Structural analysis of the Malay Basin

Abstract

The structural patterns within the Malay Basin are divided into fold and fault systems. Three main fold domains are demarcated based on fold geometry and characteristics of associated faults: Basin Hinge; Basin Axis; and Basin Ramp. As for fault systems, high density and low density fault domains are identified. Gravity and magnetic anomalies tend to have better correlation with faults than with folds. Based on fold and fault domains, two structural domains are demarcated: Eastern and Western structural domains. The Western domain comprises northerly trending structures. The Eastern domain comprises east-west trending structures. This domain can be further divided based on fold openness and presence of northerly faults. The northern sub-domain has northerly faults and more open folds whereas the southern sub-domain has less-open folds with different fold styles. The two sub-domains may be two separate structural units during the Tertiary structural development of the Malay Basin.