No abstract

Breccia dominated rocks outcropping in the Tanjung Murau-Tanjung Sekakap area have been deposited in a composite system of alluvial fans and Gilbert-type deltas. The sedimentary facies ranges from boulder-dominated facies at the bottom to gravelstone-sandstone-dominated facies at the top of the succession. Other recognized facies are disorganized boulder-cobblesupported breccia (Bd), crudely stratified cobble-boulder-rich breccia (Bs), crudely stratified cobble-rich gravelstone (Gs-1), disorganized clast-supported gravelstone (Gd), crudely stratified pebble-rich gravelstone (Gs-2), normally-inversely-graded gravelstone (Gn-i), crossbedded gravelstone (Gc), stratified sandstone (Ss), massive sandstone (Sm) and homogenous mudstone (Mh) facies. Alluvial fan association feature discontinuous breccias and gravelstones (facies Bd and Bs), where sheet-floods and debris flows are dominant. The gravelstone dominated facies Gd, Gs-1 and Gs-2 intercalated with facies Gc are associated with the topset-foreset of a Gilbert-type fan-delta. The Gilbert-type topset are represented by facies Gc, Gn-i and Gs-2 as well as facies Ss. The dominance of breccia and gravelstone facies of alluvial fan and Gilbert-type topset-foreset delta facies associations suggest that these sediments were deposited on a steeply sloping continental margin with a rate of deposition similar to the rate of subsidence.

The close association between the Gua Musang formation, Telong formation, Aring Formation, and Nilam marble reflect the lateral facies changes among these formations. Poorly delineated boundaries between each formation calls for a reassessment on the genetic and stratigraphic correlation of these formations. The newly proposed Gua Musang Group is defined as argillite-carbonate-volcanic deposited within the same Gua Musang platform during Permo-Triassic period, which includes all four formations under study. High resolution stratigraphy is needed for each formation for better stratigraphic correlation between the various lithostratigraphic units of the Gua Musang Group and other chronologically related rock formations in the region.The new division of formations within this Group is proposed based on lithologies and stratigraphic correlation that could provide better understanding on the geology of northern section of Central Belt of Peninsular Malaysia.

ABSTRACT

The interesting Palaeozoic geological history and amazing island karst landscapes are among the geological features of Langkawi, which have heritage value of national and regional significance. In order to conserve these geological heritage resources, the entire Langkawi Archipelago has been declared the Langkawi Geopark in May 2006. For Langkawi Geopark geoheritage conservation, 90 identified geoheritage sites were packaged into 3 geoforest parks, 3 geological monuments and several protected geosites. Several highly significant geoheritage sites were packaged into geopark trails or incorporated into existing nature tour trails. As for geotourism and public awareness, public friendly information panels and brochures were provided. The creation of Langkawi Geopark has paved a clearer path for the geoheritage conservation agenda in Malaysia. This achievement would not have materialized without serious commitment from various institutions, particularly the Malaysian Geological Heritage Group, Langkawi Development Authority, Department of Mineral and Geoscience and Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia. Langkawi Geopark is intended to be a model for sustainable development of geological heritage resources and to become a catalyst for future development of geoparks in this region.