STRATIGRAPHIC STUDIES OF LITHOLOGIC SEQUENCES EXPOSED ALONG

ROAD CUTS IN MT. NABLO AND BARANGAY TALBAK, BULACAN

by

Clement Christian A. Fajardo

A Thesis Submitted to the School of Civil, Environmental, and Geological Engineering

in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree

B.S. Geological Science and Engineering

Mapúa Institute of Technology

25 March 2015

i
ii
 APPROVAL SHEET

This is to certify that we have supervised the preparation of and read the thesis prepared by
Clement Christian A. Fajardo entitled Stratigraphic Studies of Lithologic Sequences Exposed
along Road Cuts in Mt. Nablo and Barangay Talbak, Bulacan and that the said thesis has been
submitted for final examination by the Oral Examination Committee.

__________________________________
Guillerma Jayne T. Atienza
Thesis Adviser

As members of the Oral Examination Committee, we certify that we have examined this thesis,
presented before the committee on March 25, 2015, and hereby recommend that it be accepted as
fulfilment of the thesis for the degree in B.S. Geological Science and Engineering.

__________________________________ __________________________________
Maybellyn A. Zepeda, D.Sc. Jocelyn C. Villanueva
Thesis Panel Member Thesis Panel Member

__________________________________
Marianne V. Fernandez
Thesis Panel Member

This thesis is hereby approved and accepted by the School of Civil, Environmental, and Geological
Engineering as fulfilment of the thesis requirement for the degree in B.S. Geological Science and
Engineering.

__________________________________
Francis Aldrine A. Uy, Ph.D.
Dean, SCEGE

iii
(blank page)

iv
 ABSTRACT
STRATIGRAPHIC STUDIES OF LITHOLOGIC SEQUENCES EXPOSED ALONG
ROAD CUTS IN MT. NABLO AND BARANGAY TALBAK, BULACAN

CLEMENT CHRISTIAN A. FAJARDO

Mapúa Institute of Technology

Muralla St., Intramuros, Manila, Philippines

New exposures of major lithologic sequences exposed along road cuts in Mount Nablo and
Barangay Talbak, Bulacan Province panned the way for a re-interpretation of the stratigraphy of
the studied areas.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (2004) mapped two (2) formational units in the study
area, namely, the Bayabas Formation and the Angat Formation in Barangay Talbak and Mount
Nablo, respectively. However, results of this study showed that there were additional lithologic
units exposed in these areas, mainly, the Angat Formation and the Alagao Volcanics Member of
the Madlum Formation in Mount Nablo, and the Manga Metavolcanics in Barangay Talbak.
The Manga Metavolcanics consists of porphyritic basalt and crystal ash tuff. The
porphyritic basalt is composed of plagioclase insets set against an intergranular groundmass made
up of randomly oriented plagioclase microlaths with interstitial augite granules. Crisscrossing
veinlets of chlorite ± limonite ± zeolite traverse the section. On the other hand, the crystal ash tuff
exhibits a fragmental texture where its constituents are made up of angular plagioclase, partly
altered chlorite crystals, and lithic clasts set in a turbid devitrified glass matrix made up of slightly
chloritized glass and microcrystalline quartz aggregates.
Conversely, the Angat Formation consists of biosparite with abundant foraminifers, corals
and algae. Larger foraminifera such as Lepidocyclina (N.) sp, Lepidocyclina (N.) sumatrensis,
Miogypsina spp., and Cycloclypeus sp. fragment were identified from the limestone samples.
These species indicate an Early to Middle Miocene age with its paleoenvironment as a shallow
environment with open marine influences.
Moreover, the Madlum Formation unconformably overlies the Angat Formation in Mount
Nablo. It is composed primarily of crystal ash tuff which belongs to the Alago Volcanics Member.
It is depicts a fragmental texture. Its bulk fragments are made up of lithic clasts and crystal
fragments of plagioclase, quartz, and augite set in a murky matrix of clay ± microcrystalline quartz
± cryptofelsitic aggregates.
These new rock exposures have further refined the stratigraphy of the Bulacan Provinces
in the Luzon Island.

KEYWORDS: Manga Metavolcanics, Angat Formation, Alagao Volcanics Member, Madlum

Formation, Bayabas Formation.

v
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to give my deepest gratitude to the LORD for the gifts you have given me and for directing my path
to the following persons who have been instrumental in the completion of my thesis.

Elsa and Anderson Fajardo, my beloved parents, for their non-ending support both financially and
academically not only with this thesis but with everything else. Thank you.

Marianne V. Fernandez, my thesis professor and panel member, for the guidance she has given me throughout
the entire writing of this thesis. She has been very supportive of my work and has been very patient despite the
student’s shortcomings.

Ma. Elveta Comsti, one of my panel members and professor, for the stupendous advice and recommendations
she has given me that made the objectives and tasks of my thesis much easier to do.

Karlo L. Queaño, PhD, one of my professors in Geology, for giving me the topic for the thesis and constantly
checking and correcting not only the grammar, but the concepts and notions of my thesis proposal.

Guillerma Jayne Atienza, my thesis adviser, for accepting to become my thesis adviser and helping me
throughout the entire process.

Jocelyn Villanueva, one of my panel members, for the guidance and support she has given me not only
throughout the interpretation of data of this thesis but throughout my last few terms in Mapúa until my thesis
defense.

Maybellyn Zepeda, PhD., for her knowledge, guidance, and assistance with the various details of my thesis.

Kimberly M. Vitto, my friend and former classmate, for accompanying me when I go to the field and helping
organize my data. She has also helped me a lot with creating the geological maps for my thesis and because of
this I am truly grateful.

Zielah D. Ablong, my girlfriend, for accompanying me to the field and giving me the moral support I need.

Barren Dunn Parungao, for helping me with the thesis and accompanying me to the fieldwork. Moreover, I
would like to extend my gratitude for allowing me to use his thesis as a reference.

Anthony Banaag Medina, Jr., for accompanying me to the field and helping me with the structural geology
portion of this thesis.

For this achievement, I give back all the glory and praises to the omnipotent Father Almighty.

Clement Christian A. Fajardo

vi
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE i

CERTIFICATION ii

APPROVAL SHEET iii

ABSTRACT v

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS vii

LIST OF FIGURES ix

LIST OF APPENDIX xii

Chapter 1: INRODUCTION 13

1.1 Statement of the Problem 15

1.2 Objectives 15

1.3 Scope and Limitation 15

1.4 Significance of Study 15

1.5 Conceptual Framework 17

Chapter 2: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 18

Chapter 3: STRATIGRAPHIC STUDIES OF LITHOLOGIC SEQUENCES 23

EXPOSED ALONG ROADCUTS IN MT. NABLO AND BARANGAY TALBAK,
BULACAN

3.1 Abstract 23

3.2 Introduction 24

3.3 Methodology 26

3.3.1 Compilation of Existing Data 26

3.3.2 Field Mapping 26

3.3.3 Laboratory Procedures 26

vii
 3.3.4 Procedures of Classification 27

3.3.4.1 Procedures for Petrographic Classification

3.3.5 Data Integration and Analysis 29

3.4 Background Information 30

3.4.1 Regional Tectonic Setting 30

3.4.2 Location and Accessibility 32

3.4.3 Geomorphology 32

3.4.4 Climate and Vegetation 33

3.5 Results and Discussion 35

Chapter 4: CONCLUSION 69

Chapter 5: RECOMMENDATION 71

REFERENCES 73

APPENDICES 76

viii
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1 Map encompassing the study areas.

Figure 1.2 Conceptual framework design.

Figure 2.1 Comparative stratigraphy of major studies of Bulacan.

Figure 3.1 Flow chart of the methodology in the study.

Figure 3.2 Tectonic map of the Philippine Islands.

Figure 3.3 The PAGASA Modified Coronas Classification of Climate

Figure 3.4 Topographic map showing stations 1 to 12.

Figure 3.5 Image showing new road constructions in the area (photo taken in
the first quarter of the year 2014)

Figure 3.6 Image of limestone outcrop at Mount Nablo.

Figure 3.7 Image of limestone outcrop at Mount Nablo.

Figure 3.8 Panoramic image of limestone outcrop at Mount Nablo with scale.

Figure 3.9 Microscopic image of the benthic foraminifera Miogypsina.

Figure 3.10 Microscopic image of the microcrystalline calcite.

Figure 3.11 Another image of a benthic foraminifera.

Figure 3.12 Image of the limestone outcrop at Mount Nablo.

Figure 3.13 Panoramic view of station 3 with a view facing east.

Figure 3.14 Image of extremely weathered tuff outcrop at Mount Nablo.

Figure 3.15 Image of crystal ash tuff outcrop at Mount Nablo.

Figure 3.16 Image of altered crystal tuff.

ix
Figure 3.17 Photomicrograph of thin section of sample 5.

Figure 3.18 Point location map with description of outcrop indicating where
samples were gathered in Mount Nablo.

Figure 3.19 Highly weathered limestone.

Figure 3.20 Station 7 outcrop composed of limestone.

Figure 3.21 Far view of the outcrop in station 7 showing thick vegetation.

Figure 3.22 Same limestone in station 8.

Figure 3.23 Large limestone outcrop at a distance from station 9.

Figure 3.24 Panoramic view of the highly weathered limestone in station 9.

Figure 3.25 Sharp contact found in station 11.

Figure 3.26 Panoramic view of the contact found in station 11.

Figure 3.27 Closer view of chlortized tuff.

Figure 3.28 Closer view of basalt.

Figure 3.29 Sample TB1-B - crystal ash tuff.

Figure 3.30 Photomicrograph of thin section TB1-B.

Figure 3.31 Photomicrograph of another portion of the thin section of TB1-B.

Figure 3.32 Sample BT-1 – porphyritic basalt.

Figure 3.33 Photomicrograph of thin section of BT-1.

Figure 3.34 Photomicrograph of thin section of BT-1.

Figure 3.35 Photomicrograph of thin section BT-1.

x
Figure 3.36 Jointing exhibited by the crystal ash tuff in station 11.

Figure 3.37 Point location map with description of outcrop indicating where
samples were gathered in Barangay Talbak.

xi
 LIST OF APPENDIX

Appendix 1 Paleontological Analysis from MGB

Appendix 2 Stratigraphic Logs

xii
 Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION

Due to the construction of new roads in various areas in Bulacan, more outcrops may now

be studied in order to further refine the stratigraphy of the region. This is especially true for the

new road cuts that were recently constructed last 2012 along Mount Nablo. As for Barangay

Talbak, no related literature available has provided information on the outcrops in these areas.

Although previous studies have already been made, the lack of consensus between various

authors (which are discussed in detail in this paper’s related literature) and inadequate geologic

information of various areas in Bulacan especially in the newly constructed road cuts in Mount

Nablo and Barangay Talbak has prompted the author to conduct a stratigraphic study of areas

specifically of the newly exposed outcrops.

The eastern marginal mountain belt or the Sierra Madre Range is considered as older than

the oldest overlying sedimentary unit in the region. However, other authors use the term “basement

complex” to describe rocks types of igneous, metamorphic, metasedimentary, and metamorphic

correlation. This construes a setback because the term is used in a wide sense with not much

specification. Yet authors such as Dalburg and Pratt (1914) describes the rocks in this region as

made up of only folded sedimentary rocks and limited igneous rocks. No mention of the presence

of metavolcanics or metasedimentary rocks have been described or mentioned in their works. New

exposures along road cuts have paved a way for this problem to be set since the study area is

located on the eastern marginal mountain belt.

Luzon’s major tectonic lineaments are double sided subduction due to the convergence of

the Eurasian and Philippine Sea plates and the horizontal slip motion along the Philippine Fault to

which most researchers consider the Philippine Fault as a left-lateral strike-slip motion that

13
accommodates part of the crustal shortening induced by the reverse polarity underthrusting of the

ocean floor beneath the island (Lewis and Hayes, 1983).

One of the most important occurrences regarding the crustal evolution of the Philippine

islands occurred about twenty (20) million years ago. This affected the tectonic setting of the

southwestern Pacific. A global plate rearrangement is thought to have taken place in that area

during the middle to late Eocene, probably associated with the folding and uplifting of the

Himalayan Belt (Taylor and Hayes, 1983).

According to Gonzales et al., (1971), carbonate deposition evidently was much less on the

northeastern edge of the syncline where spasmodic volcanism probably took place simultaneously

with the deposition generating much turbidity in the water and making it unsuitable to support the

vigorous growth of reef-building organisms while still favorable to a few forms which are more

tolerant. This may have been an indirect effect of the formation of the Himalayan Belt, which led

to the opening of the Scarborough Ridge on the country’s western side while subduction

continuously took place on the East Luzon Trough and the Philippine Trench.

Only a limited number of significant contributions to the geology of Bulacan and areas

surrounding it has been studied and reported by previous authors. These studies include

descriptions of rock units in several municipalities throughout Bulacan province: Santa Maria,

Angat, Doña Remedios Trinidad and Norzagaray. The most relevant works are those of Dalberg

and Pratt (1914), Corby (1951), Williams (1956), Gonzales and Others (1971), Dela Rosa (1978)

and Pelayo (1981).

14
1.1 Statement of the Problem

Has the new road cuts along Mount Nablo provided any new geological data? Are there

any updates to the lithologies found in Barangay Talbak relevant to the stratigraphy of the region?

1.2 Objectives

The main purpose of this study is to identify and describe the lithologic sequences exposed

by new road cuts in Mount Nablo and Barangay Talbak, it aims to:

a) Identify and describe the different lithologies of old and new rock exposures within

the study area;

b) Construct a point location map of each of the study areas; and

c) Construct stratigraphic logs.

1.3 Scope and Limitation

The study area is confined only to the road cuts along Mt. Nablo and Barangay Talbak. It

specifically focuses on those areas that are undergoing road constructions and has new unexplored

rock exposures. The study area is bounded by the coordinates 15 08’00”N, 121 05’52”E: 15

08’47”N, 121 05’52”E: 15 08’47”N, 121 05’09”E: 15 08’00”N, 121 05’52”E and 15 05’00”N, 121

09’00”E: 15 04’07”N, 121 09’00”E: 15 04’07”N, 121 11’09”E: 15 05’00”N, 121 11’09”E

1.4 Significance of Study

Any information generated in this study will provide new geologic insights that will aid in

the updating the geology of eastern Bulacan and will help in providing a better understanding of

the complexity of the geology in the region.

15
 N

Figure 1.1 Map encompassing the study areas.

The areas enclosed in the red rectangle specifies the study area with coordinates 15 08’00”N, 121 05’52”E: 15
08’47”N, 121 05’52”E: 15 08’47”N, 121 05’09”E: 15 08’00”N, 121 05’52”E (upper box) and 15 05’00”N, 121 09’00”E:
15 04’07”N, 121 09’00”E: 15 04’07”N, 121 11’09”E: 15 05’00”N, 121 11’09”E (lower box).

16
1.5 Conceptual Framework

The emergence of the new outcrops along road cuts in Mount Nablo and Barangay Talbak

will provide a better insight of the depositional environment and stratigraphic relationships of the

lithologic sequence found in the study area. Since the last comprehensive study of the stratigraphy

of Bulacan was in 1981, it is essential to identify and describe these lithologies.

The primary objective of this research is to identify and describe the new lithologic units

exposed by the ongoing construction of roads in the area with focus on the rocks in the Mt. Nablo

and Brgy. Talbak. It hopes to refine the stratigraphic relationships, lithological characteristics and

distribution of rock units by observing their lithologic facies and faunal assemblage. These will be

determined by field mapping, petrography and paleontology. As for the paleontological analysis,

an attempt to identify the fossils found in the limestone samples will be made. Through the

determination of these multiple variables, the author will be able to establish the relative ages of

these rock units and hence, determine their sequence.

Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Lithology Lithological Characteristics

Faunal Assemblage Stratigraphic Relationships
Orientation of Rock Units Distribution of Rock Units

Figure 1.2 Conceptual Framework Diagram

17
 Chapter 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

To date, there are a number of discrepancies regarding various rock units in the study area

especially in the description of the formational during the Miocene and Pre-Miocene time. Earlier

works in the area, identified by the following lithologic units, namely: basement complex,

Barenas-Baito Formation, Bayabas Formation and the Manga Metavolcanics. It is apparent that

the presence of the discrepancies is partly owed to the way these Pre-Miocene rocks and younger

rock units have been grouped. Gonzales et al., (1971), who did a comprehensive report on the

geology of the Norzagaray Quadrangle, adopted the formational designations of previous authors.

Hence, only seven (7) lithologic formations have been studied, and what has been classified is only

the basement complex as of Pre-Miocene age. This therefore, necessitates the need for further

research in the Norzagaray and Sibul Quadrangle. The findings by Gonzales et al., (1971) are

radically controversial to the works of Dela Rosa (1978). Dela Rosa (1978) establishes nine (9)

lithologic formations in and around the vicinities of Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan who

establishes three (3) Pre-Miocene rock formations, namely: Barenas – Baito Formation

(Cretaceous – Early Paleocene), Bayabas Metavolcanics (Late Paleocene – Eocene), and the

Mangga Metavolcanics (Oligocene).

Dela Rosa (1978) adopted the Barenas-Baito Formation to describe the assemblage of

rocks exposed in the easternmost portion of the area. According to previous works, this formation

was designated as Cretaceous-Paleogene rocks composed of hydrothermally altered andesitic-

basaltic flows and agglomerates overlying the more basic and spilitic flows and agglomerates.

Metasedimentary rocks are also intercalated with metavolcanics. These metavolcanics, on the

other hand, are designated by Gonzales (1971) as the “basement complex” that underlie the eastern

18
marginal mountain belt (Sierra Madre Range) to which he considers older than the oldest overlying

sedimentary unit in the region.

Figure 2.1 Comparative stratigraphy of major stratigraphic studies of Bulacan.

19
 The basement complex is characterized by Gonzales (1971) as a sequence of highly

metamorphosed, dark-brown to gray, well-bedded slaty shale, sandstone, and conglomerates that

are cut by basaltic dikes. However, two (2) different features are present in the North and South of

Madlum. Due North, the basement is predominantly olivine basalt and andesite with lesser

amounts of agglomerate; in the south, the metasedimentary sequences of the previously mentioned

sequence were observed.

Gonzales (1971) has disregarded various formations introduced by Corby et al., (1951),

namely: Early Miocene Quezon Formation and Late Miocene Sibul Formation. Instead of retaining

these formations, he designates the (from oldest to youngest) Angat Formation, the Madlum

Formation, Lambak Shale and the Makapilapil Formation. He uses the Angat Formation to

designated the lower limestone member of the Quezon Formation in the Angat River area

composed of thin bedded, laminated calcareous shale and clayey sandstone within lenses of sandy

limestone. However, Dela Rosa (1978) places the Angat Formation unconformably overlying the

Manga Volcanics whilst Gonzales (1971) positions the Angat Formation unconformably overlying

the Basement Complex; Pelayo (1981) places the Angat Formation conformably overlying the

Bayabas Formation yet notes that there is a portion of the Bayabas Formation that is of Oligocene

age that has not yet been discovered. Figure 2.1 provides a comparative stratigraphy by these

authors. However, it is important to note that only Gonzales (1971) has published a research

illustrating a stratigraphic column. The stratigraphic columns of Corby et al., (1951), Abiog

(1963), Dela Rosa (1978) and Pelayo (1981) in the Figure 2.1 were constructed by the author based

on given descriptions.

20
 Field mapping done by Dela Rosa (1978) exemplifies three (3) formations of Pre-Miocene

age, namely: Barenas-Baito Formation, Bayabas Metavolcanics and Mangga Metavolcanics. On

the same note, Pelayo (1981) combines descriptions of Dela Rosa’s (1978) Bayabas Metavolcanics

and Mangga Metavolcanics and inculcates them to his description of his Bayabas Formation.

Gonzales (1971), on the other hand, designates the lithologies of the Bayabas Metavolcanics,

Mangga Metavolcanics and the Barenas-Baito Formation described by Dela Rosa (1978) as the

basement complex.

According to Dela Rosa (1978), the Bayabas Metavolcanics has been used to designate the

assemblage of andesitic volcanic flows and agglomerates intercalated locally with

metasedimentary rocks and bear a Paleocene-Eocene age. He also uses the term Mangga Volcanics

to designate the assemblage of tuff, agglomerate and volcanic flows associated with minor

intercalated sedimentary rocks intruded by numerous andesitic dikes. The Bayabas Formation,

named by Pelayo (1981), is based upon Dela Rosa’s (1978) Mangga Volcanics and Bayabas

Metavolcanics.

The gap from the late portion of the Early Oligocene to the Late Oligocene in reports by

Corby et al., (1951), Gonzales et al., (1971) and Pelayo (1981) could only be filled in when a much

greater area in the Sierra Madre has been mapped. This gap exists because no fossils have been

found in this epoch. Pelayo (1981) predicts that the late Oligocene gap is part of his Bayabas

Formation but lacks data in order to prove his hypothesis. However, an assemblage of rocks

exposed in the north-west portion of Barrio Akle, Angat, Bulacan, has been referred by Cruz

(1975) as Oligocene rocks. This assemblage extends northward to Nueva Ecija and consists of tuff,

agglomerate and volcanic flows associated with minor intercalated sedimentary rocks and intruded

by numerous andesite dikes. Abiog (1963) and Dela Rosa (1978), conversely, do not have gaps in

21
their reports and have exemplified Younger Pre-Miocene Rocks and the Mangga Metavolcanics,

respectively, as the rock units formed during Oligocene.

Despite all the data available, the stratigraphic column of Peña (2004) in the Central Luzon

Valley still presents a variety of problems in the study area. There is still some uncertainty with

regard to the oldest formation in the region. This “oldest formation” may not even have been found

due to lack of exposures in the past years.

22
 Chapter 3
STRATIGRAPHIC STUDIES OF LITHOLOGIC SEQUENCES EXPOSED ALONG
ROAD CUS IN MT. NABLO AND BARANGAY TALBAK, BULACAN

CLEMENT CHRISTIAN A. FAJARDO

Mapúa Institute of Technology

Muralla St., Intramuros, Manila, Philippines

3.1 Abstract
New exposures of major lithologic sequences exposed along road cuts in Mount Nablo and
Barangay Talbak, Bulacan Province panned the way for a re-interpretation of the stratigraphy of
the studied areas.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (2004) mapped two (2) formational units in the study
area, namely, the Bayabas Formation and the Angat Formation in Barangay Talbak and Mount
Nablo, respectively. However, results of this study showed that there were additional lithologic
units exposed in these areas, mainly, the Angat Formation and the Alagao Volcanics Member of
the Madlum Formation in Mount Nablo, and the Manga Metavolcanics in Barangay Talbak.
The Manga Metavolcanics consists of porphyritic basalt and crystal ash tuff. The
porphyritic basalt is composed of plagioclase insets set against an intergranular groundmass made
up of randomly oriented plagioclase microlaths with interstitial augite granules. Crisscrossing
veinlets of chlorite ± limonite ± zeolite traverse the section. On the other hand, the crystal ash tuff
exhibits a fragmental texture where its constituents are made up of angular plagioclase, partly
altered chlorite crystals, and lithic clasts set in a turbid devitrified glass matrix made up of slightly
chloritized glass and microcrystalline quartz aggregates.
Conversely, the Angat Formation consists of biosparite with abundant foraminifers, corals
and algae. Larger foraminifera such as Lepidocyclina (N.) sp, Lepidocyclina (N.) sumatrensis,
Miogypsina spp., and Cycloclypeus sp. fragment were identified from the limestone samples.
These species indicate an Early to Middle Miocene age with its paleoenvironment as a shallow
environment with open marine influences.
Moreover, the Madlum Formation unconformably overlies the Angat Formation in Mount
Nablo. It is composed primarily of crystal ash tuff which belongs to the Alago Volcanics Member.
It is depicts a fragmental texture. Its bulk fragments are made up of lithic clasts and crystal
fragments of plagioclase, quartz, and augite set in a murky matrix of clay ± microcrystalline quartz
± cryptofelsitic aggregates.
These new rock exposures have further refined the stratigraphy of the Bulacan Provinces
in the Luzon Island.

KEYWORDS: Manga Metavolcanics, Angat Formation, Alagao Volcanics Member, Madlum

Formation, Bayabas Formation.

23
3.2 Introduction

Due to the construction of new roads in various areas in Bulacan, more outcrops may now

be studied in order to further refine the stratigraphy of the region. This is especially true for the

new road cuts that were recently constructed last 2012 along Mount Nablo. As for Barangay

Talbak, no related literature that is available has provided information on the outcrops in these

areas.

Although previous studies have already been made, the lack of consensus between various

authors (which are discussed in detail in this paper’s related literature) and inadequate geologic

information of various areas in Bulacan especially in the newly constructed road cuts in Mount

Nablo and Barangay Talbak has prompted the author to conduct a stratigraphic study of areas

specifically of the newly exposed outcrops.

The eastern marginal mountain belt or the Sierra Madre Range is considered as older than

the oldest overlying sedimentary unit in the region. However, other authors use the term “basement

complex” to describe rocks types of igneous, metamorphic, metasedimentary, and metamorphic

correlation. This construes a setback because the term is used in a wide sense with not much

specification. Yet authors such as Dalburg and Pratt (1914) describes the rocks in this region as

made up of only folded sedimentary rocks and a limited igneous rocks. No mention of the presence

of metavolcanics or metasedimentary rocks have been described or mentioned in their works. New

exposures along road cuts have paved a way for this problem to be set since the study area is

located on the eastern marginal mountain belt.

Luzon’s major tectonic lineaments are double sided subduction due to the convergence of

the Eurasian and Philippine Sea plates and the horizontal slip motion along the Philippine Fault to

which most researchers consider the Philippine Fault as a left-lateral strike-slip motion that

24
accommodates part of the crustal shortening induced by the reverse polarity underthrusting of the

ocean floor beneath the island (Lewis and Hayes, 1983).

One of the most important occurrences regarding the crustal evolution of the Philippine

islands occurred about twenty (20) million years ago. This affected the tectonic setting of the

southwestern Pacific. A global plate rearrangement is thought to have taken place in that area

during the middle to late Eocene, probably associated with the folding and uplifting of the

Himalayan Belt (Taylor and Hayes, 1983).

According to Gonzales et al., (1971), carbonate deposition evidently was much less on the

northeastern edge of the syncline where spasmodic volcanism probably took place simultaneously

with the deposition generating much turbidity in the water and making it unsuitable to support the

vigorous growth of reef-building organisms although still favorable to a few forms which are more

tolerant. This may have been an indirect effect of the formation of the Himalayan Belt which led

to the opening of the Scarborough Ridge on the country’s western side while subduction

continuously takes place on the East Luzon Trough and the Philippine Trench.

Only a limited number of significant contributions to the geology of Bulacan and areas

surrounding it has been studied and reported by previous authors. These studies include

descriptions of rock units in several municipalities throughout Bulacan province: Santa Maria,

Angat, Doña Remedios Trinidad and Norzagaray. The most relevant works are those of Dalberg

and Pratt (1914), Corby (1951), Williams (1956), Gonzales and Others (1971), Dela Rosa (1978)

and Pelayo (1981).

25
3.3 Methodology
The study has focused on identifying and describing the lithologies of the newly exposed

outcrops in the study area. This entails the necessity of fieldwork and collection of samples.

Samples from each formation on each site will be taken and subjected to petrographic and

paleontological analysis.

3.3.1 Compilation of existing data

Scientific papers, both published and unpublished, were compiled. Similarly, regional

geologic and topographic maps were gathered for reference and for geologic mapping.

3.3.2 Field mapping

New exposures have been found through the reconnaissance survey that occurred during

3rd Quarter SY 2012-2013 with the Field Mapping class under the tutelage of Dr. Karlo L. Queaño.

These new rock units were exposed due to the new roads and construction occurring in the study

area. Published and unpublished journals were reviewed in order to get a detailed description of

the units in the study area. However, upon revisiting the area, new road constructions and

unexplored areas in Mt. Nablo and Barangay Talbak, respectively, have led the author to study the

exposures found in the new road cuts. Further fieldwork was conducted in February 2014,

November 2014, and March 22, 2015.

3.3.3 Laboratory procedures

To complement the field description of rocks, petrographic analyses were made on

representative samples for compositional determination and verification of rock identification.

Such undertaking also provides vital information for determining the provenance of the sediments.

26
Selected rock samples (Sample 1A, Sample 1B, Sample 2, Sample 5, BT-1, and TB1-B) were

analyzed by the author and checked by Professor Jocelyn C. Villanueva from the Mines the

Geosciences Bureau for petrographical analysis to determine the composition of the samples. As

for the paleontological analysis, representative samples were also sent to the Paelontology Unit of

the Lands Geological Survey Division of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau for analysis. It is

worth noting that previous works by Gonzales and Others (1971) have mapped areas in the Sibul

Quadrangle of limestones only belonging to the Angat Formation, however, further fieldwork in

this study discovered that there are additional rock units in the vicinity.

3.3.4 Procedures of Classification

This section conveys the classifications and references used in order to identify and

categorize the samples. It presents a detailed methods in classifying the carbonate and igneous

rocks in this study.

3.3.4.1 Procedures for Petrographic Classification

Polarizing microscope. In the analysis of the thin sections, the Nikon (old) Polarizing

microscope was used for analysis. Nikon (new) was used for taking the photomicrographs since it

depicts good contrast and vibrance. A Samsung Galaxy Note 1 and Xperia Z1 were used to take

the pictures.

Clast Measurement. Utilization of the 4x magnification objective lens to measure the clasts

found within the thin sections. A correction factor of 0.01 was used.

27
 Volume Measurement. For volume measurement, a combination of visual estimation and

visual comparison charts for estimating abundances in thin sections, peels, and photographic or

digital images. This method was adapted from Baccelle and Boselini (1965).

Limestone Classifications. The Folk classification of 1962 was also used to classify the

limestones found in the study area.

Figure 3.1 Flow chart of the methodology used in the study.

28
3.3.5 Data integration and analysis
All field and laboratory data were compiled, analyzed and integrated as soon as they were

available. This included all of the mentioned sources.

29
3.4 Background Information
3.4.1 Regional Tectonic Setting
The most active and most important tectonic activity around the Philippine archipelago are

the convergence of the two (2) plates, namely: the westward subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate

along the Philippine-East Luzon Trench and the eastward subduction of the South China Sea plate

along the Manila Trench and, to end with, the Philippine Fault; which is a 1,300 kilometer long

active lineament with left-lateral strike-slip motion.

The Philippine archipelago is bounded to the east and west by numerous subduction zones.

A major left-lateral strike-slip fault longitudinally cuts the island (Yumul et al, 2008). This is the

Philippine Fault Zone (PFZ) which is a left-lateral strike slip fault that longitudinally cuts the

whole island. It has both compressional and transtensional components (Aurelio, 2000a). On the

eastern boundary of the archipelago, the Eocene West Philippine Sea Plate, through oblique

subduction, is being consumed along the west-dipping East Luzon Trough-Philippine Trench.

Located in the Philippine Mobile Belt is the Philippine archipelago which is considered by

Gervasio (1966) as an actively deforming zone.

The Sierra Madre is the longest mountain range in the Philippines. It starts from the north

at the province of the Cagayan and ends in the south in the province of Quezon, just east of Laguna

de Bay. To the west as it reaches the province of Nueva Vizcaya to form the Caraballo Mountains,

with which it connects with the Cordillera range. With a Pre-Tertiary basement made of schists

and tonalites unconformably overlain by sedimentary, volcanic and pyroclastic rocks, the

Caraballo Range is a smaller unit with comparatively lower elevations compared to the Sierra

Madre.

30
 Neighboring the Sibul Quadrangle are three (3) major structural features that influence the

Southern Sierra Madre’s tectonic evolution. These major structural features include the Philippine

Fault, Valley Fault System, and Angat Fault which is a seventy-five (75) kilometer northwest –

southeast (NW-SE) trending fault that extends from Palale up to Anginan River.

The Valley Fault System, on the other hand, consist of the West Valley Fault and the East

Valley fault both Northeast trending and possibly has a dextral strike-slip movement and an

oblique dextral motion, respectively.

Figure 3.2 Tectonic Map of the Philippine Islands, (Yumul et al. (2008))
SSSZ = Siayan-Sindangan Suture Zone; SCDL = Sindangan-Cotabato-Daguma Lineament; T=Tablas,
R=Romblon, and S=Sibuyan.

31
3.4.2 Location and Accessibility
The northern part of the Sibul Quadrangle is about fifty (50) kilometers from Intramuros,

Manila through the North Luzon Express Highway (NLEX) which can be accessed from the San

Simon exit. Upon exit from NLEX San Simon, the faster way to get to stations 1 to 6 is by entering

Quezon Road, then turn to Jose Abad Santos Avenue, followed by a right turn to Candaba-Santa

Ana Road until turning to Rizal Street and finally to Camias Sibul Road; a total distance of

approximately sixty (60) kilometers will be covered before reaching Mount Nablo.

Stations 7 to 12 are found mostly on unpaved roads which make them moderately difficult

to access. The fastest way to these stations is by taking an exit on Santa Rita (NLEX) then taking

the Doña Remedios Trinidad Highway, followed by a turn to SUMANDING Umpakan Road.

These stations primarily belong to two (2) barangays, namely: Barangay Camachin DRT and

Barangay Talbak.

3.4.3 Geomorphology
Topography of the study area and its vicinity consist of moderately to highly steep slopes

dominated by rice fields and farmland. Caves are one of the most prominent features of Sibul,

hence, is dominated mainly by limestone. Further northeast going to the western side of the

Southern Sierra Madre is an array of mountains, mainly: Mount Susungdalaga, Mount Silid, Mount

Lumot, Mount Palanas, and Mount Sumacbao. Nearest river systems include tributaries from the

Madlum River.

32
3.4.4 Climate and Vegetation
Sibul and San Ildefonso is primarily dominated by trees, plants and other types of

vegetation. Mountain ranges, likewise, are dominated by the green scenery.

As for the climate, November to April is generally dry while wet for the rest of the year.

The northeast monsoon prevails from October to January bringing in moderated and light rains.

On the other hand, from February to April, the east trade winds predominate but the Sierra Madre

mountain range to the east disrupts the winds resulting to dry periods on the western flank of the

Sierra Madre. Conversely, from May to September, the southwest monsoon prevails.

The hottest month in the area occurs during the month of May with an average temperature

of 30.2°C. Then again, it is during the month of February when the area experiences the coldest

seasons with an average temperature of 24.8°C.

33
Figure 3.3 The PAGASA Modified Coronas Classification of Climate.
Classification of climate of the Philippine archipelago.
34
3.5 Results and Discussion
The stations listed in this chapter encompasses all the outcrops and areas visited by the

author in various areas in Bulacan. The numbers assigned to these stations are not necessarily in

order and have no significance to the order of visitation. Designation of numbers has been done at

random and has absolutely no bearing whatsoever.

Figure 3.4 Topographic map showing stations 1 to 12.

These stations are all of the recorded outcrops that bear significance to the results of this study.

35
3.5.1 Station 1 (15º09’23” North / 121º04’32” East)

Figure 3.5 shows a limestone outcrop alongside a road being constructed. This image

shows that the roads past this point are relatively new and have not yet been mapped. The outcrop’s

height and width is approximately 6.0 meters and 10.0 meters, respectively, and is located at the

coordinates 15º09’23” North and 121º04’32” East with an elevation of roughly 400 meters above

sea level.

Figure 3.5 Image showing new road constructions in Mount Nablo (photo
taken in the first quarter of the year 2014).
GPS coordinates of the area are 15º09’23” North and 121º04’32” East.

36
3.5.2 Station 2 (15º09.039’ North / 121º05.323’ East)

Limestone

Figure 3.6 Image of limestone outcrop at Mount Nablo.

Moderately weathered limestone with coral fragments with the GPS coordinates
15º09.039’ North and 121º05.323’ East

The lithologic units in figures 3.6, 3.7 and 3.8 show an outcrop of highly weathered

limestone. It has a massive structure and its color ranges from light brown to brown. It is also

slightly fractured and the fresh parts of the outcrop are well indurated producing a grayish-white

color. This outcrop has a vegetated top with a height of approximately 2.4 meters and a width of

approximately 30 to 50 meters. It’s located at the coordinates 15º09.039’ North and 121º05.323’

37
East with an elevation of about 173 to 176 meters above sea level and with a view facing southwest.

This rock unit belongs to the Angat Formation and has a general strike and dip of 36°NW/28°NE.

Limestone

Figure 3.7 Image of limestone outcrop at Mount Nablo.

Blue circle shows the weathered portion of the outcrop due to shearing and
is located at 15º09.039’ North and 121º05.323’ East.

38
 Figure 3.8 Panoramic image of limestone outcrop at Mount Nablo.
Limestone outcrop showing fractured segments and is located at 15º09.039’ North and 121º05.323’ East.

39
Locality: Mt. Nablo
Sample Name: Sample 1A and Sample 1B

Composition:

Fragments Percentage
Carbonate Fragments
Bioclasts 40%
Lithclasts 1%
Ooids 1%

Non-Carbonate Fragments
Opaques 4%
Quartz 2%
Biotite 1%
Plagioclase 1%

Matrix Material
Micrite 15%

Cementing Material
Sparite 35%

Description:

The sample is made up of bioclasts consisting of benthic foraminifera and corals with

minor ooids set in a turbid microcrystalline micritic matrix and cemented together by sparite

crystals. Non carbonate fragments such as plagioclase, biotite and quartz are noted in the sample.

Rock Name: Biosparite

40
Description:

The sample is made up of bioclasts consisting of benthic foraminifera and corals with

minor ooids set in a turbid microcrystalline micritic matrix and cemented together by sparite

crystals. Non carbonate fragments such as plagioclase, biotite and quartz are noted in the sample.

Figure 3.9 Microscopic image of the benthic foraminifera Miogypsina.

Test is flattened to bioconvex. Has a bilocular embryonal stage followed by a fan of median
chamberlets and has a geologic range from Middle Oligocene to Middle Miocene.

41
 micrite

Figure 3.10 Microscopic image of the microcrystalline calcite.

Micrite consists of 1 to 4 micrometers in diameter.

Benthic foraminifera

Figure 3.11 Another image of a benthic foraminifera.

42
3.53 Station 3 (15º08.932’ North / 121º05.457’ East)
Outcrops found in this station (figure 3.12 and 3.13) megascopically resembles a

calcareous sandstone. However, petrographic analysis reveals that the outcrop is a biosparite (Folk,

1962). It also has a strike and dip of NE74°/36°SE and is highly indurated. Its height and width is

approximately 2.0 meters and 15 meters, respectively. Its coordinates are 15º08.932’ North and

121º05.457’ East with an elevation of roughly 187 to 190 meters feet above sea level. This rock

unit belongs to the Angat Formation.

Figure 3.12 Image of limestone outcrop at Mount Nablo.

Limestone outcrop with a view facing east located at 15º08.932’ North and 121º05.457’ East.

43
 N
Figure 3.13 Panoramic view of station 3 with a view facing east located at 15º08.932’ North and 121º05.457’ East.

44
3.5.4 Station 4 (15º09’34” North / 121º05’39” East)
The rocks in this outcrop are extremely weathered hence making identification difficult.

Based on megascopic analysis of the rock sample, these rocks are highly altered with relic

fragmental texture consisting of fragments of plagioclase, quartz, altered fragments set in a glassy

matrix. The outcrop has a height and width of approximately 3.0 meters to 45 meters, respectively.

The rock unit is mainly crystal tuff and is located at the coordinates 15º09’34” North and

121º05’39” East. It is situated at about 230 meters above sea level.

Figure 3.14
Image of extremely weathered tuff outcrop at Mount Nablo.
Outcrop with a view looking North and is located at the coordinates 15º09’34”
North and 121º05’39” East

45
3.5.5 Station 5 (15º08.500’ North / 121º05.711’ East)

Figure 3.15 Image of crystal ash tuff outcrop at Mount Nablo.

Highly weathered crystal ash tuff situated at the coordinates 15º08.500’
North and 121º05.711’ East

46
 Station 5 consists of portions of massive and indurated crystal ash tuff. Some parts of the

rocks are friable and highly weathered. The outcrop has a height and width of approximately 3

meters and 10 meters, respectively. It is situated at the coordinates 15º08.500’ North and

121º05.711’ East with an elevation of roughly 240 meters above sea level.

3.5.6 Station 6 (15º08.500’ North / 121º05.711’ East)

Figure 3.16 Image of altered crystal ash tuff.

Outcrop located at 15º08.500’ North and 121º05.711’ East

47
 This outcrop consist of the same rocks as in station 4 of this chapter. However, this rock

has been identified petrographically as crystal ash tuff. It bears a greenish color due to

chloritization. It has nearly the same elevation as the outcrop in station 4 because it is just adjacent

to it. The outcrop is light brown in color.

Locality: Mount Nablo

Smple Name: Sample Station 5

Composition:

Fragments Percentage (%) Secondary Minerals Percentage (%)

Lithic 15% Zeolite 6%
Plagioclase 12% Clay 5%
Quartz 2% Illite 1%
Augite 2% Chlorite 1%
Opal Trace
Matrix Percentage (%) Opaques 8%
Cryptofelsitic Aggregates 48%
Quartz Trace
Clay Trace

Description:
Petrographic description showed that the sample has a fragmental texture. Bulk fragmental

components of the sample are made up of lithic clasts and crystal fragments of plagioclase, quartz,

and augite set against a murky matrix composed of clay ± microcrystalline quartz ± cryptofelsitic

aggregates. Crystal fragments of plagioclase are slightly peppered with illite ± smectite. Irregularly

shaped augite fragments are slightly affected by chlorite alterations. Most of the intensely altered

lithic clasts are volcanic as shown by thin relic textures. Voids in the sample are filled with zeolite.

Rock Name: Crystal Ash Tuff

48
 Figure 3.17 Photomicrograph of thin section of sample 5.
Image showing crystal ash tuff with fragments of plagioclase and augite set in a matrix
of quartz and cryptofelsitic aggregates clouded with clay materials.

49
A)
N

B)

Figure 3.18 Point location map with description of outcrop indicating where samples were gathered in Mt. Nablo. (A)
Stations 1 to 3 belong to the Angat Formation while (B) stations 4 to 6 belong to the Madlum Formation.

50
3.5.7 Station 7 (15º02.934’ North / 121º04.842’ East)
This station located at Barangay Camachin, Doña Remedios Trinidad with coordinates

15º02.934’ North and 121º04.842’ East and consists of poorly indurated light to dark gray

limestone. The outcrop is fully covered with vegetation. It is about one-hundred (100) meters in

length and seven (7) meters in height with a view looking Northwest. This outcrop is located at

about 128 meters above sea level.

Figure 3.19 Highly weathered limestone in Barangay Camachin with

coordinates 15º02.934’ North and 121º04.842’ East.

51
 Figure 3.20 Station 7 outcrop composed of
limestone at Barangay Camachin with coordinates
15º02.934’ North and 121º04.842’ East.

52
 Figure 3.21 Far view of the outcrop in station 7 showing thick vegetation at Barangay
Camachin located at 15º02.934’ North and 121º04.842’ East.

3.5.8 Station 8 (15º03.145’ North / 121º04.978’ East)

Outcrop in this station is about fifty

(50) meters in height and a hundred (100)

meters in length and is composed of the same

limestone (based on megascopic analysis) as

in station 7. Outcrop here is less weathered

and is located at the coordinates 15º03.145’

North and 121º04.978’ East. Figure 3.22 Same limestone found in station 8 at
Barangay Camachin with coordinates 15º03.145’
North and 121º04.978’ East.

53
3.5.9 Station 9 (15º03.784 North / 121º04.916 East)
Located at the coordinates 15º03.784’ North and 121º04.916’ East, the limestone in this

area is basically similar to those found in the preceding stations. This part presents the largest

exposure of limestone mapped. Outcrop is estimated to be 142 feet above sea level.

Figure 3.23 Large limestone outcrop at a distance of station 9 in

Barangay Talbak located at 15º03.784’ North and 121º04.916’ East

54
3.5.10 Station 10 (15º04.504’ North / 121º04.872’ East)

This outcrop depicts the same limestone found from stations 7 to 9. However, the limestone here is highly weathered hence the

soil-like texture of the limestone. It is located at the coordinates 15º04.504’ North and 121º04.872’ East.

Figure 3.24 Panoramic view of the highly weathered limestone in station 9 in Barangay Talbak with
coordinates 15º04.504’ North and 121º04.872’ East

55
3.5.11 Station 11 (15º05.723’ North / 121º05.806’ East)

Crystal Ash Tuff

Porphyritic Basalt

Figure 3.25 Sharp contact with crystal ash tuff and porphyritic
basalt found in station 11.
There are two (2) major lithologic units identified in this area. Sharp contact of porphyritic

basalt with crystal ash tuff is delineated in the outcrop. Strike and dip of the contact is NW / 80º

NE and is 173 meters above sea level and located at the coordinates 15º05.723’ North and

121º05.806’ East. The outcrop is one hundred twenty (120) meters in length and four (4) meters

in height. Porphyritic basalt in this station is highly weathered while the crystal ash tuff is highly

indurated. Dela Rosa (1978) describes the crystal ash tuff as characteristically green due to the

presence of microscopic amounts of ferrous compounds that include glauconite, chamosite,

greenalite, which he says are common in marine deposits as authigenic substances. This rock unit

belongs to the Manga Metavolcanics.

56
Figure 3.26 Panoramic view of the contact found in station 11 in Barangay Talbak with coordinates 15º05.723’ North and 121º05.806’ East.

Figure 3.27 Closer view of chloritized tuff. Figure 3.28 Closer view of basalt.

57
 Figure 3.29 Sample TB1-B – crystal ash tuff

Figure 3.30 Photomicrograph of thin section of TB1-B.

Thin section of the crystal ash tuff showing significant
amounts of glass shards.
58
Locality: Barangay Talbak

Sample Name: TB1-B

Composition:

Fragments Percentage (%) Secondary Percentage (%)

Plagioclase 13% Smectite 18%
Lithic clasts 5% Quartz 16%
Chlorite altered fragments 3% Chlorite 16%
Quartz 3% Opaques 4%

Matrix Percentage (%)

Glass 22%
(quartz)
(smectite)

Description:
The thin section exhibits a fragment texture. Fragmental constituents of the section are

made up of angular plagioclase, partly altered chlorite crystals and lithic clasts set in a turbid

devitrified glass matrix now made up of slightly chloritized glass and microcrystalline quartz

aggregate. The matrix material are clouded with argillaceous materials.

Size of grains vary from 0.1 mm to 0.65 mm in diameter.

Rock Type: Crystal Ash Tuff

59
Figure 3.31 Photomicrograph of another portion of the
thin section of TB1-B.

60
Figure 3.32 Sample BT-1 – Porphyritic Basalt

61
Locality: Barangay Talbak
Sample Name: BT-1

Composition:
Primary Minerals Percentage (%) Secondary Minerals Percentage (%)
Phenocrysts: Plagioclase 8% Limonite 3%
Chlorite 2%
Zeolite 1%
Groundmass Percentage (%)
Plagioclase 73%
Augite 13%

Description:
The sample is porphyritic. It is composed of plagioclase insets set against an intergranular

groundmass made up of randomly oriented

plagioclase microlaths with interstitial augite

granules. Some plagioclase laths are clustered

giving rise to cumulophyric texture.

Lath shaped thinned plagioclase

crystals are slightly altered due to clay

minerals. Granules of augite are partly

chloritized.

Crisscrossing veinlets of chlorite ±

limonite ± zeolite traverse the section.

Figure 3.33. Photomicrograph of thin
Opaques are randomly scattered in the sample. Some section of BT-1.
Image showing porphyritic basalt with
are altered to limonite. plagioclase laths set in an intergranular
groundmass.
Rock Type: Porphyritic Basalt

62
 Figure 3.34. Photomicrograph of thin
section of BT-1.
Closer view of the larger phenocrysts of
plagioclase.

Figure 3.35. Photomicrograph of

thin section of BT-1.
Image showing that plagioclase
groundmass are stained with
limonite.

63
3.5.12 Station 12 (15º06.239 North / 121º05.809 East)

Located at the coordinates 15º06.239 North and 121º05.809 East and is about 120 meters

above sea level, the rocks in this area exhibit minimal columnar jointing. This is the same

chloritized tuff found in station 11 and is 1.5 meters in height and about 8 meters in length. Rock

unit here is poorly indurated. This formation belongs to the Manga Metavolcanics.

64
Figure 3.36 Jointing exhibited by the crystal ash tuff in station 11 in Barangay Talbak with
coordinates 15º06.239 North and 121º05.809 East.

65
A)
N

B)

Figure 3.37 Point location map with description of outcrop indicating where samples were gathered in Brgy. Talbak. (A) Stations 11
and 12 belong to the Manga Metavolcanics and (B) stations 7 to 10 belong to the Angat Formation.

66
3.6 Conclusion

Due to the new road constructions, new exposures of major lithologic sequences were exposed

along the road cuts in Mount Nablo and Barangay Talbak. The findings presented new geologic

insights relevant to the stratigraphy of the area, which include the following:

1. Along the road cuts in Mount Nablo, two (2) rock units have been discovered, one

belonging to the Angat Formation which is the biosparite and the other belonging to the

Alagao Volcanics Member of the Madlum Formation which is the crystal ash tuff.

2. The crystal ash tuff of the Alagao Volcanics Member depicts a fragmental texture. Its bulk

fragments are made up of lithic clasts and crystal fragments of plagioclase, quartz and

augite set against a murky matrix of clay ± microcrystalline quartz ± cryptofelsitic

aggregates.

3. Faunal assemblages from Mount Nablo representative limestone samples that belong to the

Angat Formation contain Lepidocyclina (N.) sp, Lepidocyclina (N.) sumatrensis,

Miogypsina spp., Cycloclypeus sp. Fragment, Operculina sp., globigerinids, and various

algae. These species indicate an Early to Middle Miocene age with its paleoenvironment

as a shallow environment with open marine influences.

4. In Mount Nablo, the Alagao Volcanics Member of the Madlum Formation unconformably

overlies the Angat Formation.

5. Two (2) primary rock were found in Barangay Talbak, mainly crystal ash tuff which has a

sharp contact with the porphyritic basalt generally dipping 80°.

67
6. The porphyritic basalt is composed of plagioclase insets set against an intergrnaular

groundmass made up of randomly oriented plagioclase microlaths with interstitial augite

granules. Crisscrossing veinlets of chlorite ± limonite ± zeolite traverse the section.

7. The crystal ash tuff exhibits a fragmental texture where its constituents are made up of

angular plagioclase, partly altered chlorite crystals, and lithic clasts set in a turbid

devitrified glass matrix made up of slightly chloritized glass and microcrystalline quartz

aggregate.

68
 Chapter 4
CONCLUSION

Due to the new road constructions, new exposures of major lithologic sequences were exposed

along the road cuts in Mount Nablo and Barangay Talbak. The findings presented new geologic

insights relevant to the stratigraphy of the area, which include the following:

1. Along the road cuts in Mount Nablo, two (2) rock units have been discovered, one

belonging to the Angat Formation which is the biosparite and the other belonging to the

Alagao Volcanics Member of the Madlum Formation which is the crystal ash tuff.

2. The crystal ash tuff of the Alagao Volcanics Member depicts a fragmental texture. Its bulk

fragments are made up of lithic clasts and crystal fragments of plagioclase, quartz and

augite set against a murky matrix of clay ± microcrystalline quartz ± cryptofelsitic

aggregates.

3. Faunal assemblages from Mount Nablo representative limestone samples that belong to the

Angat Formation contain Lepidocyclina (N.) sp, Lepidocyclina (N.) sumatrensis,

Miogypsina spp., Cycloclypeus sp. Fragment, Operculina sp., globigerinids, and various

algae. These species indicate an Early to Middle Miocene age with its paleoenvironment

as a shallow environment with open marine influences.

4. In Mount Nablo, the Alagao Volcanics Member of the Madlum Formation unconformably

overlies the Angat Formation.

5. Two (2) primary rock were found in Barangay Talbak, mainly crystal ash tuff which has a

sharp contact with the porphyritic basalt generally dipping 80°.

69
6. The porphyritic basalt is composed of plagioclase insets set against an intergrnaular

groundmass made up of randomly oriented plagioclase microlaths with interstitial augite

granules. Crisscrossing veinlets of chlorite ± limonite ± zeolite traverse the section.

7. The crystal ash tuff exhibits a fragmental texture where its constituents are made up of

angular plagioclase, partly altered chlorite crystals, and lithic clasts set in a turbid

devitrified glass matrix made up of slightly chloritized glass and microcrystalline quartz

aggregate.

70
 Chapter 5
RECOMMENDATIONS

Although this study presents new data pertaining to the stratigraphy of the Sibul

Quadrangle, and hence, the eastern portion of the Central Luzon Valley, there is still a need to

further refine the age and extent of the formations. A more detailed and wider coverage of

fieldwork is also highly recommended to define the extent of these formations and the existence

of other rock units. Studies with a greater area extent is also recommended in order to finally fill

the gap from the late portion of the Early Oligocene to the Late Oligocene in reports by Corby et

al., (1951), Gonzales et al., (1971) and Pelayo (1981). This could only be filled in when a much

greater area in the Sierra Madre has been mapped.

Since the contacts of the beds located in the study area were not uncovered, a more detailed

fieldwork to be done on Mount Nablo is further put forward by this researcher to determine

whether the contact between these beds are either sharp, erosional, or gradational. Detailed

description of faunal assemblages in the area, since microfossils are abundant, may also be

considered as to provide supporting evidence for the ages of the rock units defined in this study.

Moreover, the abundant Foraminifera, algae, corals, and molluscan shells tells us that the

depositional environment may have transpired in a continental shelf which would be equivalent to

about 20 to 50 meters below sea level. However, apparent cessation of the deposition of these

microfossils tells us that volcanic activity progressed which allowed these planktonic and benthic

forams to deposit to the carbonate compensation depth level. Supporting evidence of this is the

presence of opaques found in the andesite samples in the area. Volcanic activity may have

originated from a nearby volcanic source presumably Mt. Pinatubo or Mt. Arayat. Therefore,

71
additional geochemical and petrographic work could further provide evidence that the tectonic

activity originated from either one of these two volcanoes.

72
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Aurelio, M.A., 2000. Shear Partitioning in the Philippines: Constraints from Philippine Fault and
Global Positioning System Data. The Island Arch 9, 584-597 p.

Alvir, A. D. 1929. A Geological Study of the Angat-Novaliches Region. Vol. 40, No.3. The
Philippine Journal of Science.

Cariño, L. M. 1981. Geological Verification of Luisa Placer Mining Claim in Barrio Akle,
Angat, Bulacan. Bureau of Mines, Manila.

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 APPENDIX 1

PALEONTOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

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 APPENDIX 2

STRATIGRAPHIC LOGS

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