Structual Geology and Tectonics

Sructural Geology and Tectonics

Members                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Dr. Ng Tham Fatt                                                                                                                                                                                                             2. Dr. Masatoshi Sone

Research Direction                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Our research interests lie in the fields of structural geology and tectonics and are quite broad covering studies on the geological         structures and deformation processes in Malaysia at all scales. The research projects are strongly field based and many are                   augmented with petrographic, microstructural, and remote sensing techniques.

Research Areas                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Structure and tectonics of the Eastern Belt of Peninsular Malaysia.                                                                                                                      2. Quaternary to Recent deformation of Peninsular Malaysia.                                                                                                                                  3. Structural evolution of the Miri and Lambir Area                                                                                                                                                    4. Characterisation of faults and fault rocks of Peninsular Malaysia

Research Accomplishments and Findings                                                                                                                                                                  Our researchs on the deformation of the Eastern Belt shows that the Carboniferous and older strata have undergone intense multiple deformation involving at least 3 deformation episodes as compared to the younger less deformed Permian strata. The second deformation involved a transpressive deformation. We also noted that the development of the Miri Anticline involved transpression. The recent earthquake activities in Peninsular Malaysia were due to reactivation of ancient fault zones. Most of the major fault zones in Peninsular Malaysia experienced multiple episodes of deformation that generated a diverse variety of fault rocks. The texture and microstructure of the fault rocks can be used as indicators for the condition and mechanism of deformation.