MINERALOGY AND GEOCHEMISTRY OF

BLACK SHALE FROM KUBANG PASU

FORMATION IN NORTHWEST PENINSULAR
MALAYSIA
Mohamad Asyraf bin Ibrahim
Bachelor of Technology (Hons) Petroleum Geoscience
Universiti Teknologi Petronas
Tronoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan
Email: raf_rock48@yahoo.com/asyraf6614@gmail.com

Abstract25% of sedimentary rock from Peninsular Malaysia
was made up of Paleozoic black shale. Kubang Pasu Formation
spreading across northwest Peninsular Malaysia comprised of
large deposits of black shale. Extensive geological study which
focused on stratigraphy of these formation was insufficient to
characterize these black shale deposits. Mineralogical and
geochemical studies are important to determine the compositions
of these shale and their quality. XRD detect presence of quartz as
dominant non-clay minerals in all these sample with pyrite as
traces. Calcite that was contribute by Chuping Limestone act as a
trace fraction for samples from Bukit Chondong. Illite and
kaolinite are clays minerals detected in these samples. Quartz and
these clays minerals might be contributed by weathering of felsic
igneous rock which is the basement rock of Peninsular Malaysia.
SEM analysis shows texture and grains size of shale which is very
fine round grains with low pore spaces. FTIR and UV-Vis shows
increase of aliphatic dominance in sample from Kedah compared
to Perlis. High TOC contents of sample from Kedah indicates that
it is a better source rock compared to sample from Perlis. Less
organic material preserved at shallow marine give low TOC
compared to deep marine. These analysis support the idea that
suggest Perlis as having shallow marine system while Kedah is at
deeper part of Kubang Pasu Formation.
Keywords- black shale, Kubang Pasu Formation, compositions,
shallow, deep.
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND
Black shale are important as a conventional source rock and
as an unconventional reservoir rock in petroleum system. It is
defined as dark- colored mudrock consist of clay to silt sized
mineral grains rich in organic carbon. According to Weissert
(1981), organic carbon in black shale can ranges from 1% up to
30% and values outside this range can exist. Low porosity of
shales consist of low dissolved oxygen which are favor for
preservation of organic materials. This anoxic conditions are
good for production of hydrocarbon.
About a quarter of total sedimentary cover in Peninsular
Malaysia consists of Paleozoic black shale- bearing formations.
Cocks et al. (2005) divided the stratigraphy of Paleozoic rocks
in Peninsular Malaysia into four areas: (1) Langkawi Islands;
(2) Kedah and Perlis; (3) North Perak; (4) Central Peninsular
Area around Kuala Lumpur.
Kubang Pasu Formation is a controversial formation among
geologist. According to Lee (2009), due to the absence of Late
Devonian Sanai Limestone at Sanai Hill, he suggest to combine
Chepor, Binjai and Wang Kelian formation into a single unit
known as Chepor Formation deposited after Telaga Jatoh
Formation. This is against the previous research by Hassan &
Lee (2005). Later in Hassan et al. (2013a), he discard Sanai
Limestone and reabsorb Chepor Formation into Kubang Pasu
Formation as in Jones 1981 due to presence of pebbly sandstone
in Chepor Formation.
For this study however, we will consider Chepor Formation
as a member of Kubang Pasu Formation as in Hassan et al
(2014). These previous research mainly focused on stratigraphy
aspects, none study had been done onto the chemical
compositions of Kubang Pasu Formation. Exposed part Kubang
Pasu Formation mainly shows sandstone and shale.
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT
Kubang Pasu Formation consist of black shale that crops out
north of Perlis and extends south towards north of Kedah.
However, most of studies for this formation was done in Perlis
excluding Kedah. In addition, although there had been wide
study regarding this formation in Perlis, however it does not
focused on the chemical compositions of the formation. Thus,
geochemical and mineralogical data of black shales from this
formation in Northwest Peninsular Malaysia are limited. Due to
limitation of these data, nature, compositions and quality of
black shale cannot be assess.
 1.3 OBJECTIVE
The objective of this project is to study the geochemical and
mineralogical compositions of black shale from Kubang Pasu
Formation in Northwest Peninsular Malaysia. Besides that,
hydrocarbon quality of black shale from this formation will be
acknowledged and further relates its compositions and
hydrocarbon potential to depositional environment.
1.4 SCOPE OF STUDY
This project was carried out with the definitive objectives
to obtain information on mineralogical and geochemical
aspects of black shale from Kubang Pasu Formation exposed in
Northwest Peninsular Malaysia. Kubang Pasu Formation for
this study was considered as consists of Chepor Member,
Undifferentiated Kubang Pasu Formation and Uppermost
Kubang Pasu Formation. Basic geological study such as field
observation and stratigraphic logging are included in this
project apart from mineralogical and geochemical analysis.
These data was used to deduce the depositional environment of
the study area and to assess the quality of black shale.
. Shale is a main source rock in petroleum system. Both-
Figure 1: Stratigraphy units in Northwest Peninsular Malaysia (Hassan et al.
2014)
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 ORIGINS OF BLACK SHALE
Black shale, is a term widely used by geoscientist to
describe any fine-grained dark colored sedimentary rock that
are relatively rich in organic matter (Meyers, P.A. & Mitterer,
R.M., 1986). Black shale usually deposited in brackish water or
marine deep water environment. However, some recent study
by (Schlanger and Jenkyns 1976; Schieber 1994; 1998; Ozaki
et al. 2011) suggests that black shale can formed in a range of
aquatic environment from deep to shallow water. But it is
generally agreed that, black shale formation require abundant
source of organic matter deposited in anoxic environment
(Ozaki et al., 2011). According to Tourtelot (1979),
accumulation of black shale was not controlled by geological
settings instead it is controlled by geological process.
Episodes of black shale deposition have occurred
sporadically throughout geological time. The Cretaceous
Period contains the most extensive record of black shale
formation in both shallow-water and deep ocean locations
(Arthur and Schlanger, 1979; Weissert, 1981). Much of the
world's oil production is sourced from Cretaceous rocks
(Schlanger and Cita, 1982), and so there are economic reasons
for interest in understanding the conditions leading to
deposition of black shales. Thus it transcends the role of black
shales as hydrocarbon source rocks. Knowledge on the factors
involved in their deposition provides many clues as to the
paleoceanographic conditions favorable to their formation.
2.2 ECONOMICS SIGNIFICANT OF BLACK SHALE
conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon play depends on
the viability of the source rock. In conventional hydrocarbon
play, oil and gas are produced from reservoir rock,
unconventional resources on the other hand, hydrocarbon was
directly produced from its source rock. Mechanism for
hydrocarbon generation however is similar for both
conventional and unconventional oil and gas. Hydrocarbon
generation potential of source rock is directly proportional to its
volume, organic richness and thermal maturity of the rock.
Volume of source rock is counted in terms of areal extends and
the thickness of the rock. Organic richness refers to amount and
types of organic matter entrapped in the rock, different types of
organic matter usually generate different types of kerogen. As
the rock buried deeper, it will be subjected to an increase in
pressure and temperature. Thus, thermal maturity which is the
thermal transformation of organic matter at certain window will
act which gives an ability of the source rock to generate
hydrocarbon.
According to Tourtelot (1979) black shales is an important
rock unit that can act as a syngenetic hosts for metal deposits.
Relative to average shales, black shales are commonly rich in
sulfides and metals (Leventhal, 1993). According to Leventhal
(1993) organic rich shales are not necessarily high metal rich,
but metal rich shales can occur despite high organic
preservation in the shale. The reason is in some cases, metals
are either unavailable for concentration or the sedimentation
rate so quick that clastic dilution caused low value of metals.
2.3 GEOLOGY OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA
According to Khoo T.T & Tan B.K (1983) Peninsular
Malaysia can be divided into three longitudinal belts (Western,
Central, and Eastern) based on their own distinctive
characteristics and geological development. These three belts
have contrasting geology between one another which capture
the interest of researcher to understand the marginal areas
between these belts. However, according to Khoo T.T & Tan
B.K (1983), the geology of northwest Peninsular which is
Kedah and Perlis and possibly include north Perak has some
distinctive differences from the rest of Western Belt which was
consider as Northwestern Zone by Foo, K.Y (1983).
2.3 STRATIGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY OF KUBANG
PASU FORMATION
Kubang Pasu Formation spread across Perlis and Kedah as
in figure 2 was considered as part of Northwestern Belt by Foo,
K.Y (1983). According to Hassan et al. (2013), the northwest
Peninsular Malaysia preserves abundant of Paleozoic
sedimentary layers of Cambrian to Permian. Langkawi shows
better representation of Cambrian strata while North Kedah and
mainland Perlis gives better preservation of post- Cambrian
succession. The area of Perlis and North Kedah are less affected
by extensive granite intrusion as compared to equivalent
sedimentary succession in Langkawi.
Figure 2: Geological map of Northwest Peninsular Malaysia (Hassan
et al. 2014)
This project utilized the latest stratigraphic nomenclature
from Hassan et al. (2014). Kubang Pasu Formation according
to Hassan et al. (2014) consist of mostly quartz and feldspartic
sandstone interbedded with mudstones of various colour. Jones
(1981) estimate the thickness of this unit about 1372m but may
be incorrect according to Hassan et al. (2014) as this succession
is affected rigorously by faulting and folding. Grey- red
mudstone interbedded with sandstone act as the base of this
formation. Hassan et al. (2014) divided this formation into three
stratigraphic units which is (1) Chepor Memper, (2)
Undifferentiated upper Kubang Pasu Formation, and (3)
Uppermost Kubang Pasu Formation from oldest to youngest.
1) Chepor Member (Hassan et al. 2014)
The author defined Chepor Member as consist of thick, grey to
red mudstone interbedded with quartzitic and feldspartic
sandstone rich in fossil. Small brachiopods dominant in this
unit. The age of this unit are assumed to be of Late Devonian-
Carboniferous (Hassan and Lee, 2004). Chepor Member rocks
can be divided into four facies, (1) Mudstone, (2) Graded
sandstone, (3) Clean Sandstone, (4) Diamictite. Based on the
facies discovered, the lowermost part of Kubang Pasu
Formation was assumed as glacial marine shelf system.
Icebergs might have drifted to shallow and warmer part of the
settings and melted which contribute to diamictite.
2) Undifferentiated upper Kubang Pasu Formation
This part of Kubang Pasu Formation was poorly studied due to
lack of exposed outcrop and lack of fossil available.
Undifferentiated upper Kubang Pasu Formation described by
poorly dated succession eastward of Chepor Member exposures
at Sanai Hills and Hutan Aji. It has most of Chepor Member
characteristics but are poorly fossiliferous. This part of Kubang
Pasu Formation is laterally equivalent to Singa Formation in
Langkawi. Jones (1981) interprets this lateral equivalent as
glacial marine diamictites with interbedded lithic to quartzitic
sandstone.
3) Uppermost Kubang Pasu Formation
Jones (1981) observe the exposure of this unit at the foot of
Chuping karst hills in Central Perlis which is then overlain by
Chuping Limestone. Limestone upsection that gradually
replace siliciclastic sandstone and mudstone formed
gradational boundary of this unit. Uppermost unit of Kubang
Pasu Formation are believed to be from late Early Permian
(Kungurian-Roadian). Based on study by Hassan et al. (2013),
this unit can be divided into cycles of meters to ten of meters of
thick facies succession. This succession shows coarsen upward
texture from bioturbated mudstone interbedded with thin
siltstone and sandstone (Offshore Facies), into interbedded
hummocky cross-stratified sandstone and mudstone (Distal
Lower Shoreface Facies), and then with amalgamated
hummocky and swaley cross-stratified sandstone (Proximal
Lower Shoreface). Predominance of wave and storm generated
facies like hummocky cross stratified and symmetrical ripples
indicate that this unit possibly at prograding wave- and storm-
influenced coastal depositional environment.
Kubang Pasu Formation can be summarized as consisting
of two types of depositional environment: shallow-marine and
deep-marine environments. Yap (1991) conclude that Kubang
Pasu Formation in Perlis was deposited in marine continental
shelf while Zaiton and Basir (1999) found that Kubang Pasu
Formation in Kedah to be of deep marine environment which is
from deep-sea fan to basin floor.
Kubang Pasu Formation in Kedah is quite ambiguous as
there is no extensive study had been done in this area.
Hutchinson (1989) synthesize that Kubang Pasu Formation in
northwest and central Kedah conformably overlying Mahang
Formation. According to Basir et al. (2003), deep marine
Mahang Formation in Kedah had passes up to the Kubang Pasu
Formation that was also deposited in a deeper water
environment. Kubang Pasu Formation in this area consist of
lithological units such as chert sequence, interbedded
mudstone-sandstone and a thick sandstone sequence that
represent upper part of the formation (Zaiton & Basir, 2000).
Zaiton and Basir (2000) also suggests that Kubang Pasu
Formation in Kedah are overlain by Semanggol Formation.
Generally, the whole rock sequence in Kedah, was deposited in
deep-marine environments, except the Kodiang Limestone. The
cherts from the Kubang Pasu Formation contains high organic
carbon (Basir et al., 2003).
METHODOLOGY
Methodology throughout this study combined geological,
geochemical and mineral study to acquire sufficient data. This
paper however, will discuss on the main topics only which is
geological and mineralogical. 6 samples collected across Perlis
and Kedah was subjected to mineralogical study such as XRD
and SEM and geochemical study of FTIR, UV-Vis, and TOC.
3.1 X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) Analysis
XRD analysis used for mineral identification and semi
quantitative estimate of the crystalline mineral components of
the sediments. Crystal can be observed as a stack of thin layers
with same thickness. When a parallel beam of X-rays hit the
crystal, fraction of the beam will be reflected by the first layer
of the crystal. Remaining penetration of the radiation will be
reflected by the subsequent layers. Two reflected beams vanish
when path length between reflections from layers is multiple
half to the wavelength of the radiation. However, when the
difference is exactly an integer times the wavelength, those two
reflected beams will reinforced. Difference in path length is an
integer times the wavelength known as Braggs law. The XRD
analysis require crushed rock sample taken from the outcrop in
powder form.
3.2 Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
SEM is an electron microscope that produces images of a
sample by scanning it with a focused beam of electrons. Beam
of electron are generated by source such as tungsten filament or
field emission gun. These electron was accelerated through a
high voltage and pass through a system of apertures and
electromagnetic lenses to create a thin beam of electrons. These
beams of electron scans the surface of the specimen by means
of scan coil. Detector then detect electron emitted by the
specimen due to the action of scanning beam. It is used to
analyze depositional texture, structure and surface topography
of sample.
3.3 Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Analysis
Total organic carbon presence in shale can be measured by
heating powdered shale sample in furnace. Powdered sample
are to increase surface area for full combustion. Equipment
used is Rock-Eval pyrolysis machine. Amount of carbon
dioxide produced are proportional to the amount of carbon
liberated in the furnace that represent the carbon content of the
shale. Prior to heating, carbonates fraction of sample removed
using HCl to prevent inaccurate results.
3.4 Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Analysis
FTIR is an analytical technique used to identify organic,
polymeric, and in some cases, inorganic materials. It is an
important technique for organic chemistry as presence of
certain functional groups in a molecule can be identify easily
with it. Dominant functional group identified from powdered
sample can be used to assess the nature of sample.
3.5 Ultra-Violet Visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis) Analysis
UV-Vis measure attenuation of light beam after it passes
through sample and reflected from a sample surface.
Absorption measurements can be at a single wavelength or even
an extended spectral range. It is a qualitative and quantitative
analysis. UV-Vis used to detect functional group of element
present in the powdered sample. Radiation of different
wavelength are absorbed by different molecules. Number of
absorption bands corresponding to structural groups within a
molecules are showed by absorption spectrum.
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
4.1 FACIES AND DEPOSITIONAL ENVIRONMENT OF
KUBANG PASU FORMATION
Facies of outcrop at Bukit Chondong and Tanah Merah are
mainly consists of black shale interbedded with sandstone. Four
episodes of alternating black shale formation can be observed
at Bukit Chondong. For outcrop at Jitra however, it consists
mainly of sandstone and mudstone. Dropstones can be found in
all of these locality. Fossils and sedimentary structures
associated with shallow marine such as planar cross bed,
hummocky cross stratification, ripple mark can be observed at
Bukit Chondong. Trace fossils also abundant here. For both
outcrop at Jitra, only ripple mark and fossils rich mudstone can
be observed. Locality at Tanah Merah lack of these structure
and fossils.
Due to association of outcrop at Bukit Chondong with
fossils and sedimentary structures, this outcrop had been
considered as shallow marine. It is affected by transgression
and regression of sea- level. This formation spread as pro-delta
in Jitra. It can be proved by the presence of fossils- rich-
mudstone and ripple mark on sandstone. Deep marine part
probably located at Tanah Merah.
4.2 LABORATORY ANALYSIS
Lab analysis can be divided into geochemical and
mineralogical analysis had been carried out to obtain
information regarding the nature of black shale from this
formation. Table below is the details of sample analyzed:-
No State & Sample Latitude Longitude
District
1. Perlis BC1 06O3318.52 100O1410.21
(Kangar) BC2
BC3
2. Kedah Jitra 1st 06O1830.03 100O2306.09
(Jitra) Jitra 2nd 06O1601.02 100O2649.01
3. Kedah TM 06O3318.52 06O3318.52
(Pendang)
Table 1: Identity of sample analyzed
 4.2.1 Mineralogical Analysis consist of shallow marine Kubang Pasu Formation ranging to
deeper part in Kedah. No calcite in samples collected at Kedah
Powdered samples were subjected to XRD analysis to because carbonates need clear, warm, and shallow water to
identify their mineralogical constituent. Clays which is the develop.
main constituent of shale and mudstone consists of varying Difference in 2 of illite peak was calculated based on
amount of co- occurring non-clay minerals and lower intensity Expert Highscore Software. Table 3 is the value of IC
of organic materials. Peak intensity and repetition was used to calculated for each sample.
identify major, minor and traces minerals. Minerals more than
30% represent major proportions, 10-2% minor and less than No State & District Sample Illite Crystallinity, IC
2% as traces. The results was separated into two groups: Non- (wt.%)
clay minerals and clays minerals. Using 2 acquired from 1. Perlis (Kangar) BC1 0.32
XRD, illite crystallinity (IC) was measured to determine the BC2 0.32
degree of low metamorphism of these sample. BC3 0.32
N State & Sam- Non-clay minerals Clay Minerals 2. Kedah (Jitra) Jitra 1st 0.29
o District ple Jitra 2nd 0.29
Quartz Calcite Pyrite Illite Kaoli- 3. Kedah (Pendang) TM 0.36
nite Table 3: IC classification of sample analyzed

Illite crystallinity (IC) value for the studied black shale are
1 Perlis BC1 Major Traces Traces Major - quite similar and uniform. Based on table 3, IC for the studied
. (Kangar) BC2 Major Traces Traces Major -
BC3 Major Traces Traces Major -
black shales ranging from 0.29 to 0.32. According to Verdel et
al. (2011), these outcrop or formation will be classified as
Epizone to Low Anchizone metamorphism. These
2 Kedah Jitra Major - Traces Minor Major
classification is for low grade metamorphism of pellitic rocks.
. (Jitra) 1st
Jitra Major - Traces Minor Major Epizone is a zone of shallow depth metamorphism while
2nd anchizone is for very low- grade metamorphism that caused
3 Kedah TM Major - Traces Major - changes in mineral contents of rocks. Calcite veins which
. (Pendang) corresponds to low- grade metamorphism had been observed at
Table 2: Mineralogical compositions from XRD analysis the field. Thus, it can supports IC analysis and it can be
concluded that there is a very low-grade metamorphism had
In terms of non-clays minerals, all of these sample was affect these rock and the rock still not metamorphosed to slate.
dominated by quartz (SiO2). Traces of calcite can only be found SEM analysis will create a 2D image due to bombardment
in sample from Perlis. All of these sample consist of traces of of the surface of the sample with a beam of electrons. Nano-
pyrite. This can further support the presence of pyrite that was meter features, grain size and treatment effects of sample can
observed during site visits. There is only two kind of clays be observed by this technique.
minerals identified in this sample which is kaolinite and illite.
Illite represent major fraction of clays mineral for Bukit
Chondong, Perlis and Pendang sample while minor in Jitra 1st
and 2nd sample. Kaolinite was identified as major minerals in
Jitra 1st and 2nd outcrop.
Discovery of quartz as a results of weathering of granite
support Baioumy et al. (2016) which suggests the basement of
Peninsular Malaysia is dominated by felsic igneous rock.
Decompositions of micas and feldspar gives rise to illite as they
are not resistance to weathering. Illite is predominant in marine
clays and shales. Weathering of k-feldspar which probably Figure 3: SEM images. Left: 100x and right 3000x magnification
from igneous rock through hydrolysis yield clay minerals such
as kaolinite which is a major clays in both sample from Jitra. In left image, flaky textures can be observed on the surface
Pyrite formed due to anaerobic process in anoxic environment of the specimen. It is due to high clay content of shale. In the
with less oxygen that gives rise to sulphur which then react with left figure there is a smooth layers of bedding planes presence
iron. Fine grained size of clays reduce dissolved oxygen content which is the evidence for fissility characteristics of shale.
thus create anoxic conditions within sediments which favor for In the right image, high magnification shows individual
the formation of pyrite. Traces of calcite was discovered at grains of the sample. It can be observed that the grains which is
Bukit Chondong. Calcite is a calcareous minerals coming from very fine has a high degree of roundness. Pores spaces between
carbonates. Chuping Limestones overlying Kubang Pasu those grains are not very clear, but it can be said that it was due
Formation in Bukit Chondong might be the parent material for to fine round grains that reduce pore spaces of shale. Thus,
this calcite. Indirectly, this support the argument that Perlis part shale was not considered as reservoir due to low pore spaces
availability. Permeability in shale is also low due to fine grain 2. Kedah Jitra 1st 465 0.785454 0.98
size. High degree of roundness of the grain in shale indicates (Jitra) 665 0.801946
that the sample had been carried far away from the source of Jitra 465 0.780363 0.98
sediments. However, fractional cracking is useful to produce 2nd 665 791892
hydrocarbon directly from the shale due to its layering. 3. Kedah TM 465 0.864051 0.98
(Pendang) 665 0.879519
Table 5: E4 and E6 acquired from UV-vis analysis
4.4 Geochemical Analysis
E4 represent aromatics compounds while E6 represent
FTIR is a qualitative analysis to identify functional groups aliphatics compounds. Humic acids are dominance in aliphatic
or bonds presence in a material and it is important to identify and aromatic bonds compared to fulvic acid, thus low E4/E6
hydrocarbon as it is made up of chains of atoms. ratio indicates the sample rich in humic acid. Lajos (2008)
relates that having a high amount of humic substance as having
No State & Sample Functional Group (Compound)
a great amount of carbon but low amount of oxygen. Table
District Identification
Functional Dominant below shows the results obtained from the analysis. Based on
(Compound) Organic result obtained, a general trend can be observed. Ratio of E4/E6
Group Compound for 1st and 2nd Cycle of black shale acquired from Bukit
Presence Chondong is higher than 1 while 3rd Cycle of black shale in
1. Perlis BC1 Aromatic Bukit Chondong, both sample from Jitra and Tanah Merah
(Kangar) BC2 Alcohol Aromatic shows ratio that is lower than 1. Acording to Ben- Awuah and
BC3 Phosphorus Aromatic/ Padmanabhan (2014), E4/E6 ratio of sample that is higher than
Aliphatic Aliphatic 1 as dominated by aromatics compounds while lower than 1 as
2. Kedah Jitra 1st Aromatic Aliphatic dominated by aliphatic compounds. Humic acids contains
(Jitra) Jitra 2nd Aliphatic greater amount of aromatics compounds than aliphatics. Pettit
3. Kedah TM Phosphorus Aliphatic (2017) conclude that for any sample with higher aromatics
(Pendang) Aliphatic compared to aliphatics as had undergo greater humification or
Aromatic polymerization thus increase their molecular weight.
Table 4: Functional group identified from analysis Based on Van Krevelen diagram below, humic substances
was dominant in Type III kerogen that came primarily from
FTIR yield aromatic dominance in BC1 and BC2, land plants deposits. According to Vandenbroucke and Largeau
undistinguishable proportions of aliphatic and aromatics in (2007), decomposition of organic matters during deposition by
BC3, and aliphatic dominance in Jitra 1st and 2nd and in Tanah biochemical and physiochemical processes will allow
Merah (TM) outcrop. These results can be used to make several polymerization of organic compounds which requires greater
assumptions regarding depositional environment of the outcrop temperature and longer period of burial. Humic- like
and its contributing organic matter. Sample rich in aromatics compounds is the result of polymerization.
indicates that it was derived from plant- based material while
sample rich in aliphatic indicates that it is rich in dead organism
such as planktons. As discussed earlier, Perlis part of Kubang
Pasu Formation is shallow marine while Kedah part is deep
marine. Thus, this findings support the theory as plant material
mostly deposited at shallow marine while plankton mostly
deposited at deep marine environment.
UV-Vis analysis is quite similar to FTIR as it also used to
detect functional group presence in the sample. It can be used
to identify dominance compounds in the sample such as
aliphatic and aromatics which is the main components of
hydrocarbon. The proportions of these compound can be used
to assess the maturity of shale as a source rock and can also be Figure 4: Modified Van Krevelen diagram (El- Nagar, B., 2014)
utilized to assess the nature of organic materials in the rocks.
Sample from 3rd Cycle of Bukit Chondong, Jitra and Tanah
Merah was considered as more aliphatic due to lower E4/E6
No State & Sample Aliphatic/ Aromatic Identification
District Wavelength Absorbance E4/E6
ratio. This indicates that organic materials in these sample had
(mm) (%) Ration undergo less polymerization thus caused less condensation
1. Perlis BC1 465 0.635015 1.07 during degradation at lesser temperature and burial depth
(Kangar) 665 0.592627 compared to organic material that contribute to Type III
BC2 465 0.599926 1.06 kerogen. Kerogen produced from shale sample of these locality
665 0.56341 can be considered as Type II where the primary source of
BC3 465 0.830276 0.99 organics matters are planktonic inputs which deposited in deep
665 0.840803 marine ecosystem (Vandenbroucke and Largeau, 2007).
 The findings that suggest Kubang Pasu Formation in Kedah deposits thus increase its organic carbon contents. Black shale
are of deep marine system support previous research by Basir from Tanah Merah had the highest carbon contents as it is
(2010) and Hassan et al. (2014). Lipid rich kerogen of Type II located at deep marine. Organic materials tends to be deposited
generate higher amount of oil compared to Type I. Deep marine in deep marine as they are light and can be transported far away
system usually anoxic in conditions, thus organic matter will be from the source even by low energy currents. In addition,
preserved easily in this area rather than broken down. 1 st and anoxic conditions of deep marine had preserved these organic
2nd Cycle sample from Bukit Chondong are from shallow materials and contribute to kerogen formation.
marine environment as supported by high humic contents and
previous study. Due to shallow marine conditions, organic CONCLUSION
deposits mostly from land material thus contribute to Type III Bukit Chondong exposure of Kubang Pasu Formation was
kerogen. directly overlain by Chuping Limestone. Sedimentary
TOC analysis was carried out to determine the source rock succession of this area can be observed as consist of meters to
potential of the rock. A rock can only be considered as a source tens of meters thick coarsening upwards parasequences. Based
rock if the TOC contents of it are above certain threshold. TOC on sedimentary structure and fossils discovered, it is suggested
value of 0.5% to 1% are considered as organically lean rock and that this area was influenced by storm and wave coastal
assumed as incapable to produce hydrocarbon. Classification of deposits. Alternate beds of sandstone and shale show repetition
source rock quality are based on Peters and Cassa (1994). of sediments deposition that caused by transgression and
No State & Sample TOC Quality Potential regression in shallow water area. Chuping Limestones that
District (wt.%) Source Rock formed after this formation possibly take place during stable sea
1. Perlis BC1 1.4 Good Yes level conditions that permitted organism growth that contribute
(Kangar) BC2 1.2 Good Yes to carbonate formation.
BC3 0.8 Fair No Mineralogical and geochemical analysis of Bukit Chondong
2. Kedah Jitra 1st 2.7 Very Yes yields results that supports the arguments that this place are
(Jitra) Good shallow marine. High aromatics compounds was due to land
Jitra 2nd 2.8 Very Yes deposits that produce humic acid. Chuping Limestones
Good contribute to calcite minerals observed in the sample from XRD
3. Kedah TM 10.8 Excellent Yes analysis. Due to the fact that this area is shallow water, thus
(Pendang) preservation of organics materials are quite low which is the
Table 6: TOC weightage (%) from TOC analysis reason for low TOC value on sample tested from this area.
Exposure of Kubang Pasu Formation ranging from prodelta
The analysis yield quite promising TOC value for each to deep marine. Jitra 1st and 2nd outcrop was concluded as
sample, except for sample from 3rd Cycle of Bukit Chondong. prodelta due to ripple mark and fossils rich mudstones that was
TOC value of 0.5 to 1.0% are fair for hydrocarbon generation discovered in the area. Outrcrop at Tanah Merah considered
potential thus has no potential as a source rock. Value of 1.0- deep marine due to absence of fossils and sedimentary
2.0% which was shown by BC1 and BC2 is a good potential structures in the area and it was dominant by shale. Aliphatic
source rock while value more than 5% which shown by TM has compounds which mainly derived from marine materials such
an excellent ability to be a source rock. as plankton are rich in these sample. High TOC value show
Hydrocarbon was generated from kerogen that was made up good potential for a source rock had been observed in these
of organic materials. Total organics carbon contents is the sample. Thus, it can be deduced that these area are from
amount of carbon produce from the combustion of material thus prodelta to deep marine system that received lots of organics
the amount of carbon liberated can be used to predict the matter and are favorable for organic matter preservation due to
organic richness in the sample. Measurement of organic carbon low oxygen content at deeper marine. In conclusion,
contents fraction only was made possible as we had removed composition and source rock potential of these black shale was
carbonates prior to combustion of the sample. Organic richness able to be identify.
is an important factor in hydrocarbon production.
BC samples are from shallow marine, Jitra from prodelta FURTHER STUDY
and Pendang are deep marine. Fair to good TOC value at BC Further analysis such as XRF need to be carried out for this
outcrop probably due to the fact that it is shallow marine and project as it can reveal inorganic constituent of shale. In
organic matter are exposed to decomposition. Coarser grain at addition, vitrinite reflectance and Rock- Eval analysis need to
shallow marine increase dissolved oxygen contents which be includes as it can reveal the maturation of shale for a source
caused easier decomposition of the sediments thus reduce rock. In order to solve stratigraphy controversy of these
organic carbon in the rock. Jitra outcrop has a very good source formation, further study should include geochemical,
rock potential as it is located farther away from sediments sedimentological, and geological study.
sources. More sediments tends to accumulate at this area
compared to shallow marine thus increase organic material in ACKNOWLEDGMENT
the sediments. Organism lives in this settings that was observed Special thanks to Dr. Mohd Suhaili Ismail and Dr. Hassan
as fossils at the outcrop also contribute to organic materials Baioumy who had patiently guide and share their valuable
knowledge and experience with me throughout this project. I
am also indebted to all others lecturers who had been very
supportive and help me in various ways. In addition, supports
from family and friends is the greatest catalyst for me to go
through this project. Most of all, the greatest thanks to the Great
Almighty, for His blessings that enable me to finish this project.
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