Sedimentological and palaeontological study along the Kuala Tekai-Kuala Tahan stretch of Tembeling River, Jerantut, Pahang

Abstract

The rock succession which is exposed along the riverbank from Kuala Tekai to Kuala Tahan of Tembeling River was mapped and interpreted by previous workers as part of the Semantan Formation. However, detailed sedimentological and palaeontological study which was carried out during this study distinguished the succession into the Semantan Formation and the Mangkin Sandstone Formation of the Tembeling Group. The Semantan Formation consists of three major sedimentary facies, namely; laminated siltstone interbedded with shale facies, laminated carbonaceous shale facies, and graded bedding sandstone facies. Four major sedimentary facies were identified in the rock succession of the Mangkin Sandstone Formation. These are pebbly sandstone interbedded with sandstone facies, massive sandstone facies, interbedded sandstone and siltsone facies and interbedded sandstone and mudstone facies. The discovery of fairly well-preserved palynomorphs in the studied rock succession can be utilised in interpreting the age of the rocks. Some twenty palynomorph taxa were identified which include Retitriletes circolumenus, Lycopodiumsporites sp., Lycopodiumsporites eminulus, Klukisporites variegatus, Neoraistrickia truncates and Cyathidites punctatus. The identified palynomorph assemblage is comparable to Stylosus Assemblage of Neocomian-Aptian age.