Distal Turbidites of the Semantan Formation (Middle-Upper Triassic) in the Central Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia

The Semantan Formation has been interpreted as deep-marine deposits based on sedimentological and palaeontological studies (e.g. Metcalfe et al. 1982; Metcalfe & Azhar Haji Hussin, 1994; Mohd Shafeea Leman & Masatoshi Sone 2001). Convergence between the Eastmal/Indosinia and Sibumasu blocks during the late Triassic resulted in closure of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean (Hutchison, 1989). Remnants of this ocean are represented by the deep-marine deposits of the Semantan Formation (Middle to Upper Triassic) in the Central Belt of Peninsular Malaysia. Some outcrops of the Semantan Formation at SK Sri Tualang and Taman Mutiara, near Temerloh and along the Karak-Kuantan highway, were studied to gain a better understanding of the deep-marine sedimentary facies and sedimentation processes in the distal parts of submarine fans and basin plain environments (Figure 1).