Geological significance of radiolarian chert in Sabah

Abstract

Abstract: Radiolarian cherts are found associated with ophiolitic rocks in the Chert Spillite Formation and as blocks within the chaotic deposits. The ophiolitic chert association in Kudat yielded seventeen radiolarian taxa. The radiolarian assemblage indicates that the age of the chert is Barremian-Aptian. Eighteen radiolarian taxa were identified from the chert samples collected from the chert block of the Wariu Complex. The radiolarian assemblage suggests the age of the chert is Albian. The age of the cherts ranges from Barremian to Albian. The chert blocks of the Wariu Complex were derived from the ophiolitic chert association. The radiolarian chert was originally deposited on oceanic crust close to spreading center. The ophiolitic chert association represents the oldest rocks in Sabah.