Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous Radiolarian Age

Determinations from Timor-Leste

Munasri1, Tim R. Charlton2,3, Maria Guterres3 and Dino Gandara3,4

1
Sekolah Tinggi Teknologi Mineral Indonesia (STTMI), Bandung, Indonesia
2
Guildford, U.K.
3
Timor GAP, E.P., Dili, Timor-Leste.
4
Sunda Gas Banda Lda., Timor-Leste.

Corresponding author: [email protected]

ABSTRACT
Two new sets of palaeontological age determinations based on radiolaria are reported from
Timor-Leste. The first is from the Suai Loro-1 petroleum exploration well, located near Suai
town in SW Timor-Leste, drilled by Timor Oil in 1971. Newly rediscovered ditch cutting
samples from the previously undated basal section of this well have yielded radiolarians of
Late Jurassic (middle Oxfordian to middle Kimmeridgian) age. On lithology, this
stratigraphic interval of reddish shales and interbedded limestones is assigned to the
Tchinver Formation.

A second set of radiolarian determinations is from samples collected in the Caraulun river
south of Samé town in south-central Timor-Leste. These are dated to the Early Cretaceous
(late Valanginian-Hauterivian). The outcrop succession of radiolarian cherts, sandstones
and red shales are assigned to the Wai Bua Formation as defined in East Timor (Timor-
Leste), which is equivalent to the Nakfunu Formation in Indonesian West Timor.

Copyright ©2024 by Author, published by FOSI. Author doesn’t retain all rights. This is an
open access article distributed under Creative Commons license (CC-BY-SA 4.0).
Manuscript received: 24 Mar 2024, revised manuscript received: 15 Apr 2024, final
acceptance: 22 Apr 2024. DOI: 10.51835/bsed.2024.50.1.455

Berita Sedimentologi, 2024 V. 50(1) 26

 McCartain, 2007, 2010, 2012; Haig et al.
INTRODUCTION 2018, 2021a and b, etc.). Rather fewer
studies of Timor have employed radiolaria
Timor island (Figure 1), located in eastern
(Crespin and Belford, 1959;
Indonesia and Timor-Leste, has a varied
Harsolumakso et al., 1995; Clowes, 1997;
stratigraphic succession extending back
Haig and Bandini, 2013; Munasri and
to at least the Permian (Audley-Charles,
Sashida, 2018; Munasri and
1968; Davydov et al., 2014), with previous
Harsolumakso, 2020), although radiolaria
studies yielding a substantial database of
can provide a high degree of stratigraphic
palaeontological age control, although still
precision and are particularly useful for
with much remaining to be learnt from
dating sedimentary successions
ongoing stratigraphic investigations. Age
originating from relatively deep and/or
dating in Timor has employed a wide
open marine sedimentary environments.
variety of fossil types, ranging from early
In the case of Timor this applies
studies based on rich Permo-Triassic
particularly to what can be considered the
macrofossil assemblages spectacularly
principal ‘breakup’ successions at the
documented, for instance, in the
transition from Permian-Jurassic
monographic series Paläontoloie von Timor
relatively shallow marine sedimentary
(ed. J. Wanner, 1914-1929), to more
intervals to deeper marine successions
recent studies employing various
that typify the Cretaceous and Tertiary
microfossil groups including palynology
(Charlton, 1989; Sawyer et al., 1993;
and benthic and planktonic foraminifera
Figure 2). The present paper outlines two
(Carter et al., 1976; Haig, 2012; Haig and
examples from the Late Jurassic and Early

Figure 1: Timor island tectonostratigraphic domains and location map. The locations of the
local geological maps in Figure 3 are indicated.

Berita Sedimentologi, 2024 V. 50(1) 27

Figure 2: Timor-Northwest Shelf (Australia) lithostratigraphy, partially updated from Charlton (2002)
and Charlton et al. (2020).

Cretaceous where radiolaria provide Below this the well drilled an undated
precise age controls for stratigraphic interval down to the base of the well at
successions that were previously rather 5088’ (1551m) consisting of red shales
poorly dated. interbedded with micritic limestones.

The material examined in this study

SUAI LORO-1 WELL comprised 10 ditch cutting samples from
the depth interval 4990–5088’, in the
The Suai Loro-1 petroleum exploration
lowermost interval of the well section
well, located in the southwest of onshore
(Table 1). The samples had previously
Timor-Leste some 5km to the southeast of
been examined by Robertson Research
Suai town (Figure 3a), was drilled by Timor
International who had been unable to date
Oil Ltd. in 1971 (GPS-determined location
this interval on the basis of palynology
of the wellhead at 9.33655°S,
(Cater et al., 1971 unpublished report),
125.28570°E). The well penetrated an
but had noted the occurrence of radiolaria
interval of Neogene synorogenic sediments
in the samples, although this information
(Suai and Viqueque Formations) down to
was not acted upon by Timor Oil.
a depth of 3305’ (1007m), then shale
melange assigned to the Bobonaro
Complex down to 4990’ (1521m; Figure 4).

Berita Sedimentologi, 2024 V. 50(1) 28

 Figure 3: Geological location maps for the samples reported in this study. (a) Suai area geology,
with the location of the Suai Loro-1 well. (b) Betano area geology, showing the location of the Wai
Bua Formation outcrop samples analysed in this study, and the approximate location of the Wai
Bua type locality proposed by Audley-Charles (1968), although this type’s section has not been
definitively re-located. The geological mapping in this figure is based on fieldwork undertaken by
the Timor GAP Onshore Block geological team (TC, DG, MG and Debora Freitas) in 2017-2019.

Figure 4: Lithologies drilled in the basal section of the Suai Loro-1 well. Grey interval is the Bobonaro
Complex. Undated shales (brown) and limestones (blue) in the lowest interval drilled were previously
undated. Lithological descriptions are from the Timor Oil end of well report (1971).

Berita Sedimentologi, 2024 V. 50(1) 29

In 2019 the ditch cutting samples were from the former Robertson Research
relocated in deep storage by Andy Livsey, (Singapore) office.
Technical Director of P.T. Horizon
Geoconsulting, in the sample collections

Table 1: List of samples from the interval 4990'–5088' Suai Loro-1 well, Timor Leste.

No. Top Depth Weight Sample Type Remarks

(feet) (gr)
1-4990 4990 27 Ditch Unwashed, dark gray, argillaceous
Cuttings sand/graywacke, quartz, benthic
foraminifera, friable, calcareous.
2-4990 11 Ditch Washed, light-dark brown shale,
Cuttings gray, black and whitish various
rock chips, benthic foraminifera
and pelecypod.
3-5040 5040 9 Ditch Washed, light-dark brown shale,
Cuttings white–gray limestone, dark color
metamorphic? rocks, calcareous.
4-5050 5050 7 Ditch Washed, light-dark brown shale,
Cuttings white–gray limestone, dark color
metamorphic? rocks, calcareous.
5-5050 5 Ditch Washed, dark brown shales, gray–
Cuttings white limestone, dark color
metamorphic? rocks, calcareous.
6-5060 5060 10 Ditch Washed, light brown shales,
Cuttings white–gray limestone,
metamorphic? rocks.
7-5060 3 Ditch Washed, light–dark brown shales
Cuttings and poorly fissile shales,
calcareous
8-5070 5070 14 Ditch Washed, light gray–light brown
Cuttings shales, dark color metamorphic?
rocks, quartz, benthic
foraminifera, calcareous.
9-5070 4 Ditch Washed, light brown shales,
Cuttings limestone, quartz, dark color
metamorphic? rocks, quartz,
benthic foraminifera, calcareous.
10- 5080 11 Ditch Washed, gray shales, limestone,
5080 Cuttings dark color metamorphic? rocks,
calcareous.

Berita Sedimentologi, 2024 V. 50(1) 30

 Figure 5: Photomicrographs of 10 samples from the interval 4990'–5088' in the Suai Loro-1 well, Timor
Leste. Note the many mixed lithologies, including likely metamorphic grains. Scale bar in the bottom-
right of each photo = 1 mm.

Berita Sedimentologi, 2024 V. 50(1) 31

These samples were made available to fissile. Subordinate grains in the cuttings
Timor GAP for further analysis, with the include grey to whitish limestone (calcite),
lead author contracted to re-examine this dark grey to black metamorphic(?) rock
material. fragments, and quartz. Benthic
foraminifera (Operculina spp.) were found
The ditch cutting samples (Table 1) in samples No. 1-4990, 2-4990, 8-5070,
contain rock grains up to 5mm diameter and 9-5070, and a pelecypod-like shell
with sub-angular to sub-rounded grain was also found in sample No. 2-4990
shapes (Figure 5). The grains consist (Figure 6). Operculina is a genus limited to
predominantly of silty shale, light to Late Paleocene-Recent shallow marine
reddish-brown in colour, and poorly deposits (J.T. van Gorsel, reviewer

Figure 6: Photomicrographs of benthic foraminifera and a pelcypod from Suai Loro-1 well. 1–2, 4–6.
Operculina spp; 3. Pelecypod. The sample numbers with the top depth are shown in the bottom-left of
each photo.

Berita Sedimentologi, 2024 V. 50(1) 32

observation), and these fossils probably were sieved through 200μm and 63μm
derive by caving from the shallower well nylon screens and then dried. Two of the
section. 10 samples, No. 5-5050 and No. 7-5060,
yielded poorly to moderately preserved
The ten samples of ditch cuttings were radiolarians. Radiolarian specimens were
examined closely, but no free radiolaria then picked and placed in a Scanning
were observed. However, radiolaria were Electron Microscope (SEM) holder to be
extracted from shales by placing picked photographed. The faunas of these two
samples in 15% hydrochloric acid until samples are listed in Table 2, and
reaction with all calcium carbonate had photomicrographs of key index species of
ceased, then soaked in 3-4% hydrofluoric the radiolarians are shown in Figure 7.
acid solution for 24 hours. All samples

Table 2. Observed faunas within samples No. 7-5060 and 5-5050 of Suai Loro-1 well
Radiolarian taxa in sample 7-5060 Alievium sp.
Archaeodictyomitra sp.
Arcanicapsa funatoensis AITA
Eucyrtidiellum? sp.
Hiscocapsa spp.
Hsuum spp.
Loopus spp.
Parahsuum sp.
Parvicingula dhimenaensis BAUMGARTNER
Protunuma japonicus MATSUOKA and YAO
Sethocapsa sp. A. sensu BERTOLINI
Thanarla sp. cf. T. patricki (KOCHER)
Tricolocapsa ruesti TAN SIN HOK
Williriedellum carpathica DUMITRICA
Williriedellum yahazuense (AITA)
Williriedellum spp.
Xitomitra annibill (KOCHER)
Xitomitra sp. cf. X. tairai (AITA)
Zhamoidellum ovum DUMITRICA
Zhamoidellum spp.
Zhamoidellum ventricosum DUMITRICA

Radiolarian taxa in sample 5-5050 Archaeodictyomitra spp.

Gongylothoax spp.
Hsuum cuestaensis PESSAGNO
Loopus primitivus MATSUOKA
Nassellaria gen. et sp. indet.
Parahsuum sp.
Parvicingula sp.
Sethocapsa spp.
Sethocapsa sp. A. sensu BERTOLINI
Syringocapsa? sp.
Thanarla sp. cf. T. patricki (KOCHER)

Berita Sedimentologi, 2024 V. 50(1) 33

 Tricolocapa spp.
Williriedellum spp.
Williriedellum carpathica DUMITRICA
Williriedellum yahazuense (AITA)
Zhamoidellum spp.
Zhamoidellum ovum DUMITRICA
Zhamoidellum sp. cf. Z. ovum DUMITRICA.

Figure 7: SEM photomicrographs of Late Jurassic radiolarians from Suai Loro-1 well, Timor Leste.
Scale bar = 100 μm. 1–7 are radiolarians from sample 5-5050 and 8–23 are radiolarians from sample
7-5060. 1–2, 8, 12–13. Zhamoidellum ovum; 3. Loopus primitivus; 4, 9. Williriedellum carpathica; 5–6,
10–11. Sethocapsa sp. A. sensu Bertolini; 7. Hsuum cuestaensis; 14. Gongylothorax favosus; 15.
Xitomitra annibill; 16–17. Williriedellum yahazuense; 18–19. Protunuma japonicus; 20–21.
Arcanicapsa funatoensis; 22. Zhamoidellum ventricosum; 23. Parvicingula dhimenaensis.

Berita Sedimentologi, 2024 V. 50(1) 34

 Figure 8: Biostratigraphic range of selected radiolarian species from samples (No. 7-5060 and No.
5-5050) of the Suai Loro-1 Well, Timor Leste based on the Unitary Association Zones (Baumgartner
et al., 1995) and Jurassic radiolarian zonation of Gawlick et al. (2009). Chronostratigraphic age in
Ma after International Commission on Stratigraphy (2020).

Some taxa from Suai Loro-1 have never additionally a few types of multicyrtid
been described and are probably new. The nassellarians, and a very few spumellarian
radiolarians are predominantly types. Sample No. 7-5060 predominantly
cryptocephalic and cryptothoracic contains the genus of Zhamoidellum
nassellarian forms (Dumitrica, 1970), with including Zhamoidellum ovum, while

Berita Sedimentologi, 2024 V. 50(1) 35

sample No. 5-5050 contains many genera is an assemblage that belongs to the upper
of Tricolocapsa and Sethocapsa that have Zhamoidellum Zone to lower Podocapsa
not been described before. These are listed amphitreptera Zone, or within the late
in Table 2. Callovian–late Kimmeridgian age range
(Figure 8). If we combine the radiolarian
Several taxa are recognized as index age ranges of these two zonations, it
fossils and are used for age assignment, suggests that the shales were deposited in
including Arcanicapsa funatoensis, the middle Oxfordian to late middle
Gongylothorax favosus, Hsuum Kimmeridgian interval, approximately
cuestaensis, Loopus primitivus, 160–154 Ma (International Commission
Parvicingula dhimenaensis, Protunuma on Stratigraphy Time Scale, 2020).
japonicus, Sethocapsa sp. A (sensu However, it is uncertain yet whether this
Bertolini in Baumgartner et al., 1995), age range is applicable to the entire
Xitomitra annibill, Williriedellum stratigraphic interval 4990–5088’.
carpathica, Zhamoidellum ovum, and
Zhamoidellum ventricosum (Figure 8).
Some of the generic names of these WAI BUA FORMATION
radiolarian species were reassigned RADIOLARITES IN MOTA (RIVER)
following O'Dogherty et al. (2017).
CARAULUN
To determine a more detailed age based on The second set of radiolarian-bearing
the radiolarian assemblages, the zonation rocks examined in this study were
scheme of Baumgartner et al. (1995: collected from outcrop 12km SSE of Samé
Unitary Association Zones = U.A. Zones) town in the Caraulun river (not to be
was employed. The association of species confused with the river of the same name
in sample No. 7-5060 suggests U.A. Zone near Suai town) and 10km NNW of Betano
9–10, ranging from middle Oxfordian to village (Figure 3b). The section sampled
late middle Kimmeridgian; while sample outcrops on the left (east) bank of the river
No. 5-5050 from the overlying section between GPS coordinates of 9.08727°S,
contains radiolarians indicating U.A. Zone 125.69468°E and 9.08703°S,
11 (within the late Kimmeridgian to early 125.69462°E. The field sampling was
Tithonian; Figure 8). By the presence of carried out by TC and MG, following
these radiolarians in the interval earlier reconnaissance by DG.
represented by the top depth of 5050-
5060’, it is interpreted that the The section (Figure 9) exposes reddish to
radiolarian-bearing shales were deposited light grey radiolarites alternating with
within the middle Oxfordian to early lenses of calcareous and parallel
Tithonian (Late Jurassic) stages, laminated sandstone, with common
approximately 160–150 Ma according to manganese traces and nodules, and with
the International Commission on minor burrowing structures. The rocks are
Stratigraphy Time Scale (2020). moderately deformed, with fracturing and
minor calcite veining. The outcrop section
For comparison, the radiolarian is exposed over a distance of about 30m,
biostratigraphic range in the zonation dipping moderately (measured dips 37°
proposed by Suzuki and Gawlick (2003) and 51°) to the S and W.
and modified by Gawlick et al. (2009) is
also shown. Among species of radiolarians

Berita Sedimentologi, 2024 V. 50(1) 36

Figure 9: Outcrop photos of the Wai Bua Formation Caraulun section, with the sample bags
photographed at their position of collection. Sample numbering is TGC-63 (top right) to TGC-70 (bottom
right).

Berita Sedimentologi, 2024 V. 50(1) 37

Based on the age determinations (see Eight rock samples were collected, listed
below), the succession youngs to the in Table 3. In the laboratory the lead
south, indicating that the section is right- author treated the samples in a 5%
way-up. This outcrop section is assigned hydrofluoric acid solution to extract the
to the Wai Bua Formation, which was radiolarian fossils, with 4 samples yielding
defined by Audley-Charles (1968) from a radiolarian faunas of Valanginian to
type section reported approximately Hauterivian (Early Cretaceous) age.
4.5km to the SE of the present section, Lithologically these four samples were
although the original type section has not described in the laboratory as light gray
yet been relocated. Audley-Charles (1968) marl (TGC-63 and TGC-67), light brown
described the Wai Bua Formation as a calcareous mudstone (TGC-69), and light
succession of brittle radiolarites, brown mudstone, non-calcareous or only
radiolarian marls and shales dated as slightly calcareous (TGC-70). The
Aptian-Albian (latest Early Cretaceous) radiolarian faunas extracted and
based on radiolaria and foraminifera, and identified are listed in Table 4.
younger (Late Cretaceous) foraminiferal
limestones (see further discussion of the
Wai Bua Formation stratigraphy below).

Table 3: Sample numbers and field descriptions, Wai Bua Formation, Mota Caraulun-Samé, Timor-
Leste.

Sample # Location GPS Description

TGC 63 9.08727°S, Pinkish to light greyish, medium grained, hard,

125.69468°E calcite veined and fairly calcareous.
TGC 64 Brownish, parallel laminated and moderately
calcareous claystone with minor manganese traces.
TGC 65 Pinkish, parallel laminated and moderately
calcareous siltstone with dark grains and minor
manganese traces.
TGC 66 Light greyish shale with minor calcite veins and
Lower manganese traces, hard, fractured and very minor
Caraulun calcareous.
TGC 67 River Light greyish, calcareous, fractured, and medium
grained sandstone with minor dark grains.
TGC 68 Hard, pinkish to brownish radiolarite with dark
manganese traces and nodules and minor calcite
veins.
TGC 69 Reddish to brownish wet clay with manganese and
radiolarite clasts, non-calcareous.
TGC 70 Less soft reddish clay, with dark manganese and
9.08703°S, minor clasts of reddish radiolarite.
125.69462°E

Berita Sedimentologi, 2024 V. 50(1) 38

Table 4: Mota Caraulun radiolarian species list

TGC-63 (latest Valanginian-late Hauterivian) Archaeodictyomitra brouweri (TAN)

Cecrops septemporata (PARONA)
Cryptamphorella conara (FOREMAN)
Cyrtocapsa asseni TAN
Cyrtocapsa grutterinki TAN
Cyrtocapsa houwi TAN
Cyrtocapsa molengraffi TAN
Cyrtocapsa spp. (non-Tethyan)
Dictyomitra pseudoscalaris (TAN)
Eusyringum spp. (non-Tethyan)
Holocryptocanium barbui DUMITRICA
Holocryptocanium spp. (non-Tethyan)
Lithomitra pseudopinguis TAN
Parvicingula spp. (non-tethyan)
Pseudodictyomitra lilyae (TAN)
Sethocapsa nobilis TAN
Stylocryptocapsa verbeeki TAN
Stypolarcus laboriosus TAN
Thanarla pulchra (SQUINABOL)
Tricolocapsa triangulosa TAN
Tricolocapsa sp.
Xitus spicularius (ALIEV)
TGC-67 (latest Valanginian age) Archaeodictyomitra brouweri (TAN)
Cryptamphorella conara (FOREMAN)
Cyrtocapsa spp. (non-Tethyan)
Dictyomitra pseudoscalaris (TAN)
Hermicriptocapsa capita TAN
Holocryptocanium barbui DUMITRICA
Holocryptocanium spp. (non-Tethyan?)
Parvicingula spp. (non-Tethyan)
Pseudodictyomitra carpatica (LOZYNIAK)
Pseudodictyomitra lilyae (TAN)
Pseudoaulophacus sp.
Stichocapsa sp.
Stypolarcus laboriosus TAN
Thanarla pulchra (SQUINABOL)
Wrangellium puga (SCHAAF)
Xitus sp?
TGC-69 (late Valanginian-early Hauterivian) Archaeodictyomitra brouweri (TAN)
Archaeodicyomitra sp.
Cryptamphrella conara (FOREMAN)
Cyrtocapsa sp.
Dictyomitra pseudoscalaris (TAN)
Eusyringium spp. (non-Tethyan)
Holocryptocanium spp. (non-Tethyan?)

Berita Sedimentologi, 2024 V. 50(1) 39

 Lithocampe pseudochrysalis TAN
Parvicingula spp. (non-tethyan)
Patulella sp
Praeconocayomma sp.
Pseudoaulphacus sp.
Pseudoaulphacus florealis JUD
Pseudoeucytis spp. (non-tethyan)
Sethocapsa sp.
Stichocapsasp.
Tricolocapsa sp.
TGC-70 (late Valanginian) Archaeodictyomitra brouweri (TAN)
Archaeodictyomitra sp.
Cryptamphorella sp.
Cryptamphorella macropora DUMITRICA
Dictyomitra pseudoscalaris (TAN)
Cyrtocapsa asseni TAN
Cyrtocapsa molengraaffi TAN
Cyrtocapsa sp.
Eusyringium spp. (non-Tethyan)
Lithocampe pseudochrysalis TAN
Parvicingula spp. (non-Tethyan)
Parvicingulid spp. (non-Tethyan)
Patulella sp.
Praeconocaryomma sp.
Pseudoaulophacus sp.
Pseudoeucyrtis spp. (non-tethyan)
Pseudoeucyrtis(?) sp.
Pseudoeucyrtis hanni (TAN)
Pseudodictyomitra lilyae (TAN)
Sethocapsa sp.
Tricolocapsa sp.

Berita Sedimentologi, 2024 V. 50(1) 40

Figure 10: Radiolarian species used for age determination of the Mota Caraulun samples. Bar scale
for all specimens = 100 μm. Sample TGC-63: 1. Cecrops septemporata (PARONA), 2. Dictyomitra
pseudoscalaris (TAN), 3. Holocryptocanium barbui DUMITRICA, 4. Pseudodictyomitra lilyae (TAN), 5.
Thanarla pulchra (SQUINABOL), 6. Xitus spicularius (ALIEV). Sample TGC-67: 1. Dictyomitra
pseudoscalaris (TAN), 2. Hermicriptocapsa capita TAN, 3. Holocryptocanium barbui DUMITRICA, 4.
Pseudodictyomitra lilyae (TAN), 5. Pseudodictyomitra carpatica (LOZYNIAK), 6. Thanarla pulchra
(SQUINABOL), 7. Wrangellium puga (SCHAAF), 8. Xitus gifuensis MIZUTANI. Sample TGC-69: 1.
Dictyomitra pseudoscalaris (TAN), 2. Sethocapsa cetia FORMAN. 3. Holocryptocanium barbui
DUMITRICA, 4. Praeconocaryomma prisca PESSAGNO, 5. Pseudoaulophacus florealis JUD. Sample
TGC-70: 1. Dictyomitra pseudoscalaris (TAN), 2. Pseudodictyomitra nuda SCHAAF, 3. Pseudoeucyrtis
hanni (TAN).

Berita Sedimentologi, 2024 V. 50(1) 41

 (Figure 10) are assigned on the published
age zonation of Tethyan type radiolaria,
based on the Unitary Association Zone
(U.A. Zone) scheme of Baumgartner et al
(1995), as indicated in Figure 11.

Sample TGC-70 is dated to the

Valanginian, probably the late
Valanginian. This is characterized by a
relatively greater abundance of non-
Tethyan radiolarian types than the other
samples, which may indicate an influence
of Circum-Antarctic currents or may have
developed in geographically higher
paleolatitudes. The next sample, TGC-69,
is dated to the late or latest Valanginian.
It is rather difficult to determine
palaeontologically which is older between
TGC-70 and TGC-69 because the content
of the non-Tethyan radiolaria is fairly
equal. TGC-67 is dated to the latest
Valanginian, and is the only sample that
has a dominance of Tethyan type
radiolarians, although several ‘non-
Tethyan’ species are still present. Finally,
TGC-63 was deposited during the
Hauterivian, containing Cecrops
septemporata (Pantaneliid form) which
has been interpreted as a taxon indicative
of low-paleolatitude environments (the
Central Tethyan Province: Pessagno and
Hull, 2002).

DISCUSSION

Figure 11: Zonal ages of samples TGC-63, -67, Late Jurassic in Suai Loro-1 well
-69 and -70 based on the Tethyan radiolarian
The red shale and limestone succession at
faunal zonation of Baumgartner et al. (1995).
the base of the Suai Loro-1 exploration
well (Figure 4) is now well dated by this
study to the Late Jurassic, and more
The faunas contain both Tethyan and
specifically to the Oxfordian-
non-Tethyan radiolarian faunal elements
Kimmeridgian. Similar lithologies of this
(in the sense of Baumgartner, 1992, 1993;
age have been recorded further east in
see also Munasri and Sashida, 2018). The
Timor-Leste as the Tchinver Formation
ages of key faunal associations identified
(Charlton and Gandara, 2014; Charlton et

Berita Sedimentologi, 2024 V. 50(1) 42

al., 2020). The Tchinver river section have not yet dated the glauconitic
south of Lospalos (Figure 1) is not yet well sandstones at Aliambata, but previous
dated but consists of green, red and grey authors have reported a Buchia-
shales (although the interpreted Late Belemnopsis fauna from this area (e.g.
Jurassic age has been questioned recently Brunnschweiler, 1977; also Audley-
by Amaral et al., 2022). Near Aliambata Charles, 1988), a fauna that is also
(Figure 1), two samples of grey clay present in the Oe Baat Formation in West
(sample FR-AL-10, 8.79420°S, Timor. On the other hand, the red-green
126.58067°E; and FR-AL-11, 8.79672°S, shales and interbedded limestones of the
126.57967°E) have been dated to the Tchinver Formation have apparently not
Oxfordian Wanaea spectabilis palynozone yet been recorded in West Timor.
(Purcell and Filatoff, 2011 unpublished
report). Elsewhere in Timor-Leste Late The Late Jurassic radiolarians recovered
Jurassic reddish shales were reported from the Suai Loro-1 well are comparable
regionally by Weber (in Wanner, 1956), but distinct from an equivalent aged fauna
while Veevers (1967) recorded Oxfordian previously reported from the Kolbano area
red siltstone south of Atsabe, and Collins of West Timor by Harsolumakso et al.
(2010) mapped mudstones (including a (1995). In their Oxfordian-Tithonian
reddish lithofacies) at Lacao near Atsabe, ‘Succession E’, these authors listed a
dated to the Oxfordian on nannofossils radiolarian assemblage consisting of
(determination by J. Backhouse), and also Ristola procera, Parvicingula cosmoconica,
yielding belemnites (Belemnopsis galoi of P. dhimenaensis gr., Acaeniotyle
probable Kimmeridgian age) and bivalves umbilicata, Hsuum sp., Stichocapsa cf.
(Malayomaorica malayomaorica of decora; and Pantanellium sp. and
probable Kimmeridgian-Tithonian age). Acanthocircus trizonalis (spumellarian
Near Pualaca Eni (2008) recorded red type radiolaria). Based particularly on
mudstone containing Late(?) Jurassic both assemblages containing Parvicingula,
belemnites (Belemnopsis) and bivalves these successions were probably
(Malayomaorica) passing upward into grey deposited in the southern Tethyan
limestones. province, close to the Austral realm (North
Austral Province: Pessagno and Hull,
The Tchinver Formation in Timor-Leste is 2002, pp. 230, 237).
approximately the same age as the Oe
Baat Formation in West Timor, which is The Late Jurassic age for the succession
characterised by glauconitic sandstones, at the base of the Suai Loro-1 well may be
siltstones and shales of probable turbiditic significant for future petroleum
origin (Charlton 1987, 1989; Charlton and exploration in the Suai area as it suggests
Suharsono, 1990; Charlton and Wall, the possibility of a coherent and
1994). The glauconite sandstone potentially prospective subthrust Triassic-
lithofacies is probably also present at Jurassic succession beneath the
Aliambata in Timor-Leste (location: Figure Bobonaro Complex in this area.
1) where glauconitic sandstones were
It is also noteworthy that the Suai Loro-1
observed (at 8.79475°S, 126.60236°E)
ditch cutting samples contain grains of
stratigraphically above Aitutu Formation
metamorphic rocks. The only
(undated here, but regionally Middle-Late
metamorphic successions exposed in the
Triassic) and grey shales of the Wai Luli
Suai area are those of the Lolotoi Complex
Formation (regionally Early Jurassic). We

Berita Sedimentologi, 2024 V. 50(1) 43

which was, for instance, intersected at the employing more recent planktonic
base of the Cota Taçi-1 well drilled 2km foraminiferal faunal zonations (e.g.
south of Suai Loro-1 (Figure 3a). The Boudagher-Fadel, 2013) confirms this age
Lolotoi Complex is, however, commonly range. Further east at Aliambata and
considered an allochthonous Iliomar (Figure 1), Audley-Charles mapped
tectonostratigraphic element (e.g. Harris, other Late Cretaceous deepwater
2006), and should, therefore, have no limestones as the Borolalo Limestone
stratigraphic linkage to the Late Jurassic (Formation), and the faunal list for the
Tchinver Formation which is clearly part Late Cretaceous planktonic foraminifera
of the Australian margin succession. More in the Wai Bua Formation north of Betano
detailed petrographic examination of the overlaps strongly with that of the Borolalo
metamorphic material in the Suai Loro-1 Limestone (Audley-Charles, 1968, faunal
ditch cuttings might prove instructive, but list p.18). It seems more appropriate on
this was beyond the scope of the present lithology and age ranges to distinguish the
study. essentially non-calcareous radiolarian
shales and radiolarites in the Betano area
as one lithostratigraphic formation, and
The Early Cretaceous Wai Bua the limestones at Betano, Aliambata and
Formation Iliomar as a separate formation. Charlton
As already mentioned, the stratigraphic et al. (2020) have proposed modified
section sampled in Mota Caraulun is in an definitions of the Wai Bua Formation and
area originally mapped by Audley-Charles Borolalo Formation, with the name Wai
(1968) as the Wai Bua Formation. This Bua Formation restricted to the essentially
formation was defined by Audley-Charles non-carbonate units of Early Cretaceous
as a succession of finely laminated age, while the succeeding carbonate-
radiolarian shales, multicoloured bedded dominated successions, ranging in age
cherts, brightly coloured brittle from the Aptian-Albian (late Early
radiolarites, biocalcarenites composed Cretaceous) and continuing into the Late
essentially of foraminifera and radiolaria Cretaceous and Paleogene, are assigned to
with micrite matrix, and calcilutites. a modified Borolalo Formation (Figure 12).
Although complexly interthrust, the Wai The Wai Bua and Borolalo Formation are
Bua succession as defined by Audley- both assigned to the Kolbano Group
Charles clearly consists of two distinct (Figure 2), defined from West Timor for
lithological successions, with a lower deepwater sediments of Cretaceous,
radiolarian-rich and limestone-poor Paleogene and Miocene age, and widely
interval succeeded by a limestone- interpreted as representing the distal edge
dominant succession. The lower interval of the NW Australian continental margin
was dated by Audley-Charles to the succession (Audley-Charles, 1988;
Aptian-Albian (late Early Cretaceous), Charlton, 1989; Haig et al., 2018).
with an Albian age determination based on
radiolaria (Crespin and Belford, 1959).
The limestones were dated to the Late
Cretaceous (Cenomanian to
Maastrichtian), and re-examination of
Audley-Charles’s faunal list for these
limestones (Audley-Charles, 1968, p.17)

Berita Sedimentologi, 2024 V. 50(1) 44

The boundary between the top of the Borolalo transitional facies (mixed
(redefined) Wai Bua Formation and the calcilutite and radiolarite) also yielded
succeeding Borolalo Formation in Timor- early Albian ages (Carter, unpublished
Leste appears to be gradational, with reports, 1972a, b), while two similarly
transitional intervals developed through transitional lithologies reported by Haig
the Aptian and Albian stages. In a 1973 and McCartain (2007, samples
unpublished report by D.J. Carter, UWA134914 and UWA134983) yielded
consultant micropalaeontologist to Timor Aptian-early Albian ages. More limestone-
Oil (the former petroleum concessionaires dominant samples assignable to the (re-
in East Timor), samples of radiolarian defined) Borolalo Formation include a late
shales and radiolarite assignable to the Aptian pale red planktonic foraminiferal
Wai Bua Formation were dated on limestone (Haig and McCartain, 2007), a
planktonic foraminifera to the Aptian- probably late Aptian-early Albian
early Albian (2 samples) and early Albian planktonic foraminiferal wackestone
(3 samples), with a sixth sample dated less (Benincasa, 2015), and samples from the
precisely to the Albian. Five further Betano-2 exploration well (Carter,
samples that appear to be from a Wai Bua- unpublished report 1972b) dating to the

Figure 12: Timor (West Timor and Timor-Leste) stratigraphic nomenclature for the Kolbano Group
(Audley-Charles, 1968; Charlton and Wall, 1994; Sawyer et al., 1993; Clowes, 1997; Munasri and
Sashida, 2018).

Berita Sedimentologi, 2024 V. 50(1) 45

early Albian (11 samples), probably early (Baumgartner, 1992, 1993). It seems that
Albian (2 samples), late Albian (1 sample) the Mota Caraulun radiolarian
and undifferentiated Albian (6 samples). assemblage is closer to that from Rote
Late Cretaceous age determinations for Island (Tan Sin Hok, 1927), based on a
the re-defined Borolalo Formation include relative rarity of spumellarian type
the Cenomanian (Carter, 1973), Turonian radiolarian forms. It may be significant
(Haig and McCartain, 2007; Benincasa, that the oldest of the four dated samples
2015), and Santonian, Campanian, and (TGC-70) contains a fauna that suggests
Maastrichtian (Haig and McCartain, the highest southerly palaeolatitude (or at
2007). least the greatest southern polar
influence), while the youngest sample
Our new late Valanginian-Hauterivian age (TGC-63) indicates more low-latitude
determinations from the Mota Caraulun conditions, consistent with generally
section extend the age of the Wai Bua northward movement of the Australian
Formation in Timor-Leste down from the continental margin at this time (cf.
previously recognised Aptian-Albian Charlton, 2023, figures 9 and 10). A
stages (Audley-Charles, 1968) into the younger (Cenomanian-Turonian; early
older Early Cretaceous (previously Late Cretaceous) radiolarian fauna in the
suspected, but not definitively Noni Formation of West Timor (Munasri
established, e.g. Carter, 1973). The and Harsolumakso, 2020) shows the same
minimum age range for the Wai Bua low-latitude palaeoenvironment (the
Formation in Timor-Leste is now Central Tethyan Province of Pessagno and
established as late Valanginian-Albian, Hull, 2002) as the youngest of the
which is precisely the same as the age Caraulun samples, although the Noni
range established for the lithologically Formation is widely considered to be an
equivalent Nakfunu Formation in West allochthonous structural element (e.g.
Timor (Clowes, 1997), although more Harris, 2006), distinct from the
recently Munasri and Sashida (2018) have predominantly Australian margin
also recognized Berriasian-early ‘parautochthonous’ stratigraphic
Valanginian radiolarian ages (in addition successions such as the Wai Bua
to younger faunas) in the Nakfunu Formation in Timor-Leste and the directly
Formation of West Timor. In West Timor equivalent Nakfunu Formation in West
Clowes (1997) found no planktonic Timor.
foraminiferal faunas from the early Late
Cretaceous interval (Cenomanian-
Coniacian), and she suspected a ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
sedimentary hiatus through this period in
The authors are grateful to the
West Timor (Figure 12). It remains to be
management of Timor GAP, E.P., and
seen whether future sampling will fill this
particularly Norberta da Costa Noronha,
apparent age gap in West Timor.
former Managing Director of Timor GAP
Onshore Block Lda., for permission to
In terms of faunal content, the Wai Bua
publish this work. Thanks also to Andy
assemblage from Mota Caraulun is similar
Livsey (P.T. Horizon Geoconsulting,
to, but not identical with the fauna of the
Jakarta) for relocating and sharing the
Nakfunu Formation in West Timor
Suai Loro-1 well material. The manuscript
(Munasri and Sashida, 2018) and other
benefitted from the constructive
locations around the Indian Ocean

Berita Sedimentologi, 2024 V. 50(1) 46

comments of J.T. (Han) van Gorsel and Marcucci, M., Matsuoka, A., Murchey, B.,
two anonymous reviewers. O'Dogherty, L., Savary, J., Vishnevskaya,
V., Widz, D. and Yao, A. 1995. Middle
Jurassic to Early Cretaceous radiolarian
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