampetti, W. Schlager, J.-H. V. Konlinenburg and
throughout these 8 months period towards completing this A.-J. Everts, "Depositional history and origin of porosity
project. I am grateful to have a very passionate and dedicated in a Miocene carbonate platform of Central Luconia,
supervisor in ensuring the best potential out of this project. offshore Sarawak," Geological Society of Malaysia, pp.
139-152, December 2003.
I would also like to dedicate my gratitude towards the [12] T. K. King, E. Chung and O. Aljaaidi, "Evolution and
SEACARL department especially to Saw Bing Bing and Prof. controlling factors of Miocene Carbonate build-up in
Dr. Michael C. Poppelreiter for the guidance given as well as Central Luconia, SE Asia: Insights from integration of
providing the necessary materials and facilities throughout this geological and seismic characterization," in ICIPEG,
project. I also thank my internal examiner Mdm. Fathiyah Kuala Lumpur, June 2010.
Jamaludin for the feedbacks and advice given to further elevate
[13] M. Mihaijevic, W. Renema, K. Welsh and M. J.
the project outcomes.
Pandolfi, "Eocene–Miocene Shallow-Water Carbonate
Finally, to my family members and my colleagues, thank Platforms And Increased Habitat Diversity In Sarawak,
you for the overwhelming support given throughout this Malaysia," PALAIOS, pp. 378-391, 2014.
project. [14] M. Y. Ali and P. Abolins, "Central Luconia Province,"
in The Petroleum Geology and Resources of Malaysia,
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