ABSTRACT: Structural, sedimentary and tectonic evolution of the Buru Island, Central Mollucca, Indonesia - In relation to the hydrocarbon prospect

Guntoro, Agus , Trisakti University, Jakarta, Indonesia

Buru Island constitutes one of the islands in the Banda Islands, Central Mollucca, Indonesia. Geologically, it is part of the outer Banda Arc of non-volcanics extending from eastern part of Sumatra up to the eastern part of Sulawesi. Buru Island provides a key example of the processes involved in mountain building and continental collision, and studies made on the island have important implications for the understanding of mountain belts in the Indonesian archipelago throughout geological time, including the tectonic evolution and exploration potential both in mineral and petroleum. So far, it is generally accepted that Buru Island is a microcontinent derived from Australian continent that had been detached during the Mesozoic. The emplacement of Buru Island to the present position is still subject to debate.

Combined geological and geophysical analyses concluded the crustal structure, stratigraphical and structural framework and finally can explain the tectonic and basin evolution. The result of geological analysis reveals the presence of Mesozoic sedimentary sequences which is similar to those in Seram where these sequences proved producing hydrocarbon and structural analyses suggest the presence of thrust tectonics of the island. Whilst the present gravity data, through qualitative and quantitative modeling, indicates the presence of low gravity anomaly in the center of the island. Gravity models constructed based on geological data show the deep crustal structure in explaining the tectonic process occurred in the island. These combined geological and gravity data provide a better understanding of basin evolution and hydrocarbon prospect in Buru island.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90913©2000 AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Bali, Indonesia