PLATFORM - A Journal of Engineering

GENERAL GEOLOGY AND HYDROCARBON POTENTIAL OF CARBONACEOUS SHALE IN KAMPUNG IBOK, ,

Nur Izzati Izwani Yusri*, Askury Abd Kadir

Geoscience Department, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi

Email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Various chemical analyses such as Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Source Rock Analysis (SRA), Vitrinite Re ectance (VR) and X-Ray Diraction (XRD) have been performed to study the properties of carbonaceous shale and its hydrocarbon potential at Kampung Ibok, Cukai, Terengganu. The TOC content of carbonaceous shale in Chukai area is ranging from 1.24% to 15.3% and increases towards southern part. This may indicate that the southern part might be the deepest part of shallow marine environment. The SRA conrms that the carbonaceous shale in the study area has poor capability in generating any hydrocarbon. However, the results from VR suggested that the shale could have the possibility in producing shale gas.

Keywords; carbonaceous shale, shallow marine environment, hydrocarbon potential, shale gas

INTRODUCTION PROBLEM STATEMENT

The study area is located in Kampung (Kg.) Ibok, Coastal Terengganu especially south of Kuala Chukai and also known by the name of Kemaman City. Terengganu to Kemaman, is mainly composed of Chukai is the biggest town in Southern Terengganu, low- grade metamorphic rocks originated from the . As it is located between the state capitals of sedimentary rock. Some of the rocks are black in and , and it is proximity color, which might indicate that the rock contains to the oil town of , geographically has turned high organic content becomes carbonaceous shale. Chukai into a major commercial hub for the region. Some exposures in Chukai area have shown these Located nearby is the Kemaman Port, that serves characteristics. However, very limited study has been both as a fishing port and supply base for oil platforms conducted to study the properties of these exposed off the Terengganu coast. black materials. Therefore, this research was conducted based on the limitation that have been The location of the study area, which consists of analyzed from the previous research and to focus on five outcrops denoted as Outcrop 1 to Outcrop 5 analysis of hydrocarbon potential of the carbonaceous respectively. These five outcrops represent different shale of the study area. lithologies for the Chukai. All of the outcrops of this study area are easily accessible as the outcrops are located along the federal main road.

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OBJECTIVE consists of the geological map and cross-section of the outcrop were performed during the outcrop The main objective of this research is to have a survey, which include identification and classification better geological understanding of the Chukai area of the lithology. Rock samples have been taken from which comprises of Sungai Perlis bed, and to evaluate each outcrop for further geochemical analysis as the hydrocarbon potential of the carbonaceous shale for hydrocarbon potential validation of the outcrop which involving Total Organic Carbon (TOC) test, observation. The study was emphasized on the Source Rock Analysis and Vitrinite Reflectance test general geology and the hydrocarbon potential of for determination of level maturation and the type of the carbonaceous shale found in Sungai Perlis bed kerogen. specifically in Kg. Ibok, Terengganu.

Figure 1 Location of study area, Chukai, Terengganu

SCOPE OF STUDY Geology and tectonic framework on the eastern belt The Eastern Belt of Peninsular Malaysia (Figure 2) The study includes the interpretation of the general is the east part of Lebir fault including the eastern geology of Chukai area in Terengganu as shown in part of Johor [1]. This belt includes east of Kelantan, Figure 1, which involves in lithology identification and Terengganu and east of Johor that composed of structural features that requires details observation formations aged from Paleozoic to Cenozoic. The and sample collection to identify the properties northern part of the Eastern Belt consists of the of each rock. Hand specimens are collected for Carboniferous meta-sediments, igneous rocks and petrography study and geochemical analysis in the Jurassic Cretaceous continental deposits. laboratory. During the outcrop survey, the study was emphasized in the description of general geological It consists of the Carboniferous meta-sediments based characteristics such as lithology, texture, mineralogy on the fossils found in Ulu Paka, Terengganu [2], some and primary geological structures. The primary data other localities in north and Terengganu [3]

16 PLATFORM VOLUME TWO APRIL 2018 PLATFORM - A Journal of Engineering and [4] and is known as the Sungai Perlis metasediments are composed of meta- quartzite, Bed [2]. carbonaceous phyllite and slate.

The meta-sediments are the most dominant while Previous researchers have shown that the whole the continental deposits occur in a number of small Paleozoic metasediment are known as Kuantan isolated areas. The oldest rock, which is dominant in Group and apart from it is called the Sungai Perlis bed. this belt, is the meta-sediments that is Carboniferous in age and consists of mainly clastic sedimentary rocks Sedimentology, stratigraphy and geochemistry of the that had undergone low-grade metamorphism [5] . carbonaceous shale in Kg. Ibok, Chukai, Kemaman

Figure 2 Study area is located in the black rectangle

Geology of Chukai, Kemaman (Sungai Perlis bed) From the bigger perspective, the study area of this The metasediments are composed of meta-quartzite, project will focus over Chukai, Kemaman area. The carbonaceous phyllite and slate. Goh [6] reported whole Terengganu is located at the Eastern Belt. about the volcanic rocks and that volcanic rocks The most dominant rock is the sedimentary rocks include acidic pyroclastics (lapilli tuff and ashy tuff) formation (including the metasediment) which aged and rhyolitic lava flow. The intermediate and basic as Carboniferous and Permian together with granite igneous rocks are found as marginal facies of the formation. granite.

The sedimentary rocks of the Kemaman area had Chand [2] introduced the Sungai Perlis bed term to undergone a regional metamorphism of low- grade refer it to the sedimentary rocks observed in the Ulu type producing metamorphic rock unit. The oldest Paka area. The name of this formation is taken from rocks in this area are well exposed at Tanjong the Sungai Perlis as these kind of sedimentary rocks Geliga, Tanjong Mat Amin and Tanjong Berhala. The are exposed along the river. The Sungai Perlis bed is

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defined based on the dominant rock sequences of Petrography analysis the argillite, mostly shale, slate, phyllite, and also The sample that had been taken from the outcrop are schist that comes together with some quartzite, further evaluated using thin sections. The purpose meta-conglomerate and hornfels. of this method is to examine the exact lithology and to check on the mineralogy aspect. The thin Pellite facies and psammite facies is observed to section procedure is conducted to determine the be present in Sg Perlis bed (pelite is and old term mineral composition and texture of a rock sample for a clay-rich, fine-grained clastic sediment or by analyzing them under a polarized microscope. sedimentary while psammite is a term applied to The characteristic of the mineral under polarized or metamorphic rocks derived from an arenaceous cross-polarized light can differentiate the mineral, sedimentary protolith or sometimes used as a rock as well as to estimate the mineral composition of name for metamorphic rocks whose classification the rock. is unclear). Along the way to Kg. Ibok, there is sedimentary sequence which comprises of interbedded sandstones, shales and some granite. In Total organic carbon (TOC) the shale layer, there is a fine flake plant found. TOC or total organic carbon is the amount of carbon found in an organic compound. TOC may also This bed is correctable with the Charu Formation refer to the amount of organic carbon in soil, or in a in Pahang that consists of interbedded sandstones, geological formation, particularly the source rock for a siltstones, and shale, which are believed to be petroleum play. TOC analysis is measured from the total carbon present and the so-called “inorganic carbon” (IC) deposited in the shallow marine area near shore by subtracting the inorganic carbon from the total carbon environment by Lee [3]. The meta-sediments show yield. at least two episodes of folding, which are north- northwest (NNW) or south-southeast (SSE) trend and north-south (NS) direction that are considered X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis as relatively simple structures such as Bukit Bucu and X-ray diffraction (XRD) is a basic tool in the Pulau Kapas area by Abdullah [7]. mineralogical analysis of shales. It is an analytical technique used on a crystalline material to identify In certain area, such as parts of Chukai and Dungun its phase and can provide information on unit cell areas, they are considered as complicated structures dimensions. It is most widely used for the identification with three generations of folding by Abdullah [7]. of unknown crystalline materials (e.g minerals and inorganic compounds). From minimal area, XRD measures the intensities of a reflected area and from METHODOLOGY the results, the atomic-level spacing of the crystal can be calculated. This helps in understanding the Five outcrops are identified across the 34km road crystal structure for the substance. Determination of of Chukai. Throughout the area of study, field the degree of crystallization can also be calculated observations, strike-dip reading, sample collection using XRD analysis. and sketch mapping are undertaken. The size of the samples is estimated to be in 12 cm length and 8 cm width. Rock samples are required in order to analyze Rock-eval pyrolysis the lithology of the study area. Several laboratory In Rock-Eval pyrolysis, a sample is placed in a vessel experiments are conducted to fully understand the and is progressively heated to 550°C under an inert properties of the rocks. condition. During the analysis, the hydrocarbons

18 PLATFORM VOLUME TWO APRIL 2018 PLATFORM - A Journal of Engineering originally present in the samples are volatized at a RESULTS AND DISCUSSION moderate temperature. The amount of hydrocarbons is measured and recorded as a peak known, S1. Next Carbonaceous shale pyrolyzed is the kerogen present in the sample, Based on previous studies, Chukai area is composed which generates hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon-like of meta-sediment, granite intrusion and Quaternary compounds (recorded as the S2 peak), CO2 and water. deposits. The rocks that are observed in the study

The CO2 generated is recorded as the S3 peak while area had undergone low-grade metamorphism, the residual carbon is measured as S4. which changed shale into slate and sandstone into quartzite. Granite can also be observed on the hilly part of area. Trinite reflectance Vitrinite reflectance is a measure of the percentage Carbonaceous shale as shown in Figure 3 is found of incident light reflected from the surface of interbedded with shale and quartzite. The black color vitrinite particles in a sedimentary rock. It is referred of the shale may indicate high content of carbon to as % Ro. Results are often presented as a mean originated from the organic matter. This figure shows

Ro value based on all vitrinite particles measured in the carbonaceous shale outcrop that is located in an individual sample. The relationship between % Outcrop 3.

Ro and hydrocarbon generation is dependent on the chemistry of the vitrinite as well as the chemistry of Shale usually can be recognized from other the kerogen. “mudstones” because it is fissile and laminated. Laminated is referring to the rock that is made up of Oil and gas zone boundaries can be established many thin layers while fissile means that the rock is using vitrinite reflectance data. The boundaries are readily splits into thin pieces along the laminations. approximate and vary according to kerogen type.

Figure 3 Carbonaceous shale of Sg. Perlis bed

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A strict geological definition of shale is any “laminated, Other rocks with petrography analysis indurated (consolidated) rock with > 67% clay-sized Quartzite materials” (Jackson) [8]. Approximately 50% of all Quartzite that is found in Chukai area is interbedded sedimentary rocks are classified as shale. Shales with slate. Quartzite is formed by the metamorphism are often deposited in low-energy depositional of sandstone. It is hard and non-foliated metamorphic environments where the fine-grained clay particles rock, which was originally pure quartz sandstone. fall out of suspension. The red stains found on the Sandstone is converted into quartzite through rock indicate the presence of iron oxide, which also heating and pressure that are usually related to referring to the weathering process. tectonic compression within orogenic belts.

(a)

(b) Figure 4 (a) Image of quartzite under plane-polarized and (b) Image of quartzite under cross-polarized view

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Quartzite is dominantly made up of quartz and minor feldspar. This quartz-rich metamorphic rocks are usually white to grey when pure. Based on the image shown by Figure 4.0, it can be concluded that this kind of quartzite is a metamorphic quartzite due to its feature that consists of interlocking crystals of quartz. It is also observed to be having a crystalline mineral with the size of grains approximately in the range of 2 to 5mm.

Figure 4.1 Rose diagram Outcrop 1 Phyllite Phyllite is a fine-grained metamorphic rock formed by the reconstitution of fine grained, parent sedimentary rocks, such as mudstones or shales. A phyllite also has a marked fissility; a tendency to split into sheets or slabs due to the parallel alignment of platy minerals. It may have a sheen on the surface due to tiny plates of mica.

An obvious foliation can be seen from the image taken under microscope. Phyllite has fine-grained Figure 4.2 Rose diagram Outcrop 2 mica flakes in a preferred orientation. Among foliated metamorphic rocks, it represents a gradation in the degree of metamorphism between slate and schist. Phyllite are said to have a texture called ‘phyllitic sheen’, and are usually classified as having formed through low-grade metamorphic conditions through regional metamorphism, metamorphic facies.

Fracture analysis In order to identify the principal stresses, the fracture Figure 4.3 Rose diagram Outcrop 3 data is used to be analyzed using Rose Diagram. All the strike data of the joints and fractures readings obtained from the outcrop was plotted to create the Rose Diagram. The rose diagram might be a little rendered from the actual fracture system of the study area. Sigma 1 is the maximum stress that is 70° from most prominent strike, whereas sigma 3 is the minimum stress, which is 200° from Sigma 1.

Figure 4.4 Rose diagram Outcrop 4

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the strike reading in the range of 160° to 230°. From the rose diagram, it can be indicated that the compressional stress that causes the formation of the fractures are coming from SW- NE direction. Hydrocarbon potential of Carbonaceous shale

Geochemical analyses X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis Figures 4.6 to 4.10 shows the XRD phase spectrum Figure 4.5 Rose diagram Outcrop 5 analysis of the carbonaceous shale. This analysis indicated quartz and muscovite in the major Based on the five rose diagrams from Outcrop 1 constituents of carbonaceous shale. From this test, it to Outcrop 5, Figure 4.1 to 4.5, the principal stress can be seen that the dominant phase analyzed is the

Sigma 1 is most likely to be in the range of 270° and silicon dioxide (SiO2) or known as quartz and alumio-

Sigma 3 is at 70°. The majority of the fractures has silicate (KAl2) bearing minerals.

Figure 4.6 XRD result of Sample 1

Figure 4.7 XRD result of Sample 2

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Figure 4.8 XRD result of Sample 3

Figure 4.9 XRD result of Sample 4

Figure 4.10 XRD result of Sample 5

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The concentration of SiO2 on the northern part is shale, which is a part of the Sungai Perlis bed are higher compared to the shale in the southern part. deposited in shallow marine area [3]. The southern The dominant concentration of quartz-bearing part is interpreted to be the deepest part of the minerals in the carbonaceous shale samples are shallow marine that causes high accumulation and controlled by silicate minerals, particularly quartz preservation of organic matter that contributed to that is the main constituent of most shale. A high high organic content in the southern part compared percentage of this particular mineral explains the to the northern part. features of the carbonaceous shale in the study area. There is also quite high percentage of muscovite (KAl2 (Si Al)4 O10 (OH)2) based on the results for all Table 1 Results of TOC Analysis 5 samples. This muscovite or also called white mica has a weak chemical bond and mica minerals can be Sample TOC Location Quality easily separated into very thin and flexible pieces. It is ID (%) recognized as clay minerals and can be used to predict S1 N 4° 22’ 41.16” 5.44 Excellent the quality of source rock and generation mechanism of the shales. E 103° 25’ 47.64”

S2 N 4° 22’ 41.16” 2.62 Very Good Based on the results, high content of SiO2 from quartz or other silicate minerals, for example, muscovite E 103° 25’ 47.64” shows that the samples are very brittle. Different from S3 N 4° 22’ 41.16” 2.12 Good the others, sample 5 is having the highest percentage of Al2 Si4 O10 (pyrophyllite). This proves that there is E 103° 25’ 47.64” a difference in the content of the carbonaceous shale S4 N 4° 19’ 34.68” 1.24 Good in the northern part and southern part of the study area. Overall, the samples tested showed crystallinity E 103° 26’ 53.16” percentage ranging between 61.3% to 80.4% from S5 N 4° 19’ 34.68” 15.3 Excellent the southern part to northern part. E 103° 26’ 53.16”

Total organic carbon (TOC) Analysis

Black shales in general are organic-rich shales, which Rock-eval pyrolysis (source rock analysis) organic carbon contents usually exceed 1% and mostly vary between 2% and 10% [9]. Based on Table Pyrolysis is the decomposition of organic matter by 1, the TOC content of the carbonaceous shale in the heating in the absence of oxygen. The Rock-Eval terrestrial area, which are S1, S2 and S3 located on instrument provides a fast determination of the type the northern part of Chukai range from 2.12% to and evolution stage of kerogen, together with a 5.44% that can be interpreted as very good to direct evaluation of hydrocarbon source potential. The excellent potential of the source rock. Meanwhile, type and quality of kerogen are usually interpreted the samples on the southern part, which are S4 on a graph derived from the traditional Van Krevelen and S5, ranging from 1.24% to 15.3%, which can be Diagram, by replacing the H/C and O/C ratios with the considered as good to excellent potential of source hydrogen index (HI) and the oxygen index (OI). rock.

The organic content of the carbonaceous shale increases towards the southern part. Carbonaceous

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Table 2 Results of Pyrolysis with calculated parameters of the analyzed rock samples

No. Sample ID S1 (mg/g) S2 (mg/g) Tmax (°C) PI HI,%

1 CGMS 1 0.07 0.12 340 0.37 2.21

2 CGMS 2 0.04 0.06 322 0.4 2.29

3 CGMS 3 0.06 0.07 322 0.46 3.3

4 CGMS 4 0.1 0.06 305 0.63 4.84

5 CGMS 5 0.05 0.09 326 0.36 0.59

Table 2 shows that S2 values for all samples when the kerogen type is known, it can be used to are lower than 2mg HC/g, indicated the poor estimate the thermal maturity of the rock according capability in hydrocarbon generation [10]. Broad S2 to Table 3. Based on the hydrogen index (HI) from pyrolytic peaks resulted from a very weak signal and the samples tested, they are having a Mixed Type of high noise subsequently affect the Tmax values, thus kerogen (Type II/III) which HI value ranges from 0.59% produce anomalously low Tmax. This contrary with the - 4.84 %. vitrinite reflectance measurement where most of the samples shows very high reflectance values. The analyzed samples range in rank from semi-anthracite Vitrinite reflectance to meta-anthracite (2.12 – 4.84% Ro), which suggest the samples have undergone a certain metamorphic Vitrinite reflectance measurement was performed event based on Peters and Cassa [10]. using Leica CTR6000M microscope and Diskus Fossil software. Standard sapphire (0.589% Ro) was used Table 3 Showing class of kerogen based on for calibration. Between 10 to 40 measurements HI and GOC value [13] were obtained. The measurements were carried out under white light using an oil immersion X50 objective. Smallest aperture size of 3 µm was used in Kerogen Type HI GOC all measurements to minimize error. I >700 >60% (Oil) Vitrinite reflectance is a measure of the percentage 30% - 60% II 350 - 700 of incident light that reflected from the surface of (Oil + Gas) vitrinite particles in a sedimentary rock. It is referred 17% - 29% II/III 200 - 349 (Gas + Oil) to as Ro (%). Results are often presented as a mean Ro 4% - 28% value based on all vitrinite particles measured in an III 50 - 199 (Gas) individual sample. Based on the Table 4, it is clearly

IV <50 <4% (None) stated that the mean Ro value ranges from 2.12- 4.84

%. The relationship between Ro (%) and hydrocarbon potential is dependent on the chemistry of the Hydrogen Index (HI) is actually defined as a measure vitrinite as well as the chemistry of the kerogen itself. of the hydrogen richness of the source rock, and

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Table 4 Vitrinite Reflectance Data of Sg. Perlis bed

Min Max, No. of No Sample Name Lithology Mean,% Std. Dev % % reading

1 CGMS 1 Black Shale 3.9 6.08 4.84 40 0.621

2 CGMS 2 Black Shale 2.48 5.2 3.71 35 0.883

3 CGMS 3 Black Shale 3.28 4 3.59 25 0.207

4 CGMS 4 Black Shale 1.96 2.36 2.12 10 0.102

5 CGMS 5 Black Shale 4.04 4.78 4.39 30 0.222

Figure 4.11 A color chart for organic thermal maturity

Oil and gas zone boundaries can be established for organic thermal maturity determination is shown using vitrinite reflectance data. These boundaries are as in Figure 4.11. In accordance of the chart above approximate and vary according to kerogen type. and the data obtained, all the samples fall on the over matured region in Figure 4.11. Therefore, it can be Determination of Pearson’s (1984) [11] correlated with concluded that the samples tested for this test have the thermal alteration index (TAI) & Correlation of been identified as over matured rock, and the high spore color index (SCI) of Fisher et al., (1980) [12] with maturity has exhausted all oil potential. thermal alteration index (TAI) of Staplin (1969) [13]

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Correlation of geochemical analyses Table 5 Data of Tmax and HI obtained Gas shale potential and comparison to US gas shale for shales in Chukai

As discussed [14] controls on the potential of a gas Tmax (°C) HI (mg OIL/g TOC) shale system include thickness and lateral extent, organic richness, porosity and mineralogical 340 221 composition, which greatly influences fraccability. 322 229 All Carboniferous shales examined in this study are clearly within the gas window. However, Table 5 will 322 330 focus on the study of the results of well-known gas 305 484 shales Star Diagram model from the USA, Barnett Shale as it is of similar age and lithology. 326 59

Figure 4.12 Graph of Hydrogen Index (HI) against Tmax (°C)

Figure 4.13 Theoretical indicators for the identification of HI [15]

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A graph of Hydrogen Index (HI) versus Tmax (°C) The gray area represents the latest oil window-wet in Figure 4.12 is plotted and mapped onto the gas window where commercial gas production can theoretical graph of it in Figure 4.13. The blue color be achieved depending on hydrocarbon composition dots showing the results in the study area are and depth (modified after Jarvie [14]). The blue area indicating the Wet Gas Generation maturity which of the Star Diagram in Figure 4.14 obtained from the can also be interpreted as a Mixed Type II/III of results of this study; Table 6 falls in the gray area kerogen type. of the theoretical Star Diagram; Figure 4.15 which

Table 6 Data of Star Diagram

TOC (%) VR (%) TR (%) Silica (%) Thickness (m)

5.44 4.84 36.84 0.6 5

2.62 3.71 40 0.58 5

2.12 3.59 46.15 0.64 5

1.24 2.12 62.5 0.58 8

15.3 4.39 35.7 0.65 8

TOC (Total Organic Content) ; VR (Vitrinite Reflectance); TR (Transfromation Ratio)

Figure 4.14 Star Diagram shows the geochemical assessment and corresponding data

28 PLATFORM VOLUME TWO APRIL 2018 PLATFORM - A Journal of Engineering is using the Barnett Shale as the parameter, it can The supportive elements of the low metamorphism be interpreted that the samples of Chukai area are process are provided with the general geological actually having the potential of producing shale gas. analysis, which involved structural part discussed in However, since this study only involving limited the report. The fracture analysis indicated that the amount of representative samples, further studies area has undergone compressional stress from SW- and research need to be done in order to confirm the NE direction. gas shale production in Chukai area.

TOC % (10) Barnett

Woodford Area 1 Area 4

Thickness m (100) VR % (5)

Silica % (100) TR % (100)

Figure 4.15 Theoretical Star Diagram - Geochemical assessment and corresponding data of black shales for well-known gas shale systems

CONCLUSION The carbonaceous shale found in Chukai area is identified as grayish to black in color. The XRD results Chukai area is made up of Sungai Perlis bed, which have indicated the characteristics of the carbonaceous consists of interbedded shale, carbonaceous shale, shale where it has brittleness properties and high phyllite, quartzite and granite. The presence of crystallinity range. The TOC content of carbonaceous folding and thrusting in rock formation suggests that shale has an average of 5.34%, which indicates an Chukai area had undergone regional compression. excellent range of having high organic content. Based The carbonaceous shales found in Chukai area on the S2 value of Source Rock Analysis (SRA) test, it are gray to black in color. This geological condition has shown that all these samples have poor capability phenomenon proved that the rocks found in the in hydrocarbon generation [10]. This shows that the study area experienced low grade metamorphism. shale here is in over matured condition. However,

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since the value of the hydrogen index (HI) from REFERENCES the Vitrinite Reflectance, test shows a mixed type of kerogen class, Type II/III can be interpreted that the [1] K.Y. Foo, The Paleozoic Sedimentary Rocks of study area could have the potential in producing shale Peninsular Malaysia-Stratigraphy and Correlation. gas. Paper presented at the Workshop on stratigraphic correlation of Thailand and Malaysia. Geological Survey Department of Malaysia (2008). Geological FURTHER STUDY Map of Peninsular Malaysia, 1983, pp. 1:1000000.

In order to ensure more accurate and precise [2] F. Chand, (1978). Geology and Mineral Resources properties, it is recommended to check on the of the Ulu Paka Area. : Terengganu hydraulic properties of the shale as well. Hydraulic Geological Survey of Malaysia. properties are the characteristics of a rock such as permeability and porosity that reflect its ability to [3] C.P. Lee, M.S. Leman, K. Hassan, B.M. Nasib & R. hold and transmit fluids such as water, oil or natural Karim, Stratigraphic Lexicon of Malaysia, Kuala gas. This can also support the shale gas production Lumpur: Geological Society of Malaysia, pp. 23, system. Apart from that, a more detail provenance 2004. study also is suggested to be done in this project to determine the origin of the black shale in Chukai, [4] Idris, M.B. & Zaki, S.M., 1986. A carboniferous Terengganu. shallow marine fauna from Bukit Bucu, Batu Rakit, Terengganu. Newsletter of the Geol. Soc. of Malaysia 12(6): 215-219 ACKNOWLEDGMENT [5] Abdullah, I. (2004). On the presence of pre- I would like to thank my supervisor, AP Askury Abd Carboniferous metasediments in the Eastern Belt: Kadir and coordinators, Mrs. Norsyazwani Zaini and A structural view. Paper presented at the Annual Mr Abdul Halim Andul Latiff for the opportunity Geological Conference, Perlis, Malaysia. to conduct this study and their guidance, supports that they provided throughout the course of my final [6] Goh, L.S. (1973). Geology, mineralization and year project. My sincere appreciation also goes to geochemical studies of the ChenerongBuloh Nipis Dr. Azlan from Universiti Malaya who has helped area, Terengganu. Unpubl. B.Sc. (Hons.) thesis, me a lot in conducting the lab analyses. And also Univ. of Malaya, 105 p. my appreciation goes to Dr Abd Hadi Abd Rahman for his positive advices and helpful comments on [7] I. Abdullah, ‘On the Presence of the Pre- my works. Nevertheless, my gratitude goes to all Carboniferous Meta-Sediment in The Eastern the lab technologists in assisting me with the lab Belt: A Structural View’, Bulletin of the Geology works. Last but not least, I would like to thank all my Society of Malaysia (49), pp. 79-84, 2006. family and friends for their endless moral support. [8] Jackson, J.A. (1997). Glossary of Geology, 4th Ed. American Geological Institute

[9] H.A Tourtelot, ‘Black Shale – Its Deposition and Diagenesis’, Clay and Clay Mineral , vol. 27, no 5, pp.313-321, 1979.

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[10] K.E. Peters , & M.R. Cassa, (1994) Applied Source AUTHORS' INFORMATION Rock Geochemistry, AAPG,60, 93- 117. [11] Pearson, D. L. (1984). Pollen/spore color “standard”. Phillips Nur Izzati Izwani Yusri obtained her bachelor’s degree from Universiti Petroleum Company Geological Branch. Teknologi PETRONAS in Petroleum Geoscience course. She has completed [12] Fisher, M. J. (1980). Kerogen distribution and her internship at PETRONAS Research depositional environments in the Middle Jurassic Sdn Bhd as a geoscience intern and managed to express her research of Yorkshire U.K. IN C., B. D., SINGH, H. P. & interest in geochemistry analysis TIWARI, R. S. (Eds.) 4th International Palynological through her final year project entitled “General Geology Conference, Lucknow 1976-1977. and Hydrocarbon Potential of Carbonaceous Shale in Kg Ibok, Chukai, Terangganu [13] Staplin, F. L. (1969). Sedimentary organic matter, organic metamorphism, and oil and gas AP Askury Abd Kadir completed occurrence. Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum his BSc (Hons) in Geology major in Geology, 17, 47-66. Economic Geology from UKM and obtained MSc in Engineering [14] D. Jarvie,, Geochemical Characteristics of Geology from Leeds University. His the Devonian Woodford Shale: World- wide MSc research topic was “The Geochemistry, 2008 accessed on 2 April 2012, determination of shrinkage limit http://www.ogs.ou.edu/ pdf/GSJarvieS.pdf. for clay soils using a travelling microscope with a comparison to the established definitive method [15] D.W. Waples,, and M.H. Tobey, ‘Like Space and Time, (TRRL)”. After 24.5 years served as a Government Transformation Ratio is Curved’, AAPG Annual Servant in the Minerals and Geoscience Department, Convention & Exhibition, Denver, Colorado, May he decided to join UTP for sharing his vast experience 31-June 3, 2015, online accessed on March 2017. with students as a field geologist. Associate Professor in Geoscience Department, he involved with teaching and research on geomechanical properties of rocks, structural geology and engineering geology. He is also actively involves in AAPG-UTP-Student Chapter as Advisor on students’ activities and Council Member of Geological Society of Malaysia.

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