Tectonics and sedimentation of SW Sarawak basin, Malaysia, NW Borneo

Structurally SW Sarawak basin is a southward sloping basement characterized by passive margin tectonic that has undergone through varioius tectonic phases viz., Triassic extension, Cretaceous transpression and Oligo-Miocene compression. Rock types and sedimentation of deeper basin zone situated between Schwaner mountains block to the south and SW Sarawak basin to the north suggest progressive marine sedimentation. E-W trending Cretaceous carbonate platform (CCP) occurs in the SW Sarawak basin signify a shelf zone where shallow marine sedimentation progressed during Cretaceous transpression. Oligo-Miocene volcanics from subduction melts intercepted basin profusely forming northwest-southeast trending continental arc zone derived from partial melting of subducting slab underneath SW Sarawak basin. Back-arc extension prevailed during Oligo-Miocene and formed several extensional features. Oligo-Miocene subduction also resulted in closure and exhumation of Sri Aman marginal sea-basin to the east. SW Sarawak basin is further divided in two sub-basins viz., Senibong to the west and Kuching to the east separated by a northeast trending morphotectonic ridge that signify structural element formed due to shearing. Marine sedimentation progressed in these sub-basins mainly during Triassic–Jurassic while tidal and fluviatile sedimentation progressed during early to mid-Tertiary having total thickness of sediments about 9 km. Basin closure and exhumation is marked mainly by the formation of Cretaceous carbonate build-up that has been intruded and dissected by the Oligo-Miocene volcanics. Senibong and Kuching sub-basins are characterized by wide range of transpressive features, while, Sri Aman marginal sea-basin is characterized by oceanic assemblages, ophiolite, serpentinite and pillow basalt.