Full text loading...
The formation of the Samarinda Anticlinorium has been interpreted mainly in terms of compression caused by multiphase Early Miocene to Recent deformation. This suggestion has been accepted by many authors ( Chambers and Daley, 1995 ; Cloke et al., 1997 ; Moss et al., 1997 ; McClay et al., 2000 ) who interpret Miocene to present deformation in the Samarinda Anticlinorium is associated with the basin inversion and uplift caused by regional compression. In contrast, previous model of the formation of the Samarinda Anticlinorium suggested by Ott (1987) demonstrated the regional gravity-driven fold and thrust belt. More observation by Biantoro et al. (1992) suggested the shale diapirsm mechanism and two couple major left-lateral strike-slip fault system of Sangkulirang Fault and Paternosfer Fault caused the fold and thrust system of the Samarinda Anticlinorium. Based on our recent observation from field and sub-surface seismic section, it exhibit the orientation structures and structural style of fold and thrust system appears completely inconsistent with the direction of stresses required to produce fold and thrust belt by such mechanism. This paper provide some insight into the existing tectonic model, recent field obervation, field evidences, and implication for the regional tectonic evolution of East Kutai Basin.